Tips
This page collects Polishpedia's videos about tips: the white, colored or glitter edge of a French manicure, and the advice that keeps it clean and even.
The grid features French Manicure Tips, a video on the classic French look. Below, you'll find how to paint a tip yourself and where to go for more French tip designs.
1 in Tips
French tips: the classic and its variations
French tips are nails painted in a sheer pink or nude with a crisp white line across the free edge. The look suits any length and outfit, and it's easy to change: swap the white for a color or glitter, paint a V-shaped tip, or reverse it so the line sits at the cuticle.
How to paint a clean French tip
- Shape the nails first. The tip line follows the shape, so rounded and almond nails get a curved smile line.
- Apply a base coat and one coat of sheer pink or nude, then let it dry.
- Paint the tip with a thin brush, or place a guide sticker or tape just below the free edge and paint above it.
- Clean up the line with a small brush dipped in acetone before it sets.
- Finish with top coat to blend the tip and base into one smooth layer.
Designs for French tips
For colored, glitter and seasonal tip designs, watch the French tip nail art tutorials or browse finished looks in French nails.
Questions people ask
What are Gel-X tips?
Gel-X, from Apres, is a system of soft gel tips that cover the whole nail and are attached with gel cured under a lamp. They're extensions rather than a painted design, and you can wear French tips on top of them. Read more in Gel-X nails and soft-gel tips.
Can a salon do French tips?
Yes. Nearly every salon offers them in regular polish, gel or on extensions. Find one through nail salons near you.