The 32 Best Colourful French-Manicure Ideas to Try Now

With 2024 well underway, I've noticed a shift in the types of manicures I've been spotting on Instagram lately. Sure, neutral, clean-girl nails are still doing the rounds, but there has been a major resurgence of nail art again. As someone who always has a saved folder that's bursting with nail designs, I have to say that I'm thrilled with this shift to embrace colour and pattern, no matter the time of the year. That being said, I'm well aware that rainbow manis aren't for everyone, which is why I'm so excited about this emerging nail trend, which I think even nail-art cynics will adore: the colourful French-tip manicure.

Embracing all of the fundamentals of the timeless French mani (glossy finishes, perfectly groomed nail beds and a neutral base), this modern twist gives those classic white tips a colourful makeover. I first spotted manicurist Harriet Westmoreland experimenting with tips slicked with shades of soft apricot and pretty lilac on her clients, and since then, I've seen the coolest girls sharing everything from cerulean blue–topped manicures to mix-and-match tips. Let's just say I'm totally obsessed.

What is a colourful French manicure?

A colourful French manicure is a colourful twist on the classic French manicure, which is traditionally painted with a sheer pink base and topped with a crisp white line at the tip of the nail.

"French manicures are a true classic for so many reasons. Not only do they exude a timeless and elegant aesthetic that never goes out of style, but the clean, natural look is universally flattering and suitable for any occasion, from everyday wear to special events," says celebrity manicurist, and senior Mylee ambassador, Tinu Bello. "Saying this, they are also incredibly versatile and can be customised, whether you prefer a classic look, a modern twist, or added embellishments like glitter or colours, there are endless variations to explore."

How to do a colourful French manicure at home

If you're not heading to the salon, then Bello has a step by step guide to achieving a colourful French manicure at home.

Step 1: "Start by trimming any excess length from your nails, before filing them into your desired shape. The classic French tip look typically features a square or slightly rounded shape," says Bello. "Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back using a cuticle pusher."

Step 2: "Apply a thin layer of base coat to all of your nails. This will create a smooth surface for your mani," she says.

Step 3: "Using a sheer pink or nude, carefully apply over the entire nail. You can apply one or two coats of the sheer polish depending on the opacity you desire."

Step 4: Now your base is dry, you can apply your colour of choice for the tips. A fine-tipped nail art brush is create, or you can use a nail stamper such as Mylee Stamp It Out (£8). Simply coat with polish and press your nail into the stamp and you'll be left with a perfect French tip.

Step 5: Finally, Bello recommends applying a top coat to seal in your look. You can also apply nail oil to the cuticles for a professional finish.

Keep scrolling for 32 of the best colourful French manicures to inspire your own summer nail looks.

The Best Colourful French Manicure Ideas

1. Tangerine Tips

This sunny orange shade is surprisingly neutral when nail tips are kept short and round. Perfect for summer.

2. Neutral Tones

If you're not a fan of bright colours, then opt for a neutral shade that complements your skin tone.

3. Blue Moon

Opt for a bold colour like blue to really show off those perfectly groomed nails.

4. Monochrome Shimmer

I always think black nails look chic, but if you're concerned about veering into '90s-grunge territory, then dark nail tips with a hint of shimmer look so elegant.

5. Pastel Points

Proving that a colourful French manicure doesn't always have to feel pared back, this cool mani will turn heads with its graphic pastel points.

6. Metallic Touches

Metallics, glitters and holographic nail polishes tend to be relegated to the party season, but this silver-adorned French mani proves that they can actually work all year round.

7. Micro French

Turning the classic French manicure totally on its head, this polished nail look forgoes those boring white tips in favour of shiny black ones.

8. Rainbow Twist

Multicoloured manicures are big news this year, but keeping the colour to just the tips of your nails means your mani looks subtly playful.

9. Reverse French

Westmoreland calls this look the "reverse French," adding a pop of colour close to the nail beds rather than at the tips. So cool.

10. Oscillating French Tips

Why not alternate the colour at your nail tips and your nail beds for a twist on the trend?

11. Abstract Tips

I love how these muted shades extend down the nail for more of a laid-back take on the French manicure.

12. Pretty Pastels

Lilac, blush pink, coral and turquoise—a pastel French manicure is always a good idea.

13. Two-Tone

Why opt for one nail-polish colour when these tips look so good with two?

14. Golden Touch

A full gold manicure might feel a bit OTT, but these sleek tips look so expensive and make a great party season manicure.

15. Split Tips

Take a half-and-half approach like this part red, part peach manicure. So cool.

16. Barely There

I love how delicate these pastel-blue nail tips are—it almost looks like a classic French manicure at first glance.

17. '70s Vibes

Psychedelic patterns and all the colours of the rainbow mean this nail art will definitely turn heads.

18. Lilac Gloss

Seriously, how shiny are these nails? The soft lilac tips and oh-so glossy nails look simply stunning.

19. 5-Shade Surprise

Go wild and pick a different shade for each tip for the ultimate 2024 take on the colourful French manicure.

20. Pink and Red

Few colours go together better than pink and red, and the combination of this rosy-pink base and red-toned fuchsia tips proves it.

21. Heart-Shaped Tips

Have fun with the shape of your French tips, and try something different. These understated (but very pretty) hearts are going straight on my nails at my next valentine's day manicure.

22. Pastel-Green Tips

Neon shades are so much fun to experiment with in a French manicure. The slither of zesty pastel green on the tips makes this mani pop.

23. Reverse Orange

This reverse French in alternating citrus shades is so pretty.

24. Blue Double French

Why not accentuate the tips and the half moons at the base of the nails?

25. Abstract Lilac French

Experiment with the placement of your French mani with diagonal shapes and contrasting accents with your nail art.

26. Neon-Orange French

This vibrant neon colour is the perfect hue to inject some fun into your regular French mani.

27. Pastel Rainbow

Can't choose one colour? Select colours from the same colour family (such as pastels or neons) and you'll be on to a winning colour combo.

28. Matcha Tips

Green is a big colour trend for 2024—from mint and pistachio to the famous Bottega-inspired emerald green, we've seen it all when it comes to green nail art. Matcha is set to be the next big thing.

29. Cornflower Blue French Tips

These cornflower blue nails just scream spring and summer.

30. Multicoloured Pastel French

Can't decide on just one colour? Why not pick a few from the same tonal colour palette?

31. Chrome French Tips

These chrome French tips are a great mani if you want something subtle with a hint of glow on your fingertips.

32. Glitter French

I'm saving these for my party mani inspo.

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This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.