The French do a lot of things really well, like croissants, baguettes, and macarons. But they’ve also gotten some credit for things that aren’t actually from there, like fries, toast, and French tip nails.
What Is a French Manicure?
French tip nails originally featured a translucent pinkish tone on the nails, with white polish on the tips. Jeff Pink, the creator of the nail polish brand Orly invented the look for Hollywood directors to make changing nail art looks between scenes easier. Barbara Streisand showed her French manicure off on the Johnny Carson show.
Over time, the look has evolved to incorporate bright colors and fun patterns. It’s basically become the opposite of your Zoom attire: business on the bottom, party on the top.
25 French Tip Designs That Still Only Just Scratch the Surface
1. Valentine’s Day French Tip Nails
This minimalist take is a great Valentine’s Day option for those of us almost classy enough to avoid making a “just the tip” joke. Almost.
2. Tortoise French Tips
These tortoise nails are timeless. Okay, more like between 50 and 100 years old. But you should probably clip your nails before then.
3. Orange French manicure
This look is gorgeous for a hot summer day, or when you’re hiding the Cheetos dust on your fingers.
4. French Manicure with Daisies
This manicure has all the beauty of a real sunflower, but comes with less dirt under your nails. And fewer bees! We prefer to not talk about our last gardening experience.
5. Single red French tip
Sometimes, less is more. Especially when you’re almost out of red nail polish.
6. Gold Lined French Tip Nails
Who know a subtle addition of gold could totally change the game? Oh right – every person who’s tried to take over the world. We’re watching you, Goldschlager.
7. Halloween French manicure
Want something spooky? Want something cute? No need to decide with this nail design. But please just choose an outfit already.
8. Green French Tips With Dots
Three simple dots can add a bit of suspense to your sentences. And your French…tips!
9. Yin Yang French Manicure
This is a beautiful and mysteriously harmonious melding of forces: yin, yang, and Orange Tang.
10. David Bowie-Inspired French Manicure
What did these nails say just as they were being clipped? “Pressure! Pressing down on me!” Yes, we’re available for all your stand-up comedy needs.
11. Black French Tip Nails
The French manicure version of “it’s not just a phase, Mom.”
12. Coffin-shaped French Manicure
Pumpkins may be akin to gourds, but these coffin nails are GOURDgeous! Just kidding, this pumpkin is clearly a decorative ceramic piece. It is cold. It is lifeless. Great nails, though.
13. Pearl French Tips
Next time someone says your hands are clammy, assume they’re complimenting the beautiful pearls on your nails.
14. Mushroom French Manicure
Who knew that foraging and going to the nail salon were so similar? Minus the much more difficult parking situation at the salon, of course.
15. Candy Cane French Tips
All the fun of a candy cane color scheme, none of the impossibly sticky, half-eaten candy cane shivs strewn about as a stark reminder that Christmas comes and goes, often full of disappointment.
16. Retro French tip Nails
Missing those ’80s aerobics classes? Neither are we! But it’d be a darn shame to waste that stellar color scheme.
17. Blinged-out French Manicure
You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve. But how about wearing your material possessions on your nails?
18. Sparkly French Tips
This is perfect for when you want your nails to have a little shimmer. Or, when you need a subtle way to say that you’re really excited for Shark Week.
19. Candy Heart French Nails
They look like conversation hearts, but they taste…honestly, probably about the same.
20. Cross French Tip Nails
For those who go the extra mile when someone tells you to “cross your fingers.”
21. Black And Green French Manicure
You know you’ve made it when Monster Energy sponsors your manicures.
22. Neon French Tip Nails
Let this BIC inspired color scheme be the highlight of your day.
23. Blue Butterfly French Manicure
This beautiful set of nails makes it worth all the times in the past two weeks when someone asked why you had a cocoon on your nails.
24. Black French Tips With Eyes
Sometimes eyes on the back of your head just aren’t enough.
25. White and Pink Heart French Tip Nails
Sure, Jesus could take the wheel. But would he look this good doing it? No offense, Jesus.
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All these designs are Beautiful.