Certain nail trends come in and out of style, while others, like French tip nail designs, remain timeless. And it’s easy to see why – elegant and understated, the classic French manicure not only flatters every nail shape but it also feeds into TikTok’s clean girl and old money aesthetic.
As with all beauty trends, however, the French mani has evolved over the years (remember when square acrylic French tips were all the rage?) and now, more than ever, we’re seeing colourful tips (with adds-on like glitter and nail art) reign supreme.
An edgier take on the classic French manicure, bold tips are here to stay – and we’ve got all the inspiration you need for your next manicure with 20 fun French tip nail designs that are guaranteed to make a statement. You’re welcome!
1. Silver glitter french
Trust nail guru Harriet Westmoreland to create the prettiest French manicure that pairs a sheer, neutral base with silver glitter tips. Perfect for party season and beyond.
2. Classic black french
We're calling it: this classic black French mani will be the ‘it’ nail look this autumn/winter. Seriously cool, these tips feed into the grunge beauty trend that's everywhere RN.
3. Lemon and lime French
Summer may be over, but we still recommend experimenting with this joyful French tip nail design that pairs sunny yellow with bright green to mimic lemons and limes. It’s essentially dopamine dressing for your nails.
4. Baby blue French
Blue nail polish is having a major moment. Tap into the trend with ‘blueberry milk nails’ that combine a sheer blue base with baby blue tips. So chic.
5. Swirly French
For a fun twist on a classic French mani, opt for deep green tips and white swirly nail art. Cool yet understated, we're obsessed with this nail look.
6. Two-tone French
Adore a micro French manicure? Us too! Dial it up for winter with a two-tone design that sees the skinny tips painted half in one colour, and the other half in another.
7. Rainbow French
Why stop at one colour when you can experiment with five? Take your cue from these rainbow festival nails that are bringing us so much joy.
8. Double French
Instead of a single strip of colour along the tips, a double French manicure features two (hence the name). Currently on trend, experiment with pretty pastel shades or, for the brave, neon brights.
9. Blue glitter French
As we said, blue nails are having a BIG moment – and what better way to tap into the trend than with sparkly, ocean-inspired tips. We're saving this one for the festive period.
10. Barbie French
There’s no such thing as too much pink – just ask Barbie. To do this look DIY, you’ll need a bright pink for the base and an even brighter pink for the tips.
11. Dalmatian French
How adorable are these Dalmatian French tip nails? Save this look for your next nail appointment or invest in some of the best press-on nails.
12. Velvet French
Velvet nails, but make them French. We can't get enough of Lily Allen's shimmery style, created by nail legend Michelle Humphrey.
13. Tortoiseshell French
Tortoiseshell nail art is still popular, and we can totally understand why. Not only will they match your favourite sunglasses, but they'll also go with pretty much everything in your wardrobe. For a winter upgrade, why not try it with French tips?
14. Glazed French
Glazed donut nails were summer's sweetest manicure, and they're sticking around for autumn/winter, too. For something a little different, experiment with glazed donut tips.
15. Mermaid French
Seriously stunning, these mermaid French tips are guaranteed to get you noticed. Match them with a mermaid beauty look for extra impact.
16. Cherry French
Super sweet, ask your manicurist to paint dinky cherries on top of peachy pink tips. It’s giving “spring picnic energy”, as @overglowedit says.
17. Clashing French
Clashing shades feel fresh, fun and joyful. Reserve colour just for the tips or mix up the base shades, too.
18. Reverse French
An easy way to refresh a classic French manicure? Paint a sliver of colour along the base of the nail instead of the tip. This works especially well with a squoval nail shape.
19. Invisible French
What's an invisible French manicure, I hear you ask? Put simply, it's where the tip is outlined (as opposed to being filled in) for a cool, understated finish.
20. Floral French
Not just for spring, floral nail art works well all year round. For winter, swap out popping brights for deep, moody shades like navy and berry.
21. Abstract French
For a less literal take on a classic French manicure, ask your manicurist to combine French tips with abstract swirls and shapes. We love this autumnal palette that pairs burgundy with mustard and teal.
22. Metallic reverse French
Silver nails took off in 2023 and according to nail experts, they'll be a popular choice for 2024, too. But if blocks of silver polish feels too much, you can tap into this trend with minimal metallic details like a reverse silver French mani.
23. Matte black French
As well as experimenting with different shades, you can also experiment with different finishes. Here, Iram Shelton has painted glossy black tips onto a matte charcoal base for a soft, smoky nail look.
24. Chrome French
How beautiful are these iridescent golden red tips? A must-try manicure for autumn/winter, you really can't go too wrong with chrome nails.
25. Red wine French
It's out with the Rosé nails and in with the red wine French tips, as we stash away our summer wine in favour of something with a little more depth and body. Cheers!
26. Icy French tips
To recreate this icy nail look at home, use a sponge to apply two or three pastel hues to the tips. Finish with a glittery top coat for a frosted finish.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8p77Ep5qhZaSevW66wKKjZpyVqLaoutJmoJ2dkag%3D