If French Tips Feel Dated, This Quietly Brewing Nail Trend Is the Perfect Alternative
Want to elevate your classic French manicure? The "soft French" is the most elegant way to do it.
There’s a time and place for a red manicure, and I’m always partial to a pale-pink nail, but the truth is that I opt for French tips at the salon more often than not. Whether I go for classic white, black or even something with colour, it’s a simple but elegant style that always leaves my nails looking put-together.
However, after trying what feels like literally every nail tip colour possible, I’ve been on the hunt for some fresh nail trends that feel just that little bit more elevated in time for my next nail appointment. My first port of call? My go-to manicurists, of course, and recently I couldn’t help but notice a new nail trend that’s just as elegant as your typical French tip but feels slightly more modern for 2026. Enter: soft French nails.
What Are Soft French Nails?
Much like the “soft serve” nails that dominated last summer, soft French nails incorporate a base coat with a blended French tip. It's a slightly more blurred take on the classic French tip, but still remains more defined than the "frombré" trend, resulting in a mani that closely resembles healthy and well-maintained natural nails.
A nude base and milky white tip tend to be the most popular combination, but the truth is, this nail trend can be recreated with any two colours of your choosing. As a self-proclaimed nail minimalist, I’ll be sticking to classic nail colours to create an elevated French manicure while still keeping the overall look pared-back and elegant.
Soft French nails are perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on the classic French manicure, whilst still wanting their nails to look timeless and put together. Keep scrolling for soft French nail inspiration, then browse the products you’ll need to recreate the look at home.
Soft French Nail Inspiration
One look at this mani had me running to the salon.
For something even more understated, ask for a soft "micro French" with a thinner white tip.
The perfect everyday manicure, if you ask me.
I love this peachy-pink base coat.
Obsessed with the glossy top coat on this set.
Shorter, square nails are always my go-to.
Best Products for Soft French Nails
Manucurist polishes come beauty-editor approved.
This sheer white gel polish will give you the blurred effect needed for a soft French mani.
This is the colour I always opt for at the salon.
Essie makes high-quality polishes at such an affordable price.
This French Manicure duo will make at-home gels much easier.
Use this kit to blur the edges of your French tips to get the "soft" look.
This is a base coat, top coat and nail strengthener all in one—an essential for a healthy mani that will last.
