French manicure, the history of a great classic (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the French manicure? ›

What is the history of the French manicure? The term “French manicure” is often credited to Jeff Pink, founder and CEO of nail company Orly International, who coined the term in the late 1970s after he created the look on movie sets to eliminate the time needed to switch out nail colors between shoots.

Ami suggests a rounded or square-oval shape for short nails and an almond shape for longer nails. Ami says to try and choose a base shade suitable for your skin tone, but if in doubt, simply opt for a clear polish.

If you thought the French tip nail designs were a relic of the beauty trends of the 00s, we have news for you. The classic French manicure is making a major comeback in 2024 — but with a twist. Perhaps the most undefeated nail trend to exist is the classic French manicure (remember when square acrylic...

A sheer pink polish or a builder gel will achieve the most natural French manicured nails. Your skin tone should be the main focus when choosing a base shade; for example, rose-based shades are great for fair/light skin, whilst a deeper nude colour is better for dark skin.

It is considered a versatile design option for a classic manicure. After all, it contains shades that suit any «look», clothes and even mood. We can say that French manicure is a symbol of eternal beauty and femininity.

While the French nails use stark white tips and a clear or pink base, the American manicure goes for a more off-white tip with nude tones for the base. The nail is then painted over with a light or skin coloured tone to seal in the tips, though we can achieve the same result with dip powder nails using similar tones.

"A 'deconstructed' French is a manicure that alludes to a traditional French manicure but without the hard outline on the free edge of the nail," explains Jess Brush (aka @nailbetch on Instagram and TikTok).

A fashionista's favorite, the almond nail shape is basically an elongated oval shape with slightly tapered sides and tip. This nail shape can elongate and slim your fingers and nail beds, making it an ultra-chic and sexy nail shape for just about anyone.

If you prefer a classic and elegant look, you may want to choose a round or oval shape. If you prefer a more edgy or dramatic look, you may want to choose a square, stiletto, or coffin shape.

While a traditional French manicure combines a light pink or nude base color and bright white tips, a milky French manicure uses a sheer, creamy off-white base color that offers a very subtle contrast between the nail base and the tips. The effect is softer and more opaque than the classic French mani.

What is the new nail color for summer 2024? ›

Summer 2024 Nail Trend: Pastel Nail Colors

“This summer, soft and delicate pastels will gain popularity with baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon leading the palette,” says Walton. It's fresh and fun for summertime without the intensity of the brights and neons we're used to seeing in the warm months.

How long does a French manicure last? If you get a regular French manicure it should last 7–10 days depending on how much use you have on your nails. A gel French manicure should last 14 days or longer.

A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting. These hues also give the fingers a more elongated, refined appearance.

Elevate an otherwise ordinary French mani by adding a half-moon design that mirrors your tips. For a starker juxtaposition, pair a neutral base with a deeper detail hue. For this look, editorial nail artist Alicia Torello used Chanel's Le Vernis polish in shade 907 Rouge Brun.

noun. : a manicure in which a band of usually white polish across the tip of the nail contrasts with the often clear or pale polish below. [Michele] DiMauro … has always taken care of her nails. For many years, that meant a standard French manicure—pale pink base, white tip.

"The thing that makes the French manicure such a classic and timeless design is the clean and crisp look of the line," says celebrity manicurist and educator Mimi D. "Something about that French line makes nails look so perfect." Plus, it's fairly easy to do a French manicure at home.

Fashion's obsession with the early 2000s may be another reason the French manicure is making a comeback. Fashion is cyclical, after all, and we're living in an age of Prada mini-bags, silk scarves worn as tops and baby tees sold at a premium on Depop.

Disagreements over the name's true origin aside, it wasn't long before the French manicure took over in Hollywood — and eventually across the U.S., and then the world. Interestingly, France itself borrowed the name when they adopted the look, calling it la French manucure.