How to Nail French Tips At-Home Like a Total Pro

If we had to choose the most classic nail art of all time it would be a French manicure. While we’re always looking for new nail designs, colors, and textures that take over our IG feeds, this simple nail art is an eternally classic look and it’s perfect for any occasion—from a lunch meeting to a semi-formal dinner, as well as one of the favorite nail looks for brides.

Popular since the 1920s, it’s all about having white tips on light pink or transparent nail polish. As the delicate tip may seem difficult to get, we usually rely on a nail salon. But why not give it a try to improve your French manicure at home? We spoke to experts Darlene Sritapan and Natalia Bychkova to get their top tips for bringing the look to life.

Meet the Expert

• Darlene Sritapan is a licensed nail tech and OPI’s North American education and capability manager.
• Natalia Bychkova is a nail educator and founder of the Nail Art House, an Austin-based nail studio and education center that specializes in modern Russian manicure techniques.

Byrdie | Design by Zackary Angeline

So what kind of tools do you need to create French tips at home?

• Cuticle sticks and cotton balls, or cotton swabs will help keep your nails clean (a French mani is really all about the nail), while a nail file and a buff will help maintain the shape you want.
• Cuticle oil will help hydrate the nail bed and cuticle so the manicure itself stays healthy.
• A base coat will ensure you have even coverage and help the remaining products stick.
• Nail tape or a silicone nail stamper will help you achieve the coveted curved line that marks a French mani. Just add white (or your French mani color of choice) polish.
• A neutral color of choice.
• Lastly, you’ll want a top coat so everything stays in place.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to DIY French tips.