Pic credit: Rainy
The French manicure, a timeless nail statement that transitions easily from the workplace to a cocktail party. Forever a favourite, the classic nude and white is the usual go-to and it’s one of the most versatile nail techniques to get creative with colours and effects. Some of the trending iterations include glitter and rainbow-skittle tips, double lines, the inverse French and using chrome colours.
Visiting a salon is not necessary… Follow this simple step-by-step guide at home supported with the correct tools for a polished result. You will need a generous dose of patience to create a seamless finish.
Step 1 - Clean, prepared nails
A French manicure is about more than a white line. A fresh, clean and prepared nail bed is the basis of a great result. Trim, buff and shape nails as desired. An almond-shaped nail is the easiest to paint a white tip on, ensuring of course there are no broken edges as you want your line to appear symmetrical. Gently buffed nails not only smooth out the nails but also help polish stay on longer. Gently push back cuticles after cuticle oil application and finally clean the nail plate with nail polish remover prior to applying the base.
Pic credit: Mavala South Africa
Step 2 – Base coat and tip
To create a French manicure, you will require 2 colours; one for the nail and one for the tip, keeping it classic or going for something more playful. For maximum adhesion, apply a thin layer of base coat. Next step is painting the nail tip, either free hand with specialist painting brushes or using stickers for a perfect guide. A short-term option is white nail crayon, applied daily under the tip of the nail. Drying is important, so before and after tips, ensure plenty of down time.
Step 3 – Layer a sheer neutral shade and top coat
Once the tip is completely dry, apply polish to the whole nail in two sheer layers. Finish with a long-wearing top coat, best reapplied every second day to extend the life of your manicure – don’t forget to paint under the free edge to seal the tip.
Be prepared for mistakes with an easy solution like a corrector pen to fix errors easily and quickly. If it’s your first time creating a French manicure, introductory kits are available in four colour ways.
