Ines Bahr / Unsplash
If youre like us, as soon as you notice a chip in your manicure, you begin to daydream about the nail art youll book for your next appointment. While abstract designs and neon accents surely occupy a large amount of real estate in our Instagram "saved" folder, we also find ourselves gravitating toward a simpler, classic, European-inspired nail trend: none other than the French manicure.
Now, we know what youre thinking: Thats not new—and youd be partially correct. But, thanks to Instagram and professional and DIY manicurists, modernized takes on the standard white tips are popping up left and right. From bright colors to tonal ombré nails, ahead youll discover 40 fun ways to put a modern spin on the French mani. And trust us, you’ll be glad you tried them out.
Looking for some inspiration for your nails? Keep scrolling for 40 fun new takes on the French manicure that you’ll love trying out.
of 40
White Edges
@digitzbydev
These long square nails pair elegant white tips with a neutral pink base for an updated French manicure that we plan to include in our repertoire immediately.
of 40
Rainbow Tips
If you love the simplicity of a French manicure but crave a bold pop of color, you cant go wrong with this rainbow take on the classic. With seven ultra-thin curved lines, your tips will look like something dreamed up by Lisa Frank.
of 40
Wavy French
@lipstickmixtapes
Not all French manicures have to take up the entire tip of your nail. This one shows how statement-making it can be to try a slanted and slightly curvy swath of color.
of 40
Glitter Tips
@nataliesnails_
Sometimes all it takes is swapping out white polish for a classic ruby red paired with your favorite glittery gold. Our favorite is the Essie Luxeffects Nail Polish ($9). For an extra pop of glam, consider bedazzling your nails, too.
of 40
Purple Tips
@lipstickmixtapes
White nail polish is dainty and demure; deep purple, on the other hand, is seductive and lavish and demands attention.
of 40
Technicolor Tips
@mercedesbeautybar_nails
Why settle on just one color when you can wear a rainbow French tip on each nail? To get the look, use a French manicure sticker to section off your nail and serve as a stencil for the fine line between the neutral base and colorful tip. From there, place a few drops of different-colored polishes side-by-side on a plate. Use a sponge to gently pick up all the colors and press it on your nails. It will effortlessly blend between the shades for a subtle, faded effect.
of 40
Negative Space Double French
@nailthoughts
French manicures are gorgeous for their simplistic design. If you want to make it a bit more complex while still nailing the minimalist allure, skip a solid coat of white in favor of this lightly lined, double-French-tip look.
of 40
Reverse French
@carlylouisebeauty_
Who doesnt love being a trendsetter? Sure, the classic French mani is great, but why not reverse the look? It seems like such a simple idea, yet it’s not something we’ve seen too often. It preserves all the elegance and simplicity of the traditional French but adds a pop of creative rebel.
of 40
Metallic Pink Tips
@nailjob
These nails might look like a single shade of pink glimmering in the light, but if you look closely, youll notice that each tip is a varying shade of fuchsia.
of 40
French Stars
Instead of ditching classic white French tips altogether, why not try pairing them with an extra touch of glam? Here, we have tiny star-like accents on each nail for a pretty, minimalist impact.
of 40
Retro Blue
These fun metallic blue nails will leave you feeling anything other than, well, blue. The retro design paired with the light, bright blend of blues has the potential to make you feel downright cheery.
of 40
Slim Citrus Tips
@lipstickmixtapes
Why line your whole nail with a French tip when you can make just as big of an impact with a fine line arched around the outer edge? One things for sure: With a crisp line like that, youll have to enlist the help of a pro or keep a touch-up pen close by.
of 40
Show What Matters
@imangabrielle
Use your nails to express what’s important. Whether youre celebrating your identity or standing in solidarity and support, this look will always be timeless and important.
of 40
Tonal Tips
@digitzbydev
Whether you love the tonal manicure trend or you cant make up your mind as to which sweater-weather shade to pick, this fall-friendly mani is worth adding to your inspo folder.
of 40
Duo Digits
@vanityprojects
Its a twofer: Were into it—especially since every edge has a different shade combination.
of 40
Modern French
@digitzbydev
We cant take our eyes off of this geometric rendition of the classic French manicure. While the white tip doesnt extend across the entire nail, the way its slanted gives it a dimension that we want to copy ASAP.
of 40
Mermaid-Approved
@vanityprojects
For all the classic French manicure lovers, check out this bejeweled (er, be-shelled) nail art idea. Its a more elegant tradeoff for the holographic pastels of typical mermaid-inspired nails.
of 40
Splash of Color
What do you get when you cross a Crayola box with a French mani? We imagine something like this varicolored set.
of 40
Stenciled Letters
Whether you choose your initials, the name of someone special in your life, or spell an impactful word or mantra across your digits, stenciled letters make a statement—literally. Make it easy on yourself and use adhesive decals. That way, you can have a word of the day and switch things up.
of 40
Cheery Cherries
@nailsbyjulianna_
These cherry-inspired nails give us major summer vibes. The cherries are just the right size to make this mani both cute and classy without taking away from the simply sweet design.
of 40
Neon Tips
You didnt think wed forget to include the neon trend, did you? These bright French tips are sure to make a lasting impression. You can even use a UV blacklight-compatible nail polish to make your look come to life and pop in the dark.
of 40
Off-Kilter
@joysedition
This white-tipped look stays true to the classic while adding a (literal) twist. (See how its sloped down towards one side of the nail?) Were loving the unexpected variation.
of 40
Peachy Tips
Sometimes, all it takes is swapping out shades to create a fun take on a classic. This chic French tip has all the sweetness of a fresh, juicy peach. If you want to replicate the look at home, we suggest using guide stickers to get your perfect tip shape.
of 40
Ruby Points
@digitzbydev
Go big or go home—or, in this case, go as paper-thin (and ruby red) as possible to make a really big splash. Before you know it, all your friends will be copying your snap-worthy nail art.
of 40
Pastel Swirls
Take the classic French tip and turn it on its side, and youll get elegant designs like these pastel swirls. They have a lovely sense of movement and strike a delicate balance between classy and hip.
of 40
Fine Lines
@betina_goldstein
This may very well be the teeniest, tiniest French mani weve ever seen—and yet, the ultra-fine lines capture our attention in a way that a classic French never could.
of 40
Sesame Street Tips
@ajackdannie
Bring some fun, childhood nostalgia to your nails. You can’t get much more playful than some of your favorite friends from Sesame Street adorning your tips.
of 40
Pastel Dots
@beautyspace_charlotte
Cute and flirty, we love the little pastel-colored dots that adorn these nails. It’s a great look for spring or when you’re craving the arrival of warmer weather at the end of winter. If youre in the mood to DIY, try a dotting pen tool for perfectly precise dots.
of 40
Spring Color Burst
@dolledupbyamisha
Springy and fresh, we love the colors used here. This look would be adorable for a baby shower, Easter, or a spring gathering, and its easy enough to do at home on your own.
of 40
Ombré Pink
One of the most popular ways to upgrade a French manicure is to blur the lines between colors. We cant lie; we totally understand why after sinking down the rabbit hole of a search query that is #frenchombrenails.
of 40
Picnic Blanket Vibes
Remember gingham, the classic picnic blanket print? Its a great idea to use everyone’s favorite alfresco dining experience as your inspiration. Just one look at them will instantly conjure up fond memories of watermelon slices and summertime fun.
of 40
Colorful Smiles
@chicaartistanails
When you need a little reminder to smile more often, why not adorn your tips with tiny happy faces?
of 40
Marbled Tips
@freshnaildew
Were obsessed with these marbled nails. It’s almost like the more you look at them, the more mesmerizing they become. The color combos pop, and the design manages to be alluring without being busy or gaudy.
of 40
Spring Daisies
@nailsxanayely
The options are nearly endless if you pair a micro image, like these adorable daisies, with a classic French mani look. Consider butterflies, moons, ladybugs, cats, music notes, shooting stars, or fall leaves. You can customize your look based on the season or your favorite hobby.
of 40
Golden Glitter
These regal-looking nails, which feature roses and gold stripes amidst the glitter, would make a perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or black-tie event. Of course, theyre also a great look for a night in with takeout and a movie. You just can’t go wrong with glitter.
of 40
Flirty Print Tips
@digitzbydev
When you’re looking for novelty and variety, why not decorate each tip with a different print? This mani went straight to our inspiration board.
of 40
Ice Cream Pastels
@beautyspace_charlotte
These nails give us all the lovely nostalgic vibes of a retro ice cream parlor. You can almost smell rocky road and vanilla bean wafting in the air and that oh-so-craveable aroma of freshly baked waffle cones.
of 40
Lime Bubbles
@digitzbydev
Who doesnt love some nail art? There’s something eye-catching in these zesty lime bubbles. If you’re looking for a lighthearted design, little bubbles can make a cute option and will certainly put you in a good mood.
of 40
Tie-Dye Swirls
@digitzbydev
Tie-dye is in; French manicures are in—it was only a matter of time before the two joined forces for one epic nail look. You can also switch up the color palette you use, keeping the options nearly endless.
of 40
Pink Camo
@digitzbydev
Whats more eye-catching than these bright pink camo tips? Since the nails are extra long, there’s even room for a cute heart cutout if you so desire.