25 French Tip Nail Ideas For When The Original Won't Cut It (2024)

The French do a lot of things really well, like croissants, baguettes, and macarons. But they’ve also gotten some credit for things that aren’t actually from there, like fries, toast, and French tip nails.

What Is a French Manicure?

French tip nails originally featured a translucent pinkish tone on the nails, with white polish on the tips. Jeff Pink, the creator of the nail polish brand Orly invented the look for Hollywood directors to make changing nail art looks between scenes easier. Barbara Streisand showed her French manicure off on the Johnny Carson show.

Over time, the look has evolved to incorporate bright colors and fun patterns. It’s basically become the opposite of your Zoom attire: business on the bottom, party on the top.

25 French Tip Designs That Still Only Just Scratch the Surface

1. Valentine’s Day French Tip Nails

This minimalist take is a great Valentine’s Day option for those of us almost classy enough to avoid making a “just the tip” joke. Almost.

2. Tortoise French Tips

These tortoise nails are timeless. Okay, more like between 50 and 100 years old. But you should probably clip your nails before then.

3. Orange French manicure

This look is gorgeous for a hot summer day, or when you’re hiding the Cheetos dust on your fingers.

4. French Manicure with Daisies

This manicure has all the beauty of a real sunflower, but comes with less dirt under your nails. And fewer bees! We prefer to not talk about our last gardening experience.

5. Single red French tip

Sometimes, less is more. Especially when you’re almost out of red nail polish.

6. Gold Lined French Tip Nails

Who know a subtle addition of gold could totally change the game? Oh right – every person who’s tried to take over the world. We’re watching you, Goldschlager.

7. Halloween French manicure

Want something spooky? Want something cute? No need to decide with this nail design. But please just choose an outfit already.

8. Green French Tips With Dots

Three simple dots can add a bit of suspense to your sentences. And your French…tips!

9. Yin Yang French Manicure

This is a beautiful and mysteriously harmonious melding of forces: yin, yang, and Orange Tang.

10. David Bowie-Inspired French Manicure

What did these nails say just as they were being clipped? “Pressure! Pressing down on me!” Yes, we’re available for all your stand-up comedy needs.

11. Black French Tip Nails

The French manicure version of “it’s not just a phase, Mom.”

12. Coffin-shaped French Manicure

Pumpkins may be akin to gourds, but these coffin nails are GOURDgeous! Just kidding, this pumpkin is clearly a decorative ceramic piece. It is cold. It is lifeless. Great nails, though.

13. Pearl French Tips

Next time someone says your hands are clammy, assume they’re complimenting the beautiful pearls on your nails.

14. Mushroom French Manicure

Who knew that foraging and going to the nail salon were so similar? Minus the much more difficult parking situation at the salon, of course.

15. Candy Cane French Tips

All the fun of a candy cane color scheme, none of the impossibly sticky, half-eaten candy cane shivs strewn about as a stark reminder that Christmas comes and goes, often full of disappointment.

16. Retro French tip Nails

Missing those ’80s aerobics classes? Neither are we! But it’d be a darn shame to waste that stellar color scheme.

17. Blinged-out French Manicure

You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve. But how about wearing your material possessions on your nails?

18. Sparkly French Tips

This is perfect for when you want your nails to have a little shimmer. Or, when you need a subtle way to say that you’re really excited for Shark Week.

19. Candy Heart French Nails

They look like conversation hearts, but they taste…honestly, probably about the same.

20. Cross French Tip Nails

For those who go the extra mile when someone tells you to “cross your fingers.”

21. Black And Green French Manicure

You know you’ve made it when Monster Energy sponsors your manicures.

22. Neon French Tip Nails

Let this BIC inspired color scheme be the highlight of your day.

23. Blue Butterfly French Manicure

This beautiful set of nails makes it worth all the times in the past two weeks when someone asked why you had a cocoon on your nails.

24. Black French Tips With Eyes

Sometimes eyes on the back of your head just aren’t enough.

25. White and Pink Heart French Tip Nails

Sure, Jesus could take the wheel. But would he look this good doing it? No offense, Jesus.