French manicure is a classic that has remained relevant for decades. However, modern French has long gone beyond the usual design. You can find a variety of variations — from coloured tips to original textures and decor.
In this article, we will analyse what a French manicure is, what types exist, how to do it correctly, and what stylish ideas can be implemented in 2025.
What is a French manicure
French manicure is a classic type of nail design that has remained popular for many years. It combines naturalness and elegance, making your nails look well-groomed and neat. A classic French manicure is a light base (nude, pink, milky) and a white nail tip.
It is suitable for short and long nails, and can be easily adapted to any style. Recently, colourful variations of the French manicure have appeared, including coloured, matte, glitter, and even asymmetrical options.
French manicure options
Modern French manicure is not limited to the classics. Today, nail technicians offer various variations that make it possible to make the coating bright, original, or unusual:
- Classic French manicure — a transparent or pink base with white tips.
- Coloured — the white tip is replaced with any other shade.
- Reverse French manicure (moon manicure) — highlighting the hole at the base of the nail.
- French manicure with a gradient (ombre manicure) — a smooth transition of colour from the base to the edge.
- French manicure with glitter — the tips are decorated with glitter or metallized shades.
- Minimalist French is a very thin line at the tip of the nail.
Each option can be adapted to different lengths and shapes of nails, creating a stylish and modern manicure.
How is a French manicure done?
To create a neat and long-lasting coating during a French manicure, you need to follow several steps
Prepare your nails for manicure
Before starting the coating, it is important to prepare the nails, as the quality and durability of the manicure depends on this.
- Shaping. The optimal nail shape is chosen — a classic square, soft oval, almond, or more modern options such as ballerina. The shape should be suitable for the length and anatomy of the fingers, as well as harmoniously combined with the French design.
- Cuticle removal: It can be cut off, pushed back with an orange stick, or softened with special tools.
- Grinding and polishing. To make the nail polish lie flat and last longer, the nail plate is sanded softly.
- Degreasing. The nails are treated with a special product to remove grease and moisture, which prevents the nail polish from peeling off and increases the durability of the manicure.
Tip: if your nails are weak or prone to brittleness, it is recommended to use a strengthening serum or a therapeutic coating before applying the base.
Base coating of nails
A base is the foundation of a French manicure that protects the nail plate from pigmentation and makes the coating more even and smooth.
- For a classic French manicure, a transparent, nude, or camouflage base is used — it gives the nails a natural shade and evens out the surface.
- It is important to apply the base in a thin layer, sealing the ends of the nails to prevent chipping.
- If the nail plate is uneven, you can use a camouflage base with a light tint — it will hide imperfections and provide the perfect base for a French manicure.
Tip: Before applying the base, it is important to make sure that the nail plate is completely dry and degreased, otherwise the coating can quickly peel off.
Apply coloured polish
This step makes a French manicure aesthetic and expressive.
- Choosing the shade of the base. For a classic jacket, this is a milky, beige, pink, or transparent tone that creates the effect of natural, well-groomed nails.
- Application of the main coating. The polish is applied in 1–2 coats to obtain a uniform shade without streaks.
The white tip can be painted by hand with a fine brush, or stencils can be used for the perfect shape. For a gradient Frenchman, the white colour is shaded with a sponge.
The final layer
The top coat protects the design, makes it shiny or matte, and prolongs the manicure's durability.
- The glossy top makes the coating bright and shiny.
- The matte top gives a velvety and noble effect.
- A top with UV protection prevents yellowing of the white jacket.
To make a French manicure last longer, it is important to apply the top coat to the entire surface of the nail, sealing the ends.
Tip: Apply a thin layer of top coat to avoid bubbles and spoil the evenness of the coating.
French manicure ideas
Modern French manicure combines many creative ideas that are suitable for any occasion — from everyday looks to festive and wedding designs. The choice of option depends on the length and shape of the nails, shades of the coating, and additional decorations. The most popular French manicure ideas look like this.
Almond French manicure
The almond shape is one of the most popular for a French manicure because it visually lengthens the fingers, making the hands look graceful and feminine. A classic white French manicure with this shape looks elegant and sophisticated, but coloured, gradient, and glittery options look no less impressive.
Popular ideas:
- Classic almond French — milk base + white tip.
- Coloured almond French — bright shades at the tip of the nail (pink, blue, neon).
- Ombre French — a smooth gradient from the nail plate to the tip.
- French manicure with glitter — adding shining details for a festive look.
This option is suitable for both long and medium-length nails, allowing you to create different looks — from delicate to bright and spectacular.
Delicate French manicure
This option is chosen by lovers of sophisticated and elegant style, as well as brides. The main emphasis is on pastel and nude shades, creating the effect of well-groomed and natural nails.
Popular colours:
- Milk is the most versatile option, perfect for any event.
- Peach and light pink make the manicure soft and feminine.
- Beige and caramel are ideal for a natural effect and look good on different skin types.
Additionally, you can use:
- Thin lines and minimalist designs (e.g., floral patterns).
- Mother-of-pearl or light sparkles for a festive effect.
- A matte top that gives the nails a noble, velvety effect.
This style is especially relevant for a wedding manicure, an office look, or a minimalist everyday style.
Coloured French manicure
Coloured French manicure is a bright alternative to the classic French manicure. Instead of a white tip, different shades and even unusual combinations are used.
Popular colour schemes:
- Blue and turquoise — create a fresh and light look.
- Red and burgundy make the manicure spectacular and expressive.
- Black, navy blue — ideal for a stylish evening look.
- Neon shades are a summer trend that looks spectacular and bright.
Additional ideas:
- A mix of several shades on one nail (for example, a rainbow jacket).
- Different colours on each finger is a trend that makes the look playful.
- Combine with glitter and foil for a festive effect.
Coloured French manicure looks great on short and long nails.
White French manicure
White French manicure is an immortal classic that is always in fashion. It emphasizes the natural beauty of hands and adds elegance to the look. This option is versatile and suitable for different nail shapes and lengths.
Popular white French ideas:
- A classic white jacket is a transparent or nude base with a white tip. Suitable for any occasion — from the office to festive events.
- The matte finish is a stylish and noble effect. The manicure looks delicate and expensive.
- A white jacket with decor — thin lines, rhinestones, pearl elements, or small drawings make the design more sophisticated.
This style is chosen by brides, businesswomen, and those who prefer a neat and well-groomed manicure without frills. A white jacket looks great on short and long nails, emphasizing their shape and creating the effect of natural shine.
Lavender French manicure
Lavender French manicure is a fashionable and delicate option that is ideal for the spring-summer season. This shade is associated with romance, sophistication, and lightness, and also goes well with different styles of clothing — from casual to evening.
What does a lavender jacket look like?
- The classic version is a transparent or nude base with a thin lavender tip. It is a great choice for those who want to add a little colour but keep the manicure delicate.
- Matte lavender French — a deep shade of lavender combined with a matte finish makes the image noble and sophisticated.
- Glitter jacket — the combination of a lavender shade with small sparkles creates a stylish and festive effect.
Lavender French is a fresh and stylish option that is ideal for the spring or summer season, as well as for those who want to add lightness and romance to their look.
French manicure at home
You can create a neat and stylish French manicure not only in the salon, but also on your own. If you follow the correct technique, it will last a long time and look professional.
What do you need for a home manicure?
- Nail file and buffer — for shaping and polishing nails.
- Cuticle remover — softens and facilitates the removal process.
- Base — protects the nail plate and creates an even coating.
- Nude or transparent varnish — the base of the jacket.
- White varnish or gel paint — to draw the tip.
- A thin brush or stencils — for an even «smile».
- Top coat (top) — prolongs the durability and gives shine.