Main image – @farrari_beauty/Instagram
French tip nails are a total classic. Feminine and flattering, they never go out of fashion and are perfect for any time of year, any outfit, or any event.
And while we love a timeless nude and white French tip, there are so many really fun combinations and bright colours that take this manicure to the next level.
That’s why we’re taking a look at how much French tip nails cost, how you can create the look yourself, and 60 great French tip nail designs for this 2024!
What are French tip nails?
Originating in France in the 1970s, French tip nails have been a firm favourite ever since. This classic style is a type of manicure that involves painting the tips of the nails a white or off-white colour, with the rest of the nails painted a pale pink or neutral colour.
This style gives a fresh and elegant look, but there are now hundreds of variations of this manicure using different colours, glitters, nail art, and shapes.
Image – @glam_byindia/Instagram
How much do French tip nails cost?
A set of acrylic French tips will vary between technicians and may cost slightly more because of the extra tip and time involved. In the UK, a set of acrylic French tip nails will cost from around £35 for a full set without extra nail art.
In the US, a set of acrylic French tip nails will start from around $40 without extra nail art.
If you’re lucky enough to have long and strong nails without the need for adding tips though, a simple French tip manicure using just nail polish will cost from around £25 in the UK, and from around $30 in the US.
French tip nail design ideas
By Nail Shape
1. Short French tip nails
You don’t need long nails to try this trend! We are starting off with short French tip nails which are perfect for making the nail look longer and more elegant.
Image – @beautylicious_nailbar/Instagram
2. Oval French tips
In our opinion, an oval-shaped French tip is the best shape to use. It elongates your fingers and looks super sophisticated and clean.
Image – @nailsbynikitar/Instagram
3. Coffin French tip nails
Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, are basically the stiletto nail but with a square tip rather than a pointy one. French tips look great on this shape, and they can be as long or as short as you like.
Image – @jmaninails/Instagram
4. Short square French tips
Most people think of long, rounded nails when they think of French tips, but a French manicure looks *amazing* on short nails, too!
Image – @dnailsbar_/instagram
5. Round French tip nails
Rounded nails elongate your nail bed to make them appear wider and more slender. This is the perfect shape for a simple, clean and minimalist French tip nail set.
Image – @lbbsalonxx/Instagram
6. French tip almond nails
Much like round nails, almond nails elongate your fingers and make them look more elegant. The nail wall is tapered to end in a round peak, similar to the shape of an almond. Natural nails are often too weak to hold this shape so most people go for acrylics.
Image – @slayedbyvon.xo/Instagram
French Tip Nails by Colour
7. White French tips
White tips are *the* classic French tip manicure, with a white tip and a neutral or light pink coat on the whole nail.
Simple and clean!
Image – @dinic__ann/Instagram
8. Nude French tip nails
A modern twist on this classic is the nude French tip nails, where a nude tone is used on the tips instead of the usual bright white. This one is a bit more understated and looks so classy.
And for more nude nail ideas, take a look at 60 of the best here.
Image – @luxe.nails.poole/Instagram
9. Pink French tip nails
Now we’re getting to the more colourful takes on the classic Frenchie! Pink is a great alternative to a white tip and looks especially good in the spring and summer months to add a pop of colour.
Image – @izabelawozniak_educator/Instagram
10. Hot pink French tip nails
If bright pink is more your shade, ask for some hot pink French tip nails on your next visit to the salon – or do it yourself at home using our guide above.
Image – @nailartpamelaa/Instagram
11. Black French tip nails
Black nail tips are a subtle take on the trend and can look amazing with silver jewellery like the ones below – we love this glam rock look.
Image – @nunu_nailss/Instagram
12. Black and silver French tip nails
When used together, these colours can stand out at much as you want or you can go for subtle and understated.
Image – @nails_emilia__/Instagram
13. Matte black French tip nails
Whether you’re looking for a grungy look or gothic, matte black French tips have been seen on the likes of Kelly Osbourne and Khloe Kardashian. Try the style below, or go for a matte black base and a glossy black tip.
Image – @nailzz.byjessica/Instagram
14. Red and black French tip nails
These colours are classic glam rock and are great for Halloween and the winter months.
Image – @novabeauty_mejrema/Instagram
15. Red French tip nails
Perfect for Valentine’s, fall, and winter, red French tip nails are the ultimate statement of glamour.
Image – @dy_nails.art/Instagram
16. Red and white French tip nails
There are so many takes on this one! Candy canes for Christmas, hearts for Valentine’s, cherries in spring, glitter, gems – you name it! Try reversing the classic take and using white on the nails and red on the tips.
Image – @illustrated_nails/Instagram
17. French tip nails with cute bow nail art
Upgrade the basic French tip with this timeless and sophisticated take that is perfect for every season (especially Christmas!).
Image – @nails_by_annabel_m/instagram
18. Chocolate milk French tip nails
Move over latte nails of 2023! Chocolate milk French tips look super neat and simple when paired with a neutral colour like the classic nude base French manicure.
We’ve also seen loads of people using two complimentary shades of brown for the base and the tip, which looks really cool.
Image – @kayla_seah/instagram
19. Orange French tip nails
With so many shades and tones to choose from, orange French tip nails are a great option for fall and Halloween, and bright neon colours are perfect for summer. Go all out with long and bold, or just thin tips of orange like the set below.
Image – @beauty_made_birmingham/Instagram
20. Lavender French tip nails
We love these lilac French tip nails for a soft and romantic look and they look great with gold or silver jewellery.
Image – @nails_by_brigytte/Instagram
21. Pastel French tips
*All* over social media at the moment, these dreamy pastel French tips are perfect for spring and summer and look incredibly cute on shorter nails.
Image – @nav_nails/Instagram
22. Baby blue French tip nails
With *so* many shades and tones of blue to choose from, this look can be customised for any season – but baby blue Frenchies are coming in strong for 2024.
Image – @nails_by_emilie/instagram
23. Oyster French tip nails
The latest development in the mermaid nail trend, oyster nails have been all over social media towards the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. A super-luxe mani, oyster nails are 3-dimensional to mimic the appearance of actual pearls.
Image – @miobvia/instagram
24. Baby blue French tip nails
We think baby blue French tips are super cute, customisable, and versatile.
Image – @manicuresbydaisy/Instagram
25. Light blue French tip nails
Generally, blue French tips are considered classic and timeless because they can elevate any outfit, this light blue set is a fun take on the original Frenchie.
Image – @nailbar.bykad/instagram
26. Electric blue French tips
Yet another shade of blue, electric is the perfect hue for Frenchies.
Image – @gelpolish_bar/instagram
27. Teal French tip nails
These teal French tip nails with tiny pearls are giving us serious mermaid vibes.
Image – @_silkyc_/Instagram
28. Green French tip nails
With so many shades to choose from, green French tip nails are perfect for any season. Go dark green in winter, teal in spring, neon in summer and olive in fall. And if TikTok is anything to go by, green nails are in for 2024. Sorted!
Image – @nail_addict93/Instagram
29. Olive green French tip nails
Olive green can have both cool or warm undertones and can be paired with so many different colours. We think it looks really cool and sleek with this nude polish underneath, it’s giving 70s vibes.
Image – @fofbbyjoannanowak/Instagram
30. Sage green French tip nails
Sage and other light green tones are really in this year, we love this milky set that will go with any outfit and still look professional enough for work.
Image – @hls_nails/Instagram
31. Dark green French tip nails
Dark green French tip nails are a great way to ease into trying out some black French tips, we love this shimmery set below.
Image – @pw_pollynails/Instagram
32. Lime green French tip nails
These lime green French tip nails are so on trend, especially for summer.
Image – @kartegscosmos/Instagram
33. Yellow Frenchies
Despite opinions, yellow French tip nails can look really sophisticated. This daisy set is SO cute.
Image – @artdecom/instagram
34. Gold French tip nails
Particularly fitting for fall, winter, Christmas, and weddings, gold French tip nails are great for any season and look so pretty paired with some beautiful rings and bracelets. Try gold glitter, gold sparkles, metallic gold or even gold leaf.
Image – @clairehowardnaildesign/Instagram
35. Rose gold French tip nails
You really can’t go wrong with roles gold French tip nails. Use a beige or pink neutral base and add the rose gold nail varnish to the tip – add a thin white line underneath the rose gold tip for an extra modern look.
Image – @manicuredbychristina/instagram
36. Sheer French tip nails
Complete luxury and almost identical to the milky mani which was doing the rounds in 2023, this barely-there manicure is perfect for those who love an understated – yet classy – look.
Image – @griffebyelise/instagram
French Tip Nails by Look
37. Glitter French tips
Need the right date night nail vibes?
These glitter French tip nails are perfect for adding a tiny bit of glam to a French manicure. We are a bit obsessed with this perfectly precise set on short, neat nails.
Image – @nailsbyheather.errington/Instagram
38. Sparkly French tip nails
The ultimate glam look, sparkly French tip nails are understated yet oh-so-glamorous. Add a touch of sparkle to any outfit with a set like these.
Image – @nail_inspozz/Instagram
39. Velvet French tip nails
Chrome nails were *everywhere* in 2023. But this year, it’s the velvet nails trend that will be taking centre stage.
Image – @nailsbymh/instagram
40. Rainbow French tip nails
Rainbow nails can mean a multitude of styles – a different colour on each nail, stripes, swirls and more. Perfect for any 2024 Pride events, a rainbow mani is fun and colourful.
Image – @thestack.world/instagram
41. Ombre French tip nails
The ombre trend is still huge at the moment, and there are loads of different takes on this one. Fade the tip into the nail, ombre the actual French tip from side to side, or you can even do ombre on the whole nail and add a block colour on the nail tip!
And for 60 more amazing ombre nail ideas, read our article here.
Image – @brushedbyb_/instagram
42. Neon French tip nails
If you’re not quite confident enough to go full neon all over your nails, the neon French tip trend is the perfect way to introduce some colour without making too much of a statement!
Image – @salonsdirect/instagram
43. Floating French tips
A twist on the classic, floating French tips take elements from the traditional manicure (like the white tip) and turns it on its head to create the illusion of a ‘floating tip’.
The set below has been created with see-through nail extensions to create the illusion of a floating French tip, complete with gingham art.
Image – @byjuanalvear/instagram
44. Ultra modern Frenchies
There are so many modern takes on the classic French tip, we love this peachy set with pink and gold accents.
Image – @monika__nails/Instagram
45. Double French nail tips
Another twist on the classic, some love to double the white tip while we’ve also seen loads of variations with different colours and brush sizes. We adore this black set!
Image – @andrea.macou/instagram
46. Reverse French tip nails
As you can probably tell from the name, this design involves lining the nail bed rather than the tip.
Image – @paintbyjaz/instagram
47. Cuticle French tip nails
Switch it up by lining your cuticle rather than the tip of your nail, or paint the tip and the cuticle like this cool take.
Image – @glam_byindia/Instagram
French Tip Nail Art
48. Flower French tip nails
Short and sweet, these short flower Frenchies are super cute – and they prove that longer isn’t always better!
Image – @tough.as.nails/instagram
49. Butterfly French tips
The really fun thing about butterfly French nail tips is the combinations of colours you can play with – these are the perfect style for spring and summer, and you can even add glitter, gems, gold leaf, and shimmers.
Image – @the_beauty_room_ely_/Instagram
50. Flame French tip nails
This is a super cool take on the trend. We’ve seen loads of nail techs using different colours and variations but this orange glitter set paired with gold jewellery SLAYS.
Image – @pop_polished/Instagram
51. French tips with cloud nail art
Clouds are simply dreamy, but add some pastel colours and stars you’ve got the *dreamiest* mani ever.
Image – @kimkimnails
52. Leopard print French tip nails
Leopard print never goes out of style, and that includes on your nails. Opt for the classic print or use different colours like this set below.
Image – @laceys_spa/Instagram
53. Cow print Frenchies
For all you bovine lovers out there, cow French tip nails can include different colours and variations, matte or glossy, and are a really fun spin on the classic Frenchies.
Image – @heluviee/Instagram
Holiday French Tip Nails
54. Spring French tips
Spring is all about flowers, love, sun, birds and bees, colours and new life. We love this set that’s perfect for spring, featuring hearts, flowers, stars, pastels, and little painted fruit. So, so cute!
Image – @nailsbyheather.errington/Instagram
55. Summer French tip nails
In our opinion, summer nails have to be bright and colourful. How amazing is this set of summer French tip nails, complete with a groovy take on the classic trend?!
Image – @farrari_beauty/Instagram
56. Fall French tips
Fall nails mean rich brown and warm orange tones, nail art like leaves and pumpkins, bronze and gold, and loads of different twists on the French tip trend.
Image – @rigandco/Instagram
57. Halloween French tip nails
Halloween is one of the best times of the year to have fun with nail art and colours, we love this spooky chequered orange and black tip with painted spider webs. Boo!
Image – @nailsbyheather.errington/Instagram
58. Winter Frenchies
Nothing says winter like white glitter and snowflakes!
Image – @nailartmimica/Instagram
59. Christmas French tip nails
Think candy canes, glitter, sparkles, red and green, snowflakes, Santa hats – the list goes on for Christmas French tip nail ideas!
Image – @beccykate_nailartist/Instagram
And finally…
60. French tip toes
Our fingers shouldn’t have all the fun so here’s a classic design idea for your toes too.
French tip toe nails, or a French pedicure, look so classic paired with a French manicure and bring a touch of class to literally any outfit. Add some gold or silver toe rings and you’re all set.
Image – @aoibhmurphy/Instagram
How to do French tip nails at home
If all this has inspired you to create your own set of classic Frenchies, we’ve got you.
- Start by filing your nails into the shape and length you want. Apply a base coat to protect your nails and help the nail varnish adhere to your nails better.
- Once the base coat is dry, apply a nude or pink polish to your entire nail and wait for this to dry completely.
- Then, use white nail polish and apply it to the tip of your nail, following your natural shape – you can use a French tip pen or thin brush for this, or if you’re really steady with your hands, you can try using the nail varnish brush itself. Any mistakes can be cleaned up using a cotton swab dipped in nail varnish remover.
- Let the white nail varnish dry and apply a second coat if needed. Once this is dry, apply a top coat and wait for this to dry completely.
That’s it – go and grab those nail varnishes!
Get Glowing!
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and receive your Glowing Skin Checklist: a guide to your dewiest skin ever!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information on French tip nails based on search results.
French tip nails are a classic style of manicure that originated in France in the 1970s and have remained popular ever since. This style involves painting the tips of the nails a white or off-white color, while the rest of the nails are painted a pale pink or neutral color. The result is a fresh and elegant look. French tip nails are known for their versatility and can be worn for any occasion or season.
Over the years, there have been numerous variations of French tip nails, incorporating different colors, glitters, nail art, and shapes. Some popular variations include:
- Short French tip nails: You don't need long nails to try this trend. Short French tip nails can make your nails look longer and more elegant.
- Oval French tips: Oval-shaped French tips are considered the best shape as they elongate the fingers and create a sophisticated and clean look.
- Coffin French tip nails: Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, are square-tipped nails that resemble a stiletto shape. French tips look great on this shape, whether long or short.
- Short square French tips: French manicures can look amazing on short nails as well, challenging the notion that they are only suitable for long, rounded nails.
- Round French tip nails: Rounded nails elongate the nail bed, making them appear wider and more slender. This shape is perfect for a simple, clean, and minimalist French tip nail set.
- French tip almond nails: Almond-shaped nails elongate the fingers and create an elegant look. Natural nails are often too weak to hold this shape, so many people opt for acrylics.
These are just a few examples of the many variations of French tip nails. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize your French tip manicure to suit your personal style and preferences.
Please note that the information provided above is based on search results and does not reflect personal experiences or opinions.