The Classic French Manicure is still a go to for 2023 and it will still be for years to come. It is a simple look that is classic and timeless and can go with any outfit that you wear for any occasion. Now over the years to the present day there have been, different variations of nail color and shape showcasing various adaptations of The French Manicure. Modern variations of the look include nice bold and exciting colors replacing the classic white tips. With nail tips that are long, pointy, or both. However, in this post we are going to focus on the Classic French Manicure with the white tips. Which will also include a simple easy to follow DIY instructions so you can create your own Classic French Manicure yourself..
Brief History of The Classic French Manicure
The French Manicure despite its name’s sake did not originate in the country of France. It originated in the United States of America, in California by Jeff Pink in the 1970’s. Pink is also the founder of Orly International nail care. Jeff Pink created this look for actors in Hollywood so they would have a natural classic look to go with a wide selection of wardrobe. This natural classic beautiful look would then go from the Hollywood studios to the fashion runways, and then to the public. This beautiful yet simple timeless classic has been going strong ever since.
What Are The Classic Nail Polish Colors Used For The French Manicure?
The colors used for the Classic French Manicure is white, light pink or beige. White nail polish painted on the nail tips, and light pink or beige will be painted on the nail bed. The look is then finished off with a shiny clear top coat, that is applied to the entire nail. Stick with white nail polish for nail tips, and a light pink or beige for nail bed color to stay true to the classic look.
Where To Go Get The Classic French Manicure?
The Classic French Manicure can be done in just about any nail salon. So, getting it done at a nail salon is very easy to do. When you go to your nail appointment just asks for the Classic French Manicure. The stylist may ask if you want to use a completely different set of colors. But if you want the original look just tell them the classic or let them know you want white tips with a sheer tint of pink on nail bed or a sheer tint of beige. It is easy, and any good nail stylist will know the technique.
Don’t Want To Go To The Nail Salon? DIY At Home
If going to the salon is too much of a hassle. Or if you want to save time and money you can achieve this look at home. You do not even need a bunch of fancy supplies either. Here are a few basic supplies you will need to get started.
- A sheer tinted nail polish color: pink or beige
- A shiny clear top coat nail polish
- Tape (to achieve proper tip) optional
- Bowl of warm water to prep and soften cuticles
- Cuticle moisturizer
- Clear nail polish base coat (optional)
Have all the supplies and items ready before you begin so that DIY process will be stress free and fun to do! Besides looking for stuff with wet nail polish is no fun anyway and can be messy.
DIY At Home: The Classic French Manicure
First before you begin, make sure your hands and nails are clean. Cuticles should be moisturized, trimmed if necessary, and gently pushed back. To get cuticles moisturized soak hands in warm water for 2-5 minutes. Apply cuticle oil or cream to seal moisture however make sure your nails are clean and dry. If any oils or cream are left on nail bed that can cause nail polish not to adhere to nails. You will then have your nail polish chipping easily. So go over nails with some nail polish remover to make sure nails are truly clean. Now you may begin with the shape and length of nails. And that rule applies whether you are wearing your natural nails or artificial. The nails should not be too short either. The nail shape is important for the Classic French Manicure, so make sure nails are squared shaped or rounded.
Application:
First apply a nail polish base coat over the nail bed. Wait until it dries before proceeding to the next step. Next, you will take the white nail polish and paint only the tip of the nails. Make sure you are following the nail shape. If you are prone to being clumsy like quiet a few of us, nail tape can be applied to make this technique a lot easier. Apply nail tape on the entire nail bed except the tips. This application technique will give you the proper area to paint. After nail is dry apply a sheer coat of light pink or light beige nail polish. When nail polish is dry apply a layer of a shiny top coat. Be sure to apply the top coat to the entire nail, particularly, near the tips.
A good top coat application will help your Classic French Manicure last longer. Let your nails dry completely, it will take at least 20 to 30 minutes for the first layer of nail polish to dry. And up to 1 to 2 hours for your nails to dry completely. Drying time also depends on the method you choose and the time you have. Just remember to be patient doing the drying process.
Tips and Tricks for Drying Nails
A simple nail dryer can be of help to get through the proper nail drying time. You can find an inexpensive nail dryer at most of your local pharmacy stores: Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and of course online on Amazon. You can also opt to let nails air dry. Remember drying time can also be dictated by the thickness of nail coat. Apply 1 to 2 thin coats, and wait at least 2 minutes between each nail coat you apply. There is also fast drying nail polishes, top coats, and nail sprays that will help lesson drying time.
Another drying technique you could try to speed up the drying process is by the cool water technique. Wait until after your nails have dry at least two minutes. You can put your hands in a bowl of cool water and leave your hands in for a few seconds. This technique will help your nails set faster and speed up the drying time. Remember though do not attempt to dry hands off with a towel or cloth because its unnecessary and this will definitely mess up your nail polish.
One more technique to get your nails to dry faster is using the blow dryer. Keep your blow dryer settings on cool and hold dryer six to eight inches from nails. Dry for about three to five minutes and your nails will start to dry. Remember no matter what method you choose, drying nails completely is especially important. the last thing you want to happen is to have your nails get smudged or worse after all the work you have put in to achieve the look you are going for. Be patient and let nails dry completely, it will be so worth it!
Conclusion:
The Classic French Manicure is the easiest go to for every occasion when you want to have your nails help complete your outfit. Weddings, Proms, graduations, birthdays, formal events, business meeting. Whatever the event is the French Manicure will be more than appropriate and it will go with whatever you are wearing. It is my go-to for just about any celebratory event. I hope you found this post informative and the DIY instructions easy to follow. If you need more of a visual aid, you can go to YouTube for videos that show easy to follow DIY French Manicure nail sets. Check out the video link of a very easy DIY French Manicure video below on YouTube by Kelli Marissa. Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!
