Fashion People Are Wearing French Tips on Their Nails Right Now—11 Chic Designs We're Taking to the Salon

In need of some nail inspiration this month? These are the chicest French manicure ideas we've bookmarked for April 2026.

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A collage of French manicure designs our editors have bookmarked for april 2026, including a peach French mani, an olive green French manicure and a classic white French tip
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland, @matejanova, @paintedbyjools)
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Now that April is here (and spring has finally sprung), it only feels right to embrace some spring nail trends and April nail colours to welcome in the new season. And this month, I'm all about the French manicure. I'm seeing it on the most stylish of hands this month, and for me, it's the perfect pairing of a timeless manicure and nail art, allowing you to go for a classic French mani or go for something bolder. How about a colourful French tip? Or maybe even a micro French in a springtime pastel colour? The opportunities really are endless.

If you, too, are considering a French manicure for your April nail appointment, then you're in well-manicured hands. I've been scrolling through my feeds to bring you all the inspo to take to your salon appointment. Whether you're a French manicure traditionalist or a nail art maximalist, these are the French manicure ideas I've bookmarked for April. Decisions, decisions...

1. Micro French

A close-up of a white micro French manicure

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

If a classic French manicure feels a bit dated now, then why not try a micro French tip instead? The narrower line makes it feel far cooler for 2026.

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2. Mint French

A short square manicure with a pastel green French tip

(Image credit: @corrinnabianca)

Spring is the time of the year to welcome back those bright springtime pastel nail colours. And how crisp is this minty green French manicure?

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3. Pastel French Tips

A close-up of longer oval nails with a different pastel French manicure on each nail

(Image credit: @matejanova)

Can't decide on just the one colour? Why not go for a different hue on each nail? This pastel combo is so perfect for spring.

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4. Classic French

A short round manicure with a classic pink base and white French tips

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Sometimes, you can't go wrong with a classic French manicure. If you fancy mixing it up, however, why not try a different colour base from your usual pink? The kit below from Manucurist has everything you need for a perfect French, and you can even choose your base colour.

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5. Floral French

A short manicure with yellow French tips and tiny daisy nail art

(Image credit: @matejanova)

Floral nail art is the easiest way to update your French manicure, and these daises are so spring-coded.

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6. Soft French

Rounded nails with a soft French manicure

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

I get it, a white French tip can sometimes feel too stark. So why not try a soft French instead? Rather than an opaque white tip, try a sheer white nail polish or soft cream for a more natural-looking and softer French mani. Essie's Marshmallow is the perfect milky white.

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7. Peach French

A close-up of a French manicure with pastel peach French tips

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Peachy tips are a fun way to welcome in the spring season, and they happen to pop even more on short nails.

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8. Sunny French

A close-up of a bright yellow French manicure on short nails

(Image credit: @matejanova)

If there anything more joy-inducing than a sunshine yellow French tip? I think not.

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9. Squoval French

Hands holding a pair of sunglasses, with the nails shaped into a square shape and painted with a white French tip

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

It's not just about the colour of your French manicure, but your nail shape can affect the entire vibe too. I'm particularly taken with this squoval French manicure, which has a square shape with rounded edges.

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10. Olive French

A short square manicyre with olive green French tips

(Image credit: @matejanova)

How chic is this olive French manicure? If you look closer, you'll also spot the gold accent that makes it pop even more. It looks so elevated on short nails, too.

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11. Riviera French

A close-up of a French manicure with a micro-French tips in sky blue

(Image credit: @matejanova)

Whilst we can't gurantee sunny springtime days, a bright blue French tip will bring you a dose of dopamine every time you glance at your nails.

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Eleanor Vousden
Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.

With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.