30 French Manicure Styles to Try Immediately (2024)

What once was a staple of the aughts (remember duck nails?) is now back on the fingertips of nearly every celebrity: the French manicure. The lined look that dominated the first few years of the 2000s has slowly but surely become the must-have style for beauty lovers embracing the Y2K wave, along with claw clips, mini shoulder bags, and low-rise skirts.

French manicures, invented in 1975 by Jeff Pink, then CEO of nail care brand Orly International, were supposed to be a natural-looking alternative to the popular reds of Hollywood polishes. According to Who What Wear, the nude and white combo was meant to decrease the amount of time needed between wardrobe changes—which helped the look make its way to Paris to use on models in runway shows. From there it became known as the French manicure, taking Paris by storm and eventually appearing on the fingernails of style icons like Paris Hilton.

Nowadays there are plenty of French manicure styles that deviate from the standard flesh-colored formula. Instead, people are opting for colorful and out-of-the-box French manicure designs. Graphic art, stickers, and gems are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wearing the mani of the moment. If sticking to the classics is more your thing, there are countless nail-art brushes and stamps that promise a clean, crisp French manicure line. #NailTok—TikTok’s unofficial nail-art sphere—has countless videos of pro artists and rookies alike painting polish directly onto silicone molds and stamping a French tip outline onto their nail beds.

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Here, some of our favorite French manicure looks to inspire your next salon appointment. Get ready to screenshot.

30 French Manicure Styles to Try Immediately (2024)

FAQs

What is the trend in French manicure 2024? ›

2024 Nail Trend: Floating French Tips

Start with a neutral base color, then draw a line a third of the way down your nails with a thin paintbrush in whatever shade you choose (Kandalec did a variation of colors across the models' nails that matched the collection, including a light teal and peach, for reference).

What is the new French manicure called? ›

The latest spin on the classic French manicure is a patriotic one: technically called the American French manicure, but it also goes by the moniker "muted French manicure." Whatever you want to call it, it's undeniably chic and elegant.

What is the most flattering shape to use for the French manicure? ›

Ami suggests a rounded or square-oval shape for short nails and an almond shape for longer nails. Ami says to try and choose a base shade suitable for your skin tone, but if in doubt, simply opt for a clear polish. She adds that the finishing touch is a slim French tip in an off-white shade.

What is a Russian manicure? ›

The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.

What is a milky French manicure? ›

Whereas a traditional French or American manicure calls for a super-sheer nude base color, the milky French manicure uses a semi-opaque white or off-white shade for a little more coverage. The rising mani trend has since been modeled by celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Lily Aldridge, and more.

What is a floating French manicure? ›

The floating tips french manicure trend is similar to the glass french manicure. The difference is, with the floating tip version, the base of the nail is painted a solid color while only the tip of the nail is clear.

What is invisible French manicure? ›

The invisible French, however, uses negative space where color is classically used. “The negative space tip is definitely more minimal, yet it's also more eye-catching,” says Shelton. “It's popular year on year, but even more so in summer with pops of color being used to outline the tip.”

What is the muted French manicure? ›

However, the combo of sheer pink with an off-white hue created exactly the muted French look. The difference between the tones is almost undetectable. But you know when your nail grows past your finger, the tip looks lighter because there's no skin underneath? That's the role of the off-white polish.

What is the best color for a French manicure? ›

A sheer pink polish or a builder gel will achieve the most natural French manicured nails. Your skin tone should be the main focus when choosing a base shade; for example, rose-based shades are great for fair/light skin, whilst a deeper nude colour is better for dark skin.

How to get perfect French manicure lines? ›

Paint the Tip of the Nail

When free-handing, it's best to keep the brush still and roll just your finger to get a nice, even curved line. You'll also have a steadier hand if you hold the brush between the thumb and middle finger while resting your forefinger on the top of the cap.

What is the most seductive nail shape? ›

A fashionista's favorite, the almond nail shape is basically an elongated oval shape with slightly tapered sides and tip. This nail shape can elongate and slim your fingers and nail beds, making it an ultra-chic and sexy nail shape for just about anyone.

What is the new French manicure? ›

The “Fancy” French manicure combines the original style's minimalism with a touch of fun from glitter accents, jewels, or chrome finishes. Adding these details to a French manicure isn't anything new, however, it's becoming increasingly popular.

What is the most classy nail shape? ›

If you prefer a classic and elegant look, you may want to choose a round or oval shape. If you prefer a more edgy or dramatic look, you may want to choose a square, stiletto, or coffin shape.

What nail shape is in for 2024? ›

When it comes to nail shapes, the latest trends for 2024 are all about making a statement. From the sharp and bold stiletto and coffin shapes to the elegant almond and deep square silhouettes, elongated nails are taking center stage.

What is the summer color for nails in 2024? ›

Hottest Colours for UV Gel Nails in Summer 2024

One popular colour trend is electric blue, a striking and eye-catching shade that adds a pop of colour to any manicure. Pair it with a glossy top coat for an extra dose of shine. For those who prefer a softer and more feminine look, pastel shades are a must-try.

What is the nail trend in Vogue 2024? ›

Another nail trend for summer 2024 guaranteed to appeal to the minimalists out there is the transparent French: instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating altogether softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip–often provided ...

What is the nail color for spring 2024? ›

While we're used to seeing pastels and floral-inspired colors in the spring, this year, spring nail colors are bolder and brighter. Think fiery reds, splashy blues, and even vivid yellows alongside classic springtime hues like lavender and pink.

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