Colorful French Tips Are Already the Coolest Nail Trend of 2025—Here Are 25 Ideas You'll Love

With the end of the year on its way, there has been a noticeable shift in the types of manicures that I've spotted on Instagram lately. Gone are the neutral yet pretty colors and basic shades that all the chicest people were stepping out in earlier this year, and in their place, a riot of cute nail art has risen in the ranks.

My Saved folder is bursting with nail designs, and I have to say that I'm thrilled with this shift to embracing color and pattern for the season ahead. That being said, I'm well aware that checkerboard nails and rainbow manis aren't for everyone, which is why I'm so excited about this emerging nail trend that I think even nail art cynics will adore: the colorful French-tip manicure.

With all of the fundamentals of the timeless French mani (glossy finishes, perfectly groomed nail beds, and a neutral base), this modern twist gives those classic white tips a colorful makeover. I first spotted manicurist Harriet Westmoreland experimenting with tips slicked with shades of soft apricot or pretty lilac on her clients and since then have seen the coolest girls sharing everything from cerulean blue manicures to mix-and-match tips. Let's just say I'm totally obsessed. Scroll below to see 25 of the best colorful French tips for nail inspiration.

25 Colorful French Tip Ideas

1. Tangerine Tops

This sunny orange shade is surprisingly neutral when nail tips are kept short and round.

2. Neutral Tones

If you're not a fan of bright colors, opt for a neutral shade that complements your skin tone.

3. Blue Moon

Opt for a bold color like blue to really show off those perfectly groomed nails.

4. Monochrome Shimmer

I always think black nails look chic, but if you're concerned about veering into '90s grunge territory, then dark nail tips with a hint of shimmer look so elegant.

5. Pastel Points

Proving that a colourful French manicure doesn't always have to feel pared-back, this cool mani will turn heads with its graphic pastel points.

6. Metallic Touches

Metallic, glitter, and holographic nail polishes tend to be relegated to party season, but this silver French mani proves that they can actually work all year round.

7. Opposites Attract

Turning the classic French manicure totally on its head, this polished nail look forgoes those boring white tips in favor of shiny black ones.

8. Rainbow Twist

Multicolored manicures are big news this year, but keeping the color to just the tips of your nails means your mani looks subtly playful.

9. Reverse French

Westmoreland calls this look the "reverse French," adding a pop of color close to the nail beds rather than at the tips. So cool.

10. Oscillating Nails

Why not alternate the color at your nail tips and your nail beds for a twist on the trend?

11. Abstract Tips

I love how these muted shades extend down the nail for more of a laid-back take on the French manicure.

12. Pretty Pastels

Lilac, blush pink, coral, and turquoise… This mani has all of this season's biggest shades in one look.

13. Two-Tone

Why opt for one nail polish color when these tips look so good with two?

14. Golden Touch

A full gold manicure might feel a bit OTT, but these sleek tips look so expensive.

15. Split Tips

Take a half-and-half approach like this part-red, part-peach manicure. So cool.

16. Barely There

I love how delicately these pastel-blue nail tips have been painted on—it almost looks like a classic French manicure at first glance.

17. Blinged-Out

Unlike the mani above, the more blinged-out, the better when it comes to the nail tips here. I love it.

18. '70s Vibes

Psychedelic patterns and all the colors of the rainbow mean this nail art will definitely turn heads.

19. Lilac Gloss

Seriously, how shiny are these nails? The soft lilac tips and oh-so-glossy nails look simply stunning.

20. 5-Shade Surprise

Go wild and pick a different shade for each tip for the ultimate 2024 take on the colorful French manicure.

21. Warm and Cozy

These rich, teddy bear nails make me feel cozy just by looking at them.

22. Double Burgundy

The burgundy nail trend is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. I love the extra-thin line by the cuticles here.

23. Cobalt Dream

Cobalt-blue nails make such a statement, no matter the season.

24. In the Forest

Forest-green French tips are the epitome of chic.

25. Glazed Doughnut French Tips

A glazed French mani is just delicious, don't you think?

Can French Tips Be Any Color?

I'm sure you can guess our answer to this one: absolutely! While typically French manis feature a sheer pink base with stark white tips, you can really choose any shades you fancy. In fact, if you choose anything but pink and white, I'll know you have an eye for nail trends. Cobalt blue, metallic gold, rich burgundy… The possibilities are endless, and that's where this guide comes into play.

How to Do Colorful French Tips at Home

It may take some practice (and a load of patience), but mastering French tips at home is easier than you might think. Simply follow these steps below.

• Cut, file, and shape: Shape your nails however you please (round, square, squoval, almond, etc.) and buff them to smooth any rough edges. Don't forget to apply cuticle oil; frayed nail beds can totally take away from an elevated mani!
• Paint your base: Apply a clear base coat to each fingertip, let it dry for a beat. Then layer on a sheer polish (a hazy pink tends to be the most popular). This will be your foundation for those French tips.
• Let it dry: Let the base dry for at least five minutes before attempting to paint the tips, or you'll likely smudge the underlying polish.
• Paint the tips: Grab a fine-tipped nail brush (here's a handy set from Amazon), dip it into your polish color of choice, and trace the edge of your nail. I recommend starting slow and thickening the line with multiple coats. Taking breaks is okay!
• Apply topcoat: Once each nail has its French tip, layer on a glossy topcoat to lock in the polish.

What Nail Shape Looks Best With French Tips?

Short answer? Feel free to shape your nails however you please! A classic French mani will typically feature almond or short square nails (very chic), but French tips look gorgeous on round or long, coffin nails, too. The world is your oyster here.