This Old-School Pedicure Is Officially #1 on My FYP—Here's Why It's So Stylish in 2026

I usually keep it simple with pedicures, opting for a single wash of color in any number of stylish shades. Lately, though, I've been tempted to branch out from my basic aesthetic and embrace an outdated trend that's made its way back into the limelight. I'm talking about the old-school French pedicure. Yep, the same French pedicure that was number one throughout the late '90s and early 2000s. It's been flooding my FYP all summer, but recently, it's reached peak saturation with celebrity nail artists and hot-ticket salons showing off all kinds of ultra-chic iterations.

The French pedicure is out of trend hibernation thanks to two things: the internet's obsession with sophisticated nail designs and all things Y2K. (I'm looking at you, Zara Larsson!) Regardless, it's the most stylish pedicure of summer 2026. Keep scrolling for all the evidence you need.

What is a French pedicure?

A French pedicure is the same thing as a French manicure—just, well, on the toes. It's a simple, minimalist design that traditionally involves painting a crisp white or off-white line across the top of each nail, although some French pedicures incorporate other colors like pink and butter yellow. When doing a French pedicure at home, the trick is to focus on the nail and cuticle prep, ensuring you have a clean, fresh, and precise base to work with.

French Pedicure Inspo

A French pedicure looks so chic peeking out from under light-wash denim.

Minimalists will love the micro-French pedi, a subtle take on the traditional look.

This squared-off French pedicure is giving early-2000s vibes in the best way.

If you want something different, try a pink jelly base for your French pedi.

Butter-yellow French pedicures are everywhere right now.

Multicolored French pedicures feel especially playful and summery.

How to Do a French Pedicure

Step 1: Foot & Cuticle Prep

Precise nail and cuticle prep is *everything* when attempting a DIY French pedicure. Depending on personal preference, time, and comfort level, nail artists often recommend soaking your feet for five to 10 minutes, exfoliating with a foot scrub, and then applying a cuticle remover to the base of the toes before pushing the cuticles back with a tool. Sally Hansen's Instant Cuticle Remover ($6) is my go-to. It works in 30 seconds and makes my nail beds look so smooth and fresh. Did I mention it comes highly recommended from an IG-famous dermatologist?

Step 2: The Base Color

Once the feet and cuticles are prepped, it's time to paint. Start with a base color. Traditionally, sheer, neutral nail colors have been used for this, but don't be afraid to mix a few shades to find your perfect one. This is a tip I learned from Hailey Bieber's nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, who never uses just one shade. She mixes them to create a bespoke shade that complements each client's skin tone. A few of her go-to colors are below. You can also veer away from standard neutrals and choose a jelly one. Sheer pink, butter yellow, and lilac are flooding my FYP.

Step 3: The French Pedi

There are a couple of different ways you can create a professional-looking French pedicure at home. First, you can use a tapered nail brush to manually paint it across the top of the nail. This method works if you have a steady hand. Personally, though, I like using a stencil to get the perfect half-moon shape. I like Orly's Half Moon Guides ($7), which are wide enough to fit my toes just as well as they fit my fingers.