Best French Manicure Designs - How to Update a French Manicure

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Clean Lines

Modernize a French with the addition of a thin stripe worn one-third of the way down the nail. Soft rounded edges are key. 

@aliciatnails

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Chic Cobalt

For a French with a twist, try a negative space cut-out manicure.

@chelseaqueen 

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Neon Is Back

We can get behind a fluorescent French when the length is short, the stripes are thin, and the base is a flattering nude. 

@deborahlippmann

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Side Stripe

This reimagined version is also an easy way to create the illusion of longer nail beds. Swap a traditional white line for silver, then swipe it down the side.

@hannahroxit

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Glamorous Neutrals

Find a nude that matches your skin tone and add a soft yellow gold tip for a result that's refined, not glitzy.

@jennahipp

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Good As Gold

Half-traditional, half-festive, and completely cool.

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Party Time

Pair black and silver around the perimeter of the nail for a double reflection French.

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Cool Chrome

Gold along the cuticle gives this reverse French some edge while the milky white base and soft almond shape keep it elegant.  

@marienails

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Gray Area

Contrasting colors in two textures give this French a futuristic edge.  

@mpnails

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Pretty Pastels

Choose your favorite coordinating pastels (no more than three shades, please) and ask your manicurist for varied lengths of the color separated from the rest of the nail with a thin gold bar. Nail gems, optional.

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Seeing Double

Add a white mini moon along your cuticle to give this look a symmetrical effect.

@naomninailsnyc

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A New Slant

Metallic hunter green gives this diagonally painted French an on-trend utilitarian vibe. 

@nataliepavloskinails

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Nail Jewelry

To pull off sparkly tips in a sophisticated way, pick a sheer base color and keep the length short and the shape round.  

@paintboxnails

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Rainbow Tips

Vibrant spring-like shades in green, blue, and fuchsia pop on top of silver.

@stephstonenails 

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Stars and Stripes

Love this look! Apply a clear top coat, paint a thin black line at the tip, then cluster gold stars randomly around each nail.

@valleynyc

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Red Hot

The new way to wear red: on a clean glossy nail and along the tip only. For spring and summer, choose a shade with orange or cherry tones.  

@vanityprojects

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