How to make French tips at-home like a pro

A French manicure is our favorite type of nail art. We’re constantly looking for new nail designs and colors. However, we love the classic French manicure. It’s timeless and perfect for any occasion, from a lunch meeting to a semi formal dinner.

It’s been popular since the 1920s. The idea is to have white tips with light pink or transparent nail varnish. We usually go to a nail salon for this delicate tip because it can be difficult to achieve. You can still improve your French manicure at-home by trying it. Experts Darlene Sritapan, Natalia Bychkova shared their top tips to bring the look to life.

What tools are needed to make French tips at home?

1. You can keep your nails clean with cotton balls or cuticle sticks, as well as cotton swabs and cotton balls. A French manicure is all about the nail.
2. Cuticle oil can be used to moisturize the cuticle and nail bed, so that the manicure stays healthy.
3. Base coats will provide even coverage and ensure that your products stick.
4. A silicone nail stamper or nail tape will give you the perfect curved line for a French manicure.
5. Simply add white nail polish (or any French mani color you prefer).
6. Choose a neutral color.
7. A top coat is also recommended to ensure everything stays put.

This is a step-by–step guide on how to make French tips.

Take care of your nails and shape them

Bychkova states that a classic French manicure should be clean. It’s not just about the white-painted line, but also about a well-prepared nail. Use an acetone-free nail polish remover to clean your hands. Use an orange wood stick covered with cotton, and then dip the ends in nail polish remover.

While French manicures are suitable for any type of nail plate or shape/length, Bychkova recommends that French nails tips be used with the short square and mid-length almond shapes. She adds that you just need to make sure they don’t break edges so that your lines will be symmetrical.

You can buff the nail plate and hydrate your hands and cuticles

A little secret is that polishes last longer when they are gently buffed. Sritapan says that proper buffing requires a high-grit buffer such as OPI EdgeWhite 240 Grit File ($2) and a light touch. Focus on the cuticle. She explains that there is a common misconception that buffing is harmful because it removes layers. However, this is only true if the buffing is done improperly (lower grit) or excessively (over buffing).

Before you push your cuticles back, make sure you soak them in oil. Next, scrub your hands with a body scrub. Finally, apply hand cream. Bychkova says, «Before you get ready for the basecoat, dry the nail plate with alcohol and nail polish remover to remove any creams from the nails.»

Use the Base

Let’s get to the actual nail painting. Two colors are needed for a French manicure: one for nail and one for your tip. French manicures can be fun, but we will keep it simple. Sritapan suggests that you start with a thin layer of OPI Nail Base Coat ($11), in order to achieve maximum adhesion. She adds that this one prevents nails from becoming stained or yellow. She claims professional manicures last longer that home manicures, as nail technicians never skip the base coat.

Tape

Nail tape ($9) is a great option if you aren’t able to hold a steady hand or want to improve your DIY manicure skills. Once your base coat has dried, apply the tape to where your tip should be. You can make your base coat straight or curvy, depending on your nails shape. However, if your nails are long, you can let the polish curve with natural nails.

Paint the Tip of Your Nail

You can paint the exposed nail tip with any solid white nail polish. You can achieve a neat line by using just one coat of polar white polish like OPI Alpine Snow ($11), or Akzent Luxiopolar ($17).

To create a smooth curve when free-handing, you should keep the brush still. Roll your finger along the brush to achieve this. A steady hand will be achieved if the brush is held between your thumb and middle finger, with your forefinger resting on the top of a cap.

Round out the Line

You can create a crescent shape with a cotton swab, or a fine nail art brush. Use white nail polish for accents at the corners.

A Sheer neutral shade will finish off your manicure

This is the best way to give your French nails a natural look. Sritapan says that a sheer pink color can hide any nail imperfections and yellowing.

Finish with a thin layer of top coat

You’ll need to make sure that your art lasts as long as you can. Finish your French manicure at home with a thin layer a shiny topcoat. Bychkova says Akzentz Luxio Shine On ($20), because it isn’t sticky and lasts so long.

Final Look

You’re done! You should play your manicure carefully before you start to apply the top coat and polish. It can take up to several hours for your nails dry completely.

What is the cost of a French manicure?

It all depends on the nail salon, but a standard manicure in New York City typically costs between $20-$25 for regular polish or $45-$50 to gel. Some salons do not charge an extra for French tips, while others do. Keep in mind, however, that nail polish removal fees can vary from $10 to $15 depending on the polish.

How can you prolong the life of a French manicure?

A strong base coat and top coat will make a French manicure more enjoyable. Avoid anything that can cause chipping, such as hot water, chemicals, or biting nails. To protect your nails from damage, seal or paint around your nail tips.

What are some variations of the French manicure?

You can try V French tips and reverse French tips if you want a different take on the French mani. To create a V French-style tip, hold your nail parallel to you and then paint long lines of white in a «V» shape. The bottom of the V should touch the tip of the nails. You can create a reverse French tip by painting a dark color on the entire nail base and adding a small line of a lighter shade to the nail bed (instead putting it on the fingernail tip as in a French manicure).