30 Colourful French Manicure Ideas That Will Make You Rethink The Nail Classic

The French manicure: classic, elegant, understated. That is, if you go the traditional route. Nail artists and enthusiasts have expanded the French mani beyond sheer off-white to include every colour of the rainbow (and incorporated glitter, nail art, and other add-ons too). Ahead, find 30 colourful French tips ideas to inspire your next nail look, thanks to celebrity manicurists and more.

Related article: The Best Summer 2023 Nail Colours To Wear All Season

1

Outlined French

Give tips a mod vibe with an outline in the shade of your choice.

2

The Pointed French

Sarah Hyland's mani adds a geometric twist.

3

Neon French

Brights stand out against an otherwise negative-space mani. Or, add a few jewels, like this look.

4

Reverse French

Painting the line against the cuticle, rather than the tip, is a fun update if you always do a regular French manicure.

5

The Blush French

Make the traditional French (or in the case of Kate Hudson's white tips, American) mani a little more colourful with a pink base.

6

Metallic Micro French

Subtle gold or silver is like wearing jewelry without even trying.

7

Shimmering French

JLo's shimmery tan nails would be gorg for a bride, just saying.

8

Barbie French

No shade of pink is left behind in this Barbiecore look.

9

Coquette French

The lavender is gorg on its own, but add a sweet bow decal? On-trend perfection.

10

Velvet French

This popular holographic, shimmering style doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Why not try it as a French?

11

Classic Black French

Megan Thee Stallion's long, lipstick-shaped nails are all the more eye-catching in cool black.

12

Chrome French

Metallic plus brights is a combination worth exploring (if you like fun).

13

Bright French

A candy-coloured, mismatched mani is always a good time.

14

Micro Round French

If you like round, shorter nails, go for a thin line so it doesn't take over the entire nail.

15

Bright Ombré French

This mani says "graphic design is my passion," in the best way.

16

Flower French

Flower nail art is the trend that keeps on trending, so pair it with a pastel mani for a little extra oomph.

17

Pastel French

Sherbet shades feel fresh, either mixed and matched or in one hero colour.

18

Multi-Stripe French

Adding extra stripes—seemingly at random—creates an art deco vibe.

19

Artsy French

Go full gallery girl with 3-D dots on top of your colourful French.

20

Glitter French

Shimmer never fails, especially in an unexpected hue like neon yellow.

21

Matte French

Create the appearance of texture with a matte base and tonal tips, like this look on Demi Lovato.

22

Aura French

This airbrushed look has been enjoying a major moment, and it can also act as the base for a French manicure. We love this watermelon-inspired take.

23

Heavenly French

Little clouds are an ethereal add-on to the palest lavender.

24

Tulip French

These garden staples are gorgeous when paired with any colour, but bold red is never a bad idea.

25

Turquoise French

Gemstone-inspired manicures always start a convo.

26

Criss Cross French

No need to decide between two colours when you try this colour-blocked look.

27

Mermaid French

Look at this mani, isn't it neat? A shimmery topcoat is all you need to get the vibe, but using an under-the-sea-inspired shade helps.

28

Butterfly French

A fun, Y2K-inspired take on nail art.

29

Flip-Flop French

Try this pattern: One fully painted nail, one regular French, one fully painted, and one reverse French. And repeat.

30

Gold Foil French

Adding a metallic flourish to clear gel extensions is the right way to gild the lily.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.