The Timeless Art of the French Manicure

A natural-looking base adorned by a white bezel at the tips characterizes French nails. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they suit any time and outfit, whether it’s a cozy day spent in athleisure or a fabulous night dressed in black tie.

The subtle contrast and the overall versatility of the design make it no wonder that it’s a popular choice across ages and generations. Enhancing the look of healthy nails, they simply embody a clean, polished, and refined aesthetic. French nails will always be a safe choice, especially when you’re running out of ideas on what style to try next. It’s an iconic design that you must experience, an instant symbol of sophistication.

While a French manicure ideally consists of a base that’s pale pink or sheer nude, and tips that are as light as ivory, there are numerous modern variations that have been introduced. They are highly customizable based on one’s own preferences, from shapes and lengths to colors and embellishments.

It’s the 1970s: people were helplessly drawn into the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. Unlike today, where individuality can be expressed even up to your very nail art, the custom back then was to have the actresses’ nails match their dresses. That’s right, every dress change required a manicure change. Needless to say, it was an inefficient, time-consuming operation that left crew members and movie directors frustrated.

With this, they started asking manicurists to create looks that were neutral and adaptable. Jeff Pink, the founder and president of the Los Angeles-based nail brand called Orly, had the perfect idea. “The Natural Nail Look” is what they initially called the time-saving solution back in 1977. As described on the Orly website, the classic and feminine design “accentuated the nails without ever upstaging the outfit.” The people behind the scenes and in front of the cameras shared the same enchantment—it was so simple, yet so beautiful. Nail regrowth was hardly visible, and their nails matched whatever dress they put on or backdrop they stood against.

The Hollywood studios loved it, and so did the runways of Paris. It was 1978 when “The Natural Nail Look” won the attention of stylists and made its way to the catwalk. As Jeff’s creation was presented to the sartorial world, he christened it with the name of the “French Manicure.”

Though not explicitly explained, it could be derived that the name was derived from the style’s association with the French fashion philosophy of effortless elegance. The iconic pink and white combination continues to be a popular choice today, enduring the test of time and transcending a plethora of trends. The French manicure continues to be a sign of refinement, tried by many and loved by all.

If a trip to the nail salon can’t be squeezed into your schedule, have a relaxing night in and try to do them yourself! Here’s how.

1. Clean and shape your nails: Similar to how skin prep is key to natural makeup, starting off with clean nails contribute to a perfect French manicure. Gently massage cuticle oil onto your nail bed, let it dry naturally, and hydrate your hands. As for shaping your nails, make sure there are no broken edges for a more symmetrical look.

2. Apply a clear coat: This helps protect your natural nails and provide a smooth surface for an easier application.

3. Apply your pink base: Subtly pink nail polish makes a great base for French nails. Two even coats will do, providing just the right amount of natural-looking pigment. Make sure that the first layer is dry before proceeding to the second one.

4. Draw the white line: Don’t be nervous! One way to achieve the iconic white bezel is by drawing it in one quick, sweeping motion. With a sheer pink base, you can use your natural nails as an outline to trace. For more guidance, you can opt to use tape to indicate where you want your tips to end.

5. Finish with gloss: Seal the deal with a top coat. This prevents your manicure from chipping, and it adds irresistible shine too!