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The french tip dates as far back as the 18th century. The look had a brief hiatus sometime in the mid-2000s, but the latest incarnations are a far cry from the thick, angular acrylics of decades passed. Rose petal decals, Mondrian outlines, and checkerboard accents offer new ways to wear a French manicure right now.
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Understated Stripe
This look is an subtle way to update the french manicure. After your white tips are dry, underline it was a stripe of nude and finish it off with a clear topcoat.
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Floral Decals
An easy addition to the french tip are with decals. After creating the traditional look, layer a thin coat of clear top coat. While tacky, gingerly set your design and press down. Finish with a topcoat to secure. Design by nataliepavloskinails
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Mondrian Outlines
Focus on this manicure’s ring finger. The white tip is lined in black for a graphic, Mondrian-esque design. Design by @nail_unistella
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Oil Spill Tips
Take the oil spill nail trend to another level by applying the foil just at your tips, leaving the rest of your nail bare. Design by @paintbox
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Checkerboard
For this checkerboard nail, start with a classic french tip. Once dry, apply black boxes to create the design and finish with a clear topcoat. Design by @mpnails
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Mint Fade
This nail artist combined a mint french tip with an ombre fade. No matter what colors you choose, always start with your lightest shade first and give yourself ample time for each coat to dry. Design by @palemoonseattle
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Double Lined
This minimal nail updates the french tip with the simple additional of a corresponding middle line. For that section, mimic the curve of your tip to get the cleanest look. Design by @aliciatnails
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Freeform Details
For a quirkier french tip, freehand your design allover like this mash up of grapefruits, watermelons, and ’80s motifs. Design by @nailsbymii for @vanityprojects
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French Fade
Apply the concept of french manicure—white tips with a nude base—to the ongoing ombre trend. For best results, apply the two polishes on a makeup sponge and continuously dab onto the nail. Finish with a topcoat. Design by @sohotrightnail
