A French manicure is timeless, but a seasonal twist on the neutral look is always welcome. Come winter, cool metallics and warm, jewel-toned hues are extra fitting. “This winter, I’m loving the chocolate brown nail trend,” says nail artist Naomi Yasuda. And for those who want to tap into the holiday cheer without going overboard, a French manicure offers the perfect opportunity to do so in an understated way.
Swap the traditional white tip for silver or red and you have a nod to the season that wouldn’t look out of place any other time of year. “I’m a fan of the classic French manicure, especially in a dark red shade,” Yasuda says. “Adding a fun pattern, like leopard or tortoise shell, on the tip can elevate the look.”
For those who are DIY-ing their winter French manicures, Yasuda offers some wisdom. “Begin by marking the center of the nail with a small dot to set the thickness of the French tip. Next, place two dots on either side to define the depth of the tip. Connect these dots with a curved line to complete the look.”
Ahead, find 15 winter French manicures to show your nail tech or try at home.
01 of 15
Sleek Silver
Nude French manicure with thin silver tips
@nailchark
Tap into the season’s festive nature with a metallic twist on a classic French. Making it thin and keeps the look extra sleek—a minimalist’s take on holiday cheer.
02
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An Icy French
A french manicure
@lolo.nailedit
In this subtle twist on a classic French, the white tip is blotted out for a snowy look. The addition of tiny gems makes things extra icy.
03
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Beautiful Bows
French manicure with gold bows
@polishedbymckenna
‘Tis the season of ribbon-wrapped things, and your nails need not be an exception. Thin gold bows look right at home on the tip of an understated French manicure.
04
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Pink and Shiny
A pair of hands in a metallic silver coat with a hot pink chrome french manicure
@rachelsuenails
Turn the dial up on a classic French with a hot pink chrome base. That’s hot.
05
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Chrome
French manicure with clear chrome
@klawsbysonia
For a more subtle upgrade, try clear chrome over a basic French manicure. The effect is icy and snow-like.
06
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Glitter Waves
A French manicure with white and silver glitter waves
@nailartbymolly
Waves of glitter add a funky ’70s feel vibe that’s still timeless and paired back. It’s a good way to dip your toes in glitter nails—a holiday nail for the clean girl set if you will.
07
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Hand With Chocolate Brown French Manicure
Courtesy of Lilac St.
Though a traditional French creates a tip through color, this chocolate brown set from Lilac St does so through texture, with a matte base and a shiny tip. Recreate it at home with your favorite matte polish.
08
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Emerald Green
Hands with a french manicure with a salmon pink base and emerald green tips.
@madnails
Jewel-tone tips are fitting this time of year. A little trompe l’oeil, summoned through painted on glare or sparkles, gives the feel of a comic book or a ’50s talk show logo.
09
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Cherry Red
Hand with a red tipped french manicure and tattoos that read Easy
@madnails
A cherry red tip is a natural fit for November or December, when red clothes and decor reign supreme.
10
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Black Tips
Hand with nude nail polish and a black French tip
@gossipandgloss
While summer may be all about pastels and neons, winter offers an opportunity for darker, moodier nails. Try a spooky black tip.
11
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Mixed Metals
A hand with a mixed metallic french manicure
@tipsxtara
Forget being a gold girl or a silver girl, mixing metals has never been more in. Alternate gold and silver tips over a clear chrome base to get this look.
12
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Tortoise Shell
A French manicure with a nude base and a tortoise shell tip
@klawsbysonia
A full tortoiseshell manicure can be a lot, but doing a French tip’s worth of tortoiseshell is just the right amount of playful.
13
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Brown Tips
A french manicure with warm brown tips
@rachelsuenails
Tap into the chocolate brown trend with this hot chocolate inspired take on a French manicure.
14
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Subtle Sparkles
French manicure with sparkles under the white tip
@nailchark
If you’re not ready to stray too far from the classic French, try a very thin line of glitter just above the white tip.
15
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Candy Cane French
Red manicure with candy cane striped french tips
@polishedbymckenna
Try a very merry twist on the classic French with a candy cane-inspired tip. Whether as an accent nail or a full manicure, it screams winter.
