29 French Manicure Ideas for 2022
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The French tip dates as far back as the 18th century. The look had a brief hiatus sometime in the mid-2000s, but the latest incarnations are a far cry from the thick, angular acrylics of decades past. Rainbow details, minimalist outlines, and angular accents offer new ways to wear a French manicure right now. Ahead, 24 tips to try.
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Color Block
Much like the original, this version of a French mani leans on classic straight lines that accentuate the nail tips. What makes it more modern are the different colors on each nail, the thicker block of color, and the matte topcoat.
Rainbow V
If you can’t decide on one polish color, you don’t have to with this design. Each nail pairs a darker and lighter color. Plus, the v-shaped paint job helps visually elongate the nail.
Psychedelic Mix
Multi-colored swirls painted in a non-uniform pattern give off a retro ’60s vibe. This look will be just as trippy with any color combination your choose.
Tortoise Tips
These delicately painted tortoise tips look like fine jewelry that’s been perfectly placed at the end of each nail bed.
Two-Tone French
The detail is subtle but on each side of the black stripe accenting these tips is the slightest variation in color on each nail. If you look closely you’ll see that there’s a lighter and darker version of each color.
Floral French
What says spring better than flowers painted onto your nails. Not only are the florals different on each tip, but the design is also concentrated just to the edges of each nail for effortless sprig vibes.
Martini Mani
Anyone else suddenly craving a martini, extra dirty?
The Classic
If you’re loyal to the traditional French manicure, modernize your look by matching it to a white, cat-eye.
Design by @sephoracollection
Black Rainbows
Rainbows lend themselves well to a curved tip. Try this technicolor twist on the Frenchie, but paint them with a black base for a moodier look .
Design by @nail_unistella
Black and White Graphics
Play off your white French tips with hyper-graphic details in black.
Design by @spifster
The French Line
The minimalist approach to the French manicure is the French line, where you trace along your nail bed in black. Honestly, it’s so easy.
Design by @flowidity108
Monochrome Split
A French tip, half-moon combo, this monochrome look is a mod design that will go with anything. Paint one color first and give it ample time to dry before applying your second lacquer.
Design by @jessicawashick
Marble Tips
Marble nails are an ongoing trend. Why not try it this summer with French tips? We’re especially fond of this purple version, complimented by a full marble nail.
Design by @amivnails
French Fishnets
French tips and fishnets go hand in hand style wise, so why not combine the two vampy choices into one? Start with a bare nail, then hand paint a grid or use a nail stencil to get the crosshatched design. Once dry, paint your tips white and finish with a clear base.
Design by @me_julielee
Understated Stripe
This look, worn by ELLE.com’s own beauty guru Julie Schott, is a subtle way to update the French manicure. After your white tips are dry, underline each with a stripe of nude and finish off the look with a clear topcoat.
Design by @naominailsnyc
Mondrian Outlines
Focus on this manicure’s ring finger. The white tip is lined in black for a graphic, Mondrian-esque design.
Design by @nail_unistella
Oil Spill Tips
Take the oil spill nail trend to another level by applying the foil just at your tips, leaving the rest of your nail bare.
Design by @paintbox
Mint Fade
This nail artist combined a mint French tip with an ombre fade. No matter what colors you choose, always start with your lightest shade first and give yourself time for each coat to dry.
Design by @palemoonseattle
Double Lined
This minimal nail updates the French tip with the simple additional of a corresponding middle line. For that section, mimic the curve of your tip to get the cleanest look.
Design by @aliciatnails
Freeform Details
For a quirkier French tip, freehand your design all over like this mash-up of grapefruits, watermelons, and ’80s motifs.
Design by @nailsbymii for @vanityprojects
French Fade
Apply the concept of French manicure—white tips with a nude base—to the ongoing ombre trend. For best results, apply the two polishes on a makeup sponge and continuously dab onto the nail. Finish with a topcoat.
Design by @sohotrightnail
Micro Details
Bust out a thin brush to paint micro details to the base of your nail for a playful design. This back-to-school manicure by nail artist Kro Vargas features a yellow bus, a pencil, and a teeny tiny chalkboard.
Design by @krocaine
Seeing Double or Triple
A traditional manicure includes only one line but you can force the design into 2018 by adding another line of design. Purple lines, pink lines, cheetah lines—the possibilities are endless.
Design by @aliciatnails
The Upside Down
Who says a French manicure is just for your nail tips? Give your beds a little TLC by reversing the style and letting the design rest near your cuticles.
Design by @chillhouse
Blinged Out
Bling out your tips. Rhinestones or glitter will help you get your shine on in no time. Complete the look by taking some advice from Kanye and adding a grill.
Design by @naominailsnyc
Red Hot
White and soft pink are so last year. In 2018 it’s time to go crazy with colors and sparkles. Fire Engine red pairs nicely with a silver shimmer because if you’re going to go big why not go really big?
Design by @nailsbymei
A Dash of Glam
If you want to be adventurous but no go crazy (like the nails above), add a bit of a glitter polish to the tips and leave the rest of the nail a classic pink.
Design by @paintboxnails
Dipped in Design
Inspired by architectural designs, this particular nail includes both a French manicure and a small work of art to match.
Design by @chillhouse
Dressed Up
Add a bit of sparkle at the opposite end of the Frenchie to dress up the look.
Design by @valleynyc
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