This Is Already the Coolest Nail Trend of 2023

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. Swipe below to see all of the best colorful French tips for nail inspiration.

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. Supersize Shine

Unlike the mani above, the bigger, 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 2023 take on the colorful French manicure.