If Your French Tips Feel Dated, These Fresh Designs Are the Perfect Alternative This Summer
Want to elevate your classic French manicure for summer? Scroll down for 21 fresh ideas to take to your next salon trip.
I love trying trending nail art or a bold colour here and there when it comes to my manicures; however, if there’s one thing that I (and my nail artist) can guarantee, it’s that I'll always return to my trusty French tip. Simple, polished and effortlessly elegant, it's no surprise that this pared-back design has managed to stand the test of time against ever-evolving nail trends. But with summer finally here, and temperatures rising well above 30°C, I’m in the mood for something just a little more elevated than a classic nude-and-white French manicure.
My first port of call? Instagram, of course, and after hours spent scrolling on the accounts of my go-to manicurists, my saved folder is now full of a plethora of fresh takes on the classic French manicure. From elegant onyx styles to playful multi-coloured iterations, there are plenty of styles that perfectly strike the balance between feeling stylish for summer 2026, and, in true French-tip fashion, remaining elegant and anti-trend.
So if you, too, are in need of some French nail ideas for summer 2026, then look no further, as below, I’ve rounded up an edit of the chicest styles to save for your next salon visit. Keep scrolling for summer 2026 French-tip nail inspiration, then browse the products you’ll need to re-create the look at home.
French Nail Inspiration:
1. Classic French Nails
Of course, I had to start this off with the classic French mani. I mean, it will literally never date.
2. Multi-Colour French Nails
Mix-and-match nails are in at the moment, and this French-tip iteration is a subtle but no less impactful take on the trend.
3. Matcha French Nails
Matcha French-tips? Please, sign me up!
4. Lilac French Nails
This pretty lilac shade manages to feel both elevated and classic at the same time.
5. Pink French Nails
An elegant way to inject some colour to your look.
6. Milky French Nails
This Funnybunny base with the white tips is just so good.
7. Rouge French Nails
Want a bold red nail but aren't ready to fully commit? Well look no further than this polished take on the classic red manicure.
8. Onyx French Nails
Simple, chic and anti-trend, this unexpected onyx manicure is sure to earn you compliments this summer.
9. Sky Blue French Nails
This elegant sky blue hue doesn't feel too far off from white.
10. Tangerine French Nails
I'd never usually opt for an orange mani, but these tangerine tips are tempting me.
11. Burgundy French Nails
The French girls would adore these.
12. Metallic French Nails
Metallics aren't just for the festive season.
13. Cobalt Blue French Nails
With Mediterranean nails being all the rage right now, these cobalt blue tips feel perfect for a European getaway.
14. Double Espresso French Nails
This double espresso iteration is calling to me.
15. Two-Tone French Nails
If you're feeling brave, scrap the neutral base altogether and opt for bold colours that clash in the best way possible.
16. Soft French Nails
This is perfect for those who find normal French-tips too harsh.
17. Short French Nails
Yes, French-tips can look just as chic on short nails as they do long.
18. Square French Nails
Don't square nails always look so polished?
19. Deep French-Tip Nails
Deep French tips have such a '90s feel to them.
20. Glazed Doughnut French Nails
Glazed Doughnut nails will always get a yes from me.
21. Reverse French Nails
The easiest way to get a fresh mani for summer? Reverse French-tips, of course, and these are very cool.
Shop the Best French Nail Products
Every good manicure starts with nail care.
An easy kit to have on thsoe days you want a classic French mani,
For tha extra glassy finish.
This customisable set will allow you switch up your French nail colour combos as much as you'd like.
This will help with precision.
I'm dreaming of a mocha French mani with this brown set.
