French Manicure Designs

The French Manicure

The original French Manicure is instantly recognizable. If the classic sheen and soft color aren't complete giveaways, the white tip definitely is. The look is clean, modern and sophisticated, appealing to women (and occasionally even some men!) of all ages.

The French Manicure is often turned to when a woman needs a pick-me-up, a confidence boost or a new look for an important event. Simply put, the French Manicure is an enduring classic that has proven itself timeless and worthy of the attention and admiration it receives.

Even the most time-honored classics deserve an update every now and then, though, and nail manufacturers have taken note. Observing the ever-growing nail care industry, the creative artistic renderings seen on nails all around the world and the unfailing interest in achieving perfect tips, these companies understand the importance of keeping abreast of the latest trends.

Not surprisingly, even the French Manicure has been revived with new looks, designs and styles. While many seem to be created specifically with the young teenager in mind, others hold greater appeal for women of all ages.

Modern French Manicure Designs

You're more likely to spot a traditional French Manicure on a woman's nails than you are most of these new looks. Yet the most buzzed about French Manicure designs aren't the baby pink nails and stark white tips. The real interest lies in the unexpected details that transform plain into powerful. Seen on the runways and sported on the nails of some of the world's most famous models, these looks have quickly caught on. They're detailed in fashion magazines, emulated by fashion-hungry youngsters and seen on department store counters. But do they possess the same timeless quality that makes the traditional French Manicure so renowned?

Reverse Manicure

Blue is an unexpected touch.

French Manicures are synonymous with white tips. The look was followed by the French Pedicure, a trend that captured many hearts but also rose more than a few brows. Somehow, the allure of white toenail tips didn't catch on in the same way, although many women still favor it for its clean, flawless style.

Following not far behind the introduction of the French Pedicure is the newest design on the block, the colored tip. While the traditional manicure calls for sheers and lily whites, nothing is off-limits with a colored design. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect colored tip French Manicure, also known as a "reverse" French Manicure:

1. Coat the nail with an opaque shade, such as the white you would normally use on the tips. Allow it to dry completely before completing the rest of the steps. This will ensure that the process is slightly less messy.
2. Apply a half-moon nail tip guide, such as those by Orly, to the nails.
3. Use a darker color, such as black or red, or a shimmery shade like gold or silver, and paint the tips.
4. Seal with a top coat, such as Sally Hansen's Mega Shine Extended Wear Top Coat.

Chevron French

This design is not drastically different from the traditional French Manicure. Instead of the soft, rounded shape of the white tips, this look boasts an edgier style. The tip meets in a sharp point in the center, resulting in an updated take on the classic look. Achieve this look by replacing the half-moon tip guides with chevron tips. Follow the steps for the reverse manicure, using any color combination you wish.

Diagonal French

Have some fun with this mod take on the traditional French Manicure. To achieve it, use a strip of tape to create a diagonal line. The area above the line will serve as your tip. This look is so sleek and fashionable that it doesn't require much else – use traditional colors, such as white tips and sheer beige or pink nails, to finish the look. Again, follow the steps above.

Marbled French

Get fiercely creative with this look. It takes some practice – the most skilled nail designers can do it with ease in just a couple of minutes per nail – but once you've mastered the art of the marbled French Manicure, you'll want to sport this design all the time! You'll need at least three of your favorite colors for the look. Try to choose an interesting contrast, such as navy blue, sparkling silver and white, or red, pink and yellow.

1. Apply four or five dots of one of your polishes to the nail tip. There is no rhyme or reason to this; simply apply it freely.
2. Follow suit with another color, again dotting in a random pattern on the tip.
3. Finish with the third polish, dotting in a random fashion.
4. If any polish spreads onto the rest of the nail, dip a long brush into a non-acetone remover and gently touch the area up as needed.
5. Use a striper brush to achieve the final marbled effect. Drag the brush over the dots of color, using a gentle hand to create soft swirls.