Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a French manicure and a regular manicure? ›

A French manicure usually keeps the base clear or pink with a bright and stark white tip. An American manicure uses a glossy nude for the base — like your nails but better. What's more, the tip is created with a more translucent off-white, which is closer to the natural nail look.

V French tip nails feature a deep V shape instead of the “smile line” at the tip. The classic nail design includes a white V but you can have some fun with bold colors and textures and all different shapes and styles. This isn't the type of nail art that only looks good on one nail style.

As we've already covered, you can apply a French manicure in regular or gel polish. For the classic look, sheer pink is the go-to. Here are five regular and five gel polish shades that we love for the French mani!

"Bright pink, Kelly green, and neons are really popular at Paintbox during the summer months," she says. "Black, metallics, and glitter french tips are also highly requested during the winter-holiday season."

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

Although French manicures can be suitable for every type of nail shape and length, Bychkova suggests that mid-length almonds and short squares are the easiest to paint French tips on. "You just have to be aware they don't have broken edges, so your line will be symmetrical," she adds.

Use a Sticker Guide

Stickers are another cheat for an easy, flawless French manicure. After painting your base coat and allowing it to fully dry, place a rounded manicure sticker below the tip and make sure the edges are secure. Next, go in with your preferred tip color and paint.

Similar to the original manicure, this new version zeroes in on the tip of the nail and its stark contrast with the base. However, while the OG can be worn on both long and short nails, the deep French relies on length to create an elongated look.

V-Cut French Manicure

The V-cut-french-manicure trend doesn't have a traditional french tip. Instead, at the end of the nail, it has two lines that cross in a V shape.

While a traditional French manicure combines a light pink or nude base color and bright white tips, a milky French manicure uses a sheer, creamy off-white base color that offers a very subtle contrast between the nail base and the tips. The effect is softer and more opaque than the classic French mani.

How to do French nails for beginners? ›

Getting a French manicure with regular polish can be a bit tricky, as it may not last as long as a gel manicure. However, there are several steps you can take to help your French manicure last longer: Start with clean, dry nails: Make sure your nails are clean and dry before you start the manicure.

French Manicure

Its sleek and sophisticated design goes well with any ensemble, making it a wardrobe must for many style-conscious people. French manicures produce an elegant and classic style that works well on both formal occasions and daily wear.

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.