15 French Tip Nail Ideas, From Classic to Colour
French tip nail ideas for every length and shape: classic white, micro French, colour tips, chrome, double lines and V-tips, with what to ask for.
The palette
The French tip is one of the most searched nail styles in the world, and it never really leaves. It just keeps changing: thinner, more colourful, more graphic.
Here are fifteen ways to wear it, from the classic to the colourful. Whatever your shape or length, there is one here for you.
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1. Classic White
A sheer pink base and a crisp white tip. Timeless.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Sheer pink with white
- Salon level
- Moderate
Would you wear this?
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2. Micro French
A line so thin it is barely there. The most modern version.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Sheer with white micro tip
- Salon level
- Moderate
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3. Deep Smile Line
A deeper, more curved tip on almond looks dramatic.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Long
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Sheer with white
- Salon level
- Advanced
-
Read next12 Christmas French Tip Nails for Every Length
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4. Square Classic
The 90s French on a square shape is back.
- Shape
- Square
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Pink with white
- Salon level
- Moderate
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5. Black French
A black tip on nude is graphic and chic.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with black
- Salon level
- Moderate
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6. Colour French
Any colour on the tip. Try cobalt, cherry or lilac.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Sheer with cobalt
- Salon level
- Moderate
-
7. Chrome French
A chrome tip over sheer pink. Shiny and subtle.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Chrome tips
- Shade
- Sheer with silver chrome
- Salon level
- Moderate
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8. Double French
Two thin parallel lines instead of one solid tip.
- Shape
- Square
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Double white line
- Salon level
- Advanced
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9. V-Tip French
A V shape at the tip instead of a curve.
- Shape
- Coffin
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with white V
- Salon level
- Advanced
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10. Mismatched Colour Tips
A different colour on each tip. Playful and easy.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Mixed colours
- Salon level
- Moderate
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11. Side French
The tip sits on an angle. A subtle twist.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Sheer with angled white
- Salon level
- Advanced
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12. Reverse French
The line is at the cuticle instead of the tip.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with white cuticle line
- Salon level
- Moderate
-
13. Pastel French
Soft pastel tips for spring.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Sheer with pastel
- Salon level
- Moderate
-
14. Glitter French
Fine glitter on the tip for a party nail.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Glitter tips
- Shade
- Sheer with silver glitter
- Salon level
- Easy
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15. Baby Boomer
White fading into pink. A soft, blurred French.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss ombré
- Shade
- Pink to white
- Salon level
- Advanced
A French tip lives or dies on the smile line. Make sure it is even across all ten nails before you leave the chair.
For seasonal versions, see Christmas French tips and our wedding nails.
Your questions, answered
What is a French tip manicure?
A sheer pink or nude base with a contrasting tip, traditionally white, painted along the free edge of the nail.
What is a micro French?
A very thin French tip line. It suits short nails and looks modern on every shape.
Can you do French tips at home?
Yes. A silicone nail stamper or French tip guide stickers make the line much easier than freehand.
Which nail shape is best for French tips?
Almond and square are the most popular. Almond gives a deep, curved smile line; square gives a straight, classic one.
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