How to Do French Tips at Home, According to Experts (2024)

If you hear the words "French manicure" and still picture your high school prom, you may be surprised to hear thatFrench tip nailsare very much back. Though there are some differences in the modern iterations of this nail style, the gist of the trend remains the same.

"Any design that incorporates a different color that's painted on the free edge of the nail is a type of a French manicure," nail expert Dasha Minina told us. "Many different designs, color patterns, and textures can be incorporated to make a unique version of the French manicure. Recently, nail shapes started playing a role, too."

Still, asking for nail art and doing your own can be intimidating, especially when you consider how many styles of nails — acrylics, gel extensions, powder, dip, gel, shellac, etc. — exist. To get you started, we spoke to Minina and nail artist Kimmie Kyees to explain everything there is to know about mastering the art of the French manicure.

Keep scrolling for how to DIY French tip nails in five easy steps.

Prep Your Nails

When it comes to DIY manicures, don't rush the process. For best results, you'll want to prep your nails first, removing any old nail polish. Consider using anacetone-free polish removerto clean nails sans damage. Then, cut and file your nails to the desired length and shape. Traditionally, short to medium-length square or almond-shaped nails were the preferred choice for French manis — but don't let that limit you. With today's modern French tip nails, anything goes.

Apply a Base Coat

Once your nails are prepped and shaped, apply abase color of polish. We're partial toEssie Strong Start Base Coat($9). Not only will it prevent nails from getting stained and create long-lasting color, but it will also work to keep nails strong.

Paint Your Tips

Next, you'll need to paint the tips of your nails. According to Minina, the key to creating a crisp, clean smile line (the contrasting color at the top of the nail) is to use proper design brushes — likeOlive & June Nail Art Brush Set($16) — during the process. In terms of polish color, white options likeStatic Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer($16) in Elixir is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with bolder, eye-catching shades to modernize this look.

Consider Nail Strips

If the idea of professional nail brushes or drawing a perfectly straight line of color on the tip of your nail intimidates you, there are simpler options.

"The easiest and most perfect form of French tip at home would be to tryColor Street Nail Polish Strips($22)," said Kyees. "They're pre-made, pre-dried, super easy to apply, and they will give you the perfect smudge-free French manicure every time."

Apply a High-Quality Top Coat

Another game-changing hack is to use a very good top coat.

"Maxus Nails Finito Top Coat($18) is a fast-drying formula that's ideal for nail designs [as it] doesn't drag polish during application," Minina shared. This is an important, final step that will keep your nails protected, helping to prevent chipping and prolong your manicure.