If you were to name the most classic, timeless, and versatile nail design ever, the only name that would come to your mind is ‘French Manicure’. And why not? This nail art has been in style eternally perfecting the manicure looks for all nail lovers in tons of variations possible.
From brides to celebrities, from Gen Zs to baby boomers, and from office-going boss ladies to stay-at-home moms – everyone can don this classic nail design. And, the best part is, each one of you can get a variation to represent your style on your nails without impacting the classiness of this mani.
Read on to learn more about this gold standard of manicures with its interesting history and some tips on how you can DIY it at home.
What is a French Manicure? What Does it Look Like?
French Manicure, also called French nail tips, French nails, French tips, or simply Frenchies, is a traditional style of nail art. It is designed with a pale pink, nude, or sheer polish on the base and a thin solid white strip on the tip of the nail. Usually, the white tip is as broad as the free edge of the nail to give it the appearance of natural nails.
Some nail lovers also like to call this manicure the my-nails-but-better look because it uses the colors closest to the natural nail surface and gives a more polished and refined look without any other color or design.
Talking about what it looks like, the French nail tip manicure mimics the natural appearance of the nails by using natural-looking colors to enhance the beauty and subtly accentuate the contrast between the nail bed and the free edge of the nail tip. It uses simple skin-like tones to give an elegant appearance resembling natural nails.
Traditionally, this nail art is designed to be done on short to medium square nails wherein the white tip is shorter than the nude or the pink base of the nail. However, manicurists over the years have tweaked the idea using creativity and artistry in lengths, shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, mix-n-match, and whatnot. No matter how you choose to do this, the otherwise classy manicure easily blends well with any look, occasion, or outfit and gives a polished statement charm to your nails. This is why it has retained its position of being the classiest mani since forever being loved by all nail professionals and fashion lovers alike.
History of French Nails
The combination of this design with a neutral base and a white tip of the nail was marketed by the brand Max Factor in the 1930s for the French fashion pack. The origin of the trend is said to be invented by the brand for Parisian women.
Why are French Nails called ‘French Nails’? Are They from France?
The iconic look was first given the name ‘French Nails’ in the 1970s in the United States. The founder of Orly (a nail polish brand), Jeff Pink first popularized the term ‘French Manicure’ the same year while he distributed manicure kits under the same brand name to French runway models.
Surprising as it is for most people, French manicures, just like French kisses and French fries, did not originate in France. But Jeff Pink had first coined the name with his ‘The Natural Look’ nail kit which is why they are called so.
All You Need To Know About The French Manicure
A French manicure is a professional, versatile, and stunning design that gives you an effortless chic look. The white tip is designed with extreme precision to keep the two layers distinct and to obtain the desired look.
How are French Tip Nails Applied?
When working on natural nails, the French manicure first with, of course, a manicure. A professional manicurist may also use an e-file nail drill to get this done. The nails are prepped properly by trimming the length, filing and shaping the free edge, cleaning the cuticle, buffing the nail bed, and cleaning the entire nail surface followed by applying a base coat before proceeding with the nail art. Thereafter, a neutral polish, closest to the natural nail bed is applied in one or two coats. The goal isn’t to obtain an opaque look but to aim for a more natural-looking flushed tint across the nail.
Once the base of the nail is completely dry, it is then followed by a white nail tip. Now, if you have steady hands for drawing straight lines and even smile lines, good for you. But if you don’t, there is no reason to worry. There are nail strips available in the market which are often used by professional manicurists to obtain the perfect smile line at the free edge of the nail to get the perfect curve without ruining the manicure.
Once the desired look is achieved with the neutral and the white, the final look is then finished off in style with a top coat layered to blend the two tones for a more even and put-together look.
The approach may change a little but the concept remains the same even when you are getting gel or acrylic nail enhancements or even press-on nails from professional nail salons. Also, you can incorporate various ideas and trends like the baby boomer ombre the pink French tip nails, or even other colors and arts to bring out the best in the design.
How Long Do They Last?
Depending on how the French manicure was created, the lasting power will keep on changing.
1) If done using traditional nail polishes, the maximum it would stay for is a week. It will eventually start chipping and fading due to the routine wear and tear.
2) If press-on nails are being used, the art will not fade away but the fake nail tips will grow out. Of course, the lasting power will be better than the traditional nail polish and you’ll be able to make it last for 2-3 weeks. If you have used the correct nail glue, your French tip press-on nails will even last for up to 4 weeks or till you manually remove them.
3) The acrylic or gel French manicures will usually last from 3-6 weeks provided you get it done from a professional nail salon. The manicure will however not fade away but again the length of the natural nail underneath will grow out and there is a chance of lifting. So you will have to get it professionally removed or replaced.
Cost and Time Taken in Doing It
Depending on how you get your French manicure done, the cost and time required to do it will keep on changing.
1) If you DIY your French nail tips at home, all you need is a few extra minutes in your manicure routine. Get some good quality nail polishes in white and nude or pink colors and you can get the work done. You may invest in a thin brush if you want to draw the white French nail tip or can also buy the stickers to make it easy for you.
2) For press-on French nails, there wouldn’t be any extra cost or time needed. You just need to buy a set or get one customized in the length and shape you need and may look for the base color closest to your natural nails.
3) When it comes to getting a salon French manicure with acrylics or gels, you have to pay an additional price of $5 to $15 and your manicurist will take some 20-30 minutes extra to give you the desired look. This will also change depending on the variations you ask for in your French manicure.
How to DIY a Flawless French Manicure at Home?
If you want to achieve the French nail tips manicure look in the comfort of your home without spending a fortune in the salons, you can easily DIY it following some simple steps:
1) Prep your nails. Start by gently pushing back your cuticles and cleaning the dead skin from your nail surface. Cut and file the nails as per the desired length and shape. Buff the nail surface to remove any debris or deposits and to smoothen it out.
2) Apply a thin layer or base coat all across the nail for a ridge-free look. You may go ahead with this clear coat on the base if you want the sheer look. Or you may follow it up with a pale pink or a neutral tone nude nail polish for the base color. Apply a thin coat of this polish all across your nail and let it dry completely.
3) Now you may directly go in with painting your white tip. However, it is advisable to use a stencil for an even application. Use a nail tip guide or simply scotch tape to form a smile line. Use the free edge of your natural nail as a guide for this.
4) Use solid white nail polish to create your French tip. Either apply a thin coat directly with the applicator or use a fine-tip brush for extra precision. Try to create a stark opaque line with just one layer of polish and apply thin coats.
5) Once you are done with all the fingers, carefully peel off the stencil. Fix the mistakes, if any, using a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover. Once you are satisfied with the art, let the white tips dry completely and then layer it up with a thin coat of clear top coat.
6) After everything is 100% dry, apply a cuticle oil to nourish the surrounding skin and to enhance the final look of your artwork!
Tips For Getting A Good DIY French Manicure
When you are DIYing your French nail tips at home, it requires a little more patience and precision than applying standard nail polish. You need to keep a few things in mind to achieve that perfect mani:
1) Quality is key. Invest in good quality nail polishes to get a smooth, ridge-free application with an even and opaque finish.
2) Use nail tip guides. If you are not confident with steady brush strokes or about your non-dominant hand, tip guides can ease your work and give you perfect smile lines every time.
3) Apply thin coats. As the manicure will require more coats of two colors, thicker coats will ruin the finishing and will be likely to chip off easily.
4) Consider drying time. Don’t be quick when it comes to drying your polishes between coats. Allow one coat to dry completely before layering another to prevent smearing.
The Final Word
The French manicure remains an iconic and timeless nail art style that has evolved over the years to suit modern trends and preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional, understated look or want to experiment with bold, artistic designs, the art can be adapted to suit any occasion or personal taste. Its versatility and elegance make it a perennial favorite among nail enthusiasts worldwide. As you explore the world of manicures, remember to have fun and let your creativity shine. Whether you’re a seasoned nail enthusiast or trying it for the first time, the French nail tips are sure to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your look. So, go ahead, embrace the elegance of the French manicure, and let your nails make a statement of timeless beauty.
