French tip nail designs have come a long way since their inception in the 70s. Created in 1976 by Jeff Pink, founder of nail brand ORLY, the French manicure started out as a simple yet chic combo of a bright pink shade on the nail base with a white cap at the tip. In modern times, the design has taken on many lives of its own: bolder designs (think ombré tips, jeweled accents, and shiny chrome finishes, and using every color your heart desires), make the French mani one of the most fun nail looks you could wear.
“It's incredibly versatile, universally flattering, and never goes out of style,” celebrity nail artist Kim Truong tells Vogue. “Its neutral colors complement every skin tone and outfit, and suit all nail shapes. Plus, the design is easy to refresh, so it always feels current.”
“It's pretty much fail-proof,” adds celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik. “If you don't know what to do with your nails, you really can't go wrong.”
Below, Truong and Bachik share their favorite ways to dress up the classic mani. From pastel texture tips to micro fruit-inspired designs, here are 21 ways to elevate your French tip nail designs.
The Classic
When in doubt, opt for the classic design. Truong says to pick a nude base that will flatter your skin tone (her go-to is Essie's Mademoiselle while Bachik loves Après Nails Forgotten Film for a more neutral nude).
And when trying to get that perfect curve at the tip, Bachik recommends using French tip stickers that will help guide you as you paint them on. If you want something that's a little more forgiving in the event you make a mistake, he says a gel polish dries slower than traditional formulas, and you can manipulate the shape before it sets.
Multi-Color
Why settle on one vibrant color when you could have the entire rainbow? Paint your French tips different colors for a fun spin on the classic mani.
The Ombré Tips
“I love adding personalized nail art," says Truong, “Using colored tips instead of white [or] experimenting with ombré French fades.” This metallic ombré tip fades into the bare base for a really cool nail look.
Cherry Details
One of Truong's favorite personalized nail art designs, these micro cherry designs are simply adorable and work perfectly against a classic French mani backdrop.
Color Blocking
You can incorporate any colors you want to a French manicure, but a look we love is matching two different shades of the same color family. Use a muted gray brown base and add depth with a dark chocolate tip for a stunning color blocking moment.
Outer Corners
Think outside the box when you want to go bold with your French mani. We love these matching diagonal lines at the top of the nail and along the bottom cuticle for a cool mirroring effect.
Pucci Prints
Very few things are more fun than a Pucci print. As an ode to the beloved Italian brand, swirl some fun colors together for a bold French tip.
Negative Space
Bachik calls this his Art Deco mani. Simply outlining the outer edges of the tip and keeping the inside bare like the base of the nail makes for a super cool, unexpected twist.
Accent Nail Decor
One of the best parts of a French mani is that it doesn't take much to elevate it. Simply add a decorative piece (this Hello Kitty decal wins all the awards in our book) on one nail for a really fun look.
Minimalistic Vibes
If you're looking for a more modern spin on the French tip, go minimal. This micro white line is sleek and effortlessly chic to match any outfit. Pro tip: Truong recommends a thinner or micro French tip for shorter nail beds to help elongate the appearance of the nails.
Midnight Sparkle
Adding glitter to the mix is always the right answer. We love adding a thin glitter-filled line to brighten up a dark, moody black base.
Head in the Clouds
Playful and whimsical, you really can't go wrong with a multicolor pastel palette. Make it extra dreamy with a small cloud design against a bare base.
Chrome Edges
Bachik says that we'll be seeing the chrome finishes trend in French our manis this year. We especially love this deep blue shade that really pops against a bare base.
The Micro French Tip
A French tip doesn't have to be too complicated. We love this added detail of a thin micro line that barely shows at the top of the nail. It's the perfect cap to a bold design, like this tortoise shell print.
Pink Tint
Bachik says today's modern spin on the French mani involves applying your pink or nude base over the bright tip to soften it and make it more natural. We love a monochromatic look (especially in pink), but there's something so alluring about the soft layering of similar colors. The tip is faint and hidden enough that you have to take a double-take to make sure you see it, and we kinda love that type of intrigue in a nail.
Tiny Daisies
It's always all in the details. These tiny daisy designs are delicate and fun—the perfect way to put a more unique spin on the classic nail look.
Tiny Studded Accents
Simple and subtle, add a tiny bit of sparkle to your French mani with little jewels at the bottom curve of the tip. It pairs so nicely with the baby blue shade.
Gothic Romantic
All you really need is a bold decal to take your French mani a little bit more interesting. We're all in with gothic details, like this metallic cross at the center of the tips.
3D Texture
A lavender French tip is pretty on its own, but adding some texture to the surface really elevates it. We love these curved dents that look (and feel) so mesmerizing.
Butter Yellow
From our closet staples to our home decor, Butter yellow continues to dominate all color trends in our lives. Incorporate this subtle sunny shade as the tip to your French mani with a mirrored chrome (a favorite of Bachik's), which gives an iridescent base to give your nails some added sparkle.
Dotted Tips
Channel your inner Yayoi Kusama and decorate a classic French white tip with fun polka dots. You can be like the famed Japanese artist and copy her iconic red and white combo or opt for striking black dots for contrast.
