Top 10 French Tip Nail Designs for Women’s

What once was a staple of the aughts (remember duck nails?) is now back on the fingertips of nearly every celebrity: the French manicure. The lined look that dominated the first few years of the 2000s has slowly but surely become the must-have style for beauty lovers embracing the Y2K wave, along with claw clips, mini shoulder bags, and low-rise skirts.

French manicures, invented in 1975 by Jeff Pink, then CEO of nail care brand Orly International, were supposed to be a natural-looking alternative to the popular reds of Hollywood polishes. According to Who What Wear, the nude and white combo was meant to decrease the amount of time needed between wardrobe changes—which helped the look make its way to Paris to use on models in runway shows. From there it became known as the French manicure, taking Paris by storm and eventually appearing on the fingernails of style icons like Paris Hilton.

Square Dainty French Nail Designs for Women’s

A dainty French on short square nails looks extra clean. Keep your nail beds hydrated and healthy with a cuticle oil like OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil or L’Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil.

Villain French Nail Designs for Women’s

Something about this manicure gives us major Maleficent vibes. Embrace your inner villain with a super-sharp inky black set. To get the cleanest lines, use extra-slim nail-art detail brushes—we like this set from Amazon.

Mystical French Nail Designs for Women’s

Iridescent tips paired with twinkling stars makes the most magical mani. To get the same effect, select a chrome nail polish with color-shifting pigments like Jinsoon Heirloom.

Leopard French Nail Designs for Women’s

This leopard pattern may seem complicated, but it’s fairly easy to DIY at home. Start with a tan polish for the tips, then use a dotting tool to paint on brown polish before picking up a detail brush to outline in black.

Coquette French Nail Designs for Women’s