Sometimes, even the classics can benefit from an update. Just compare today's svelte MacBook Air to its clunky older
sister of yesteryear, the PowerBook 100 (look it up). And I'll take a luxe, modern-day cleansing balm over a hefty
cold cream any day. Enter the French manicure: It's a staple in its own right, but nail artists have been reimagining
it as of late in order to expand it beyond nostalgia territory into countless modern looks.
Meet the baby French, a sleek, new-age take on your grandmother's favorite manicure. And that's no shade to your
grandma—classics are classics for a reason. French manicures are still a great option, but sometimes a little
tune-up doesn't hurt, and this one is as simple as taking the tip into ultra-thin territory.
Ahead, get to know the versatile, wildly chic baby French manicure from the experts themselves, plus see some of
our favorite takes on the updated classic.
What Is a Baby French Manicure?
Baby French manicures are exactly what you think (unless you thought this technique was
a French manicure for babies). According to Lim, a baby French is a micro version of the
traditional French manicure, with the tips painted as thinly as possible and slightly
tapered down the side of the nail. It's incredibly wearable, low-maintenance, and
chic—celebrity fans include tastemakers Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Bella Hadid.
The baby French is also pretty easy to achieve at home. Aaron suggests starting with a
base coat similar to your natural nail color or a nude neutral pink, like LeChat's Dare
to Wear Sheer Bliss ($6) and using a thin striping brush to apply the white (or any color) tips.
For those who aren't as steady with their nail art, Lim suggests allowing the base coat to dry
for around 10 minutes, then applying the white polish onto a silicone nail stamper and pressing
the nail tip into the stamp (the tip of the nails should be covered by the stamp).
Best of all? It's incredibly versatile, Aaron shares. Stick to neutral tones for a more
professional look, or go bold with whatever hues suit your fancy. Aaron's a fan of the
classic nude-and-white combo, while Lim likes to switch things up with bold metallic or neon tips.
And while both experts love the look on shorter, square-shaped nails, they also say the style will
look great regardless of nail shape or size—it just works.
Ready to upgrade your look? Scroll on for some of our favorite takes on the baby French manicure.
Classic Baby French
The French mani is a classic for a reason—it always looks good.
Make it a baby French for a modern twist.
Baby Blue
Lavender Haze
Whether you're excited about Taylor Swift's Midnights or just want to add a bit more
punch to the otherwise demure baby French manicure, opt for a different base color.
This lilac is sure to bring you joy.
Day-Glo Baby French
Bright, neon tips are a great way to add some character to a baby French mani without going too bold. It still reads as subtle, but has some much-appreciated personality.
Color Block
Take a nod from the runway and color block your baby French manicure with two complementary hues. This salmon and red combo is everything.
Candy Almond Tips
We love the way these baby pink tips offer the tiniest bit of contrast.
It's still that classic baby French we know and love—just ever-so-slightly different.
Go Halfsies
Why pick one shade for your tips when you can have two? This half-baby blue, half-bubblegum pink combo makes for one epic manicure. Stick to a neutral base to keep the focus on the tips.
Back to Black
For an edgier take on the prim-and-proper baby French manicure, opt for black tips.
There's something very Y2K about it, and we're all for it.
Double Down
To go mod, consider adding another arch around a third of the way up the nail.
Make sure it mirrors the shape of the tip for a more cohesive look.
Sophisticated Sparkle
Opting for a sparkly tip means you really can have your cake and eat it too.
The majority of the nail still feels professional and sophisticated, but the
shimmer on top adds a bit of whimsy. It'll go perfectly from day to night.
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