The French Manicure is the famous classic, feminine and elegant finish for a “clean and natural” look. The bright white tips contrasting with light pink or beige nail bed creates the distinctive French Manicure.

The timeless French style uses pinks, whites and neutral beige shades. For the Perfect French Manicure the nails need some length and all the nails need to be even in length. French polish is a popular request in nail studios and beauty salons for everyday look to special occasions. The French Manicure is also a popular request for the bride to achieve a natural, yet sophisticated style. The emphasis is on the bride, her dress and accessories, not her nails. Yet she still wants a professional and beautiful finish on her nails.  

Another appeal of the French Manicure is that it looks “professional”, yet in an understated way - not just bare nails, but enhanced for a neutral, yet polished groomed look. This makes it appealing for everyone, from teenagers to businesswomen, celebrities, brides and everyone from casual to formal – the French Manicure is a winner!

A French Manicure usually requires two colors and a base and top coat –a translucent pink or beige base color that enhances the natural nail color, and white for the tips. The skin or pink color is applied first; then the white is added to the nail tips. The white polish is applied free-hand or with guides.

Airbrushing allows the white enamel for the nails and tips of nails to be sprayed on. This results in a perfect application.

Even nail length is ideal for the French Manicure, however you can compensate for nails which are not exactly the same length. You can slightly adjust paint application to create a uniform look, without having to wait for the nails to grow longer.

For a truly professional French Manicure, accuracy and careful attention to detail is necessary.

A French Manicure may be topped with opalescence, sparkling gleam, frosting, or a pearly look coat of polish giving a frosted or shimmery look.

The advantage of the clean and simple look of the traditional French Manicure is the flexibility it allows for creativity in nail art. Fashion patterns and special decals can be used to dress-up the nails for a dash of creativity or an elaborate expression of art and style.

The French Manicure Procedure:

Shape the nails - Trim nails, file and shape for smooth edges.

Cuticles – Gently push back cuticles with cotton-wrapped orange stick. With a cuticle nipper remove any excess cuticle skin. Apply cuticle treatment and massage into nail bed.

Base Coat - Clean nails and apply base coat.

Apply White to Tips – Use free-hand or apply guide strips to apply white nail color to the nail tips.

Apply Opaque Nail Color – A Pinky-beige opaque nail color is carefully applied to the whole nail. A second coat may be applied (optional)

Apply Top coat – Top coat to seal and finish your French Manicure.

Belinda Meyer publishes information for the salon and spa industry. She offers information relating to health, beauty therapy, spa treatments, skin care, hair and more. 

© Belinda Meyer http://www.salonprofit.net