The French Manicure Is Back & Better Than Ever

When you think of a French manicure it’s hard not to conjure up visions of thick white acrylic tips and nude nails with thin white strips a la the 90s and early 2000s—but it’s time to rethink the nail trend of decades past because the French manicure is back and better than ever.

Celebrities and models like Beyoncé, Brie Larson, Gigi Hadid, and Camila Cabello have all been spotted rocking French manicures as of late. The twist? Embracing the idea that the style doesn’t have to mean a classic white square tip—it’s all about adding frills, color, and embellishments as you see fit.

The modern version opts for a soft silhouette, where you file your nails in a more rounded or almond shape. You should also feel free to play with a variety of shades. While you can still rock the white and nude combo, mix things up by softening the contrast and creating an ombré effect between the two shades. Better yet, pick two fresh neutrals—like pastels, taupes, or grays—and pair them together. Prefer an edgier look? Bold hues are also in play. Try a new take on spring’s rainbow nails trend by keeping the majority of your nails bare or nude and wearing a different jewel tone or neon bright on each tip, working within the same spectrum and mirroring the look on each hand. Another fun way to refresh the classic is to take it to the next level by adding nail art, like painting a flower on the thumb and middle finger.

Scroll down from some modern French manicure inspiration, and shop our full range of “10-free” nail polish shades here to get started.