How the French manicure got cool again. Image: @gigihadidSource:BodyAndSoul

If you’re over intricate nail art, but also a little bored of your standard one-shade Shellac, perhaps it’s timeto revisit an old favourite – the French manicure. Here’s how to put a fresh spin on this classic style.

Like it or not, the 2000s are back, baby. Low-rise jeans are jostling for space in stores next to high-rise styles; flat-ironed hair and space buns are popping up on Gen Z-ers, and Paris Hilton – arguably the queen of all things Y2K – recently launched a line of Juicy Couture-inspired tracksuits.

And this pull back in time has extended to the tips of our nails – to our French-tipped nails, to be precise. The classic French manicure is hot again, with celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Lizzo, Ariana Grande and Gigi Hadid flashing the classic pink-with-white-tip style on social media.

It’s a beauty trend not just for celebrities. Australian women are shelving their go-to one-shade Shellac mani in favour of this iconic nail style, too. But this time, they’re doing it with a distinctly modern spin.

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Celine Gewani’s Sydney nail salon Cege boasts a two-month waitlist, such is the demand for her Japanese gel manicures and fanciful nail-art creations. While many of her clients ask for ornate and intricate designs, she has seen a return to the classic French manicure firsthand – albeit with a twist.

“I have been getting multiple requests for the [French] design but with a subtle change. The design itself is sleek, timeless, elegant and simple.” And, she adds, it plays a universally flattering visual trick. “It suits everyone, regardless of nail shape and size. The French manicure creates the illusion of a longer finger and the overall effect is a beautified hand.”

Mikele Simone, OPI brand partner and make-up artist, agrees, telling Body+Soul, “The French manicure has definitely made a comeback. Like everything in fashion, we tend to recycle trends, hit extremes and then turn back to the classics.”

When it comes to making it feel new, Simone says women are “changing up the shape, and also implementing more colourful tips.”

Mavala national trainer, Kylie Noronha adds that the French manicure is iconic for a reason, and “is easily worn [and] doesn’t clash with day-to-day clothing.”

Still not sold? Noronha reassures us the new trend is, thankfully, not about “square, thick, white stripes and ostentatious-looking French nails”. What she’s seeing instead is “a more refined, individualised approach. Incorporating new colours, like purple and rich burgundy instead of white [tips], or using a two-toned effect and adding in an extra-fine line with a nail brush. Other fun twists include a slanted variation, double French [with two colours used for the tips], and an inverted approach [where the nail bed is painted in contrast, not the tips].”

When it comes to making this classic look your own, the options really are endless.

In short, Mavala’s Kylie Noronha says yes. Despite appearances, you don’t have to go to a salon to try out the new-gen French manicure look for yourself – so long as you have the right mindset and the right tools.

If you like doing nails at home, a French manicure is a fun, mindful and relaxing treatment to do. It does take time and patience, so if you are short on these then head to your professional manicurist.

A strong nail tip is essential to a successful French manicure. So always apply a topical strengthener to the tip of the nail only to prevent separating or lifting. And use an effective base and top coat. Reapply the top coat every two days for added lasting power.

Australia’s top nail professionals share their favourite ways (and shades) for making the classic French manicure thoroughly more modern.

“Personally, [I like] pastel rainbow tips– painting five fingers with five different colours – on a French manicure, with a sheer nude base. This design has fresh, lively, fun, quirky and cheerful vibes.”

“There are so many, but I do love a nude-with-black-tips French combo. It’s really cool, vampy and still classy. And nothing beats a red and pink palate, in any format. These two colours just work in my eyes. I also love a chrome-tipped French manicure – so modern, futuristic.”

[In salon, ask for OPI Chrome Effects Powder in Tin Man Can, or at home try OPI’s Kyoto Pearl.]

“Using two shades in the same tone looks chic, especially with pastels, as does using trending seasonal colours like chocolate brown for winter, and yellow for summer. Purple and burgundy shades seem to be having a moment on [social media]. And neon, metallic and glitter [tips] are great variations to jazz things up.”

Dior Vernis True Colour in Mirage, $43, myer.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

Mavala Color Vibe in Pushy Purple, $8.95, mavala.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

Rimmel 60 Seconds polish in Chin Chin Buttercup, $6.95, chemistwarehouse.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

SoNailicious 03 Spear striping brush, $18.99, sonailiciousboutique.comSource:BodyAndSoul

Essie polish in Lovie Dovie, $15.99, mecca.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

OPI Infinite Shine 2 in Unrepentantly Red, $23.95, myer.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Gain Mo-Mint-Um, $8.95, chemistwarehouse.com.auSource:BodyAndSoul

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