Longing for that classic French manicure look but feeling intimidated by the process? You’re not alone. Many people think achieving those perfect white tips requires a steady hand and special tools. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t! In fact, you don’t even need base coat or any fancy items for this easy DIY French nails look. Although you can go that extra mile with some extra touches, but this is totally optional. Follow along to see just how simple it can be.
What You’ll Need
- White nail polish……..I love the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri White On Time
- Gel-like top coat……..this Beetles Gel Nail Polish Builder Gel is a winner
- Small brush…..this CJP Beauty Concealer Brush works perfectly
- 100% Pure acetone…..I use this one
Why Choose Gel-Like Top Coat?
The key to this easy DIY French nails method is using a gel-like top coat. It’s thicker than regular polish, making your manicure more substantial. Don’t worry, no UV or LED lamp required! Although you can use one to strengthen the coating and reduce the drying time considerably. I use the YESDEX UV Nail Lamp as it fits both hands in at the same time and it gives an ultra fast drying time and is salon quality. It also comes with a mini UV nail dryer as well – great for little touch ups. The thickness of the gel-like top coat ensures your nails feel complete without needing multiple layers of polish, and it lasts a lot longer.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Start with Clean, Natural Nails
You don’t even need a base coat for this look. Keep it simple and straightforward. I do like to protect my nail beds though to stop them yellowing under the polish, so I purchased the Beetles 2 Pcs 15ml No Wipe Gel Top Coat and Base Coat Set and they work great.
2. Apply the White Polish
Draw a single, large, and sloppy line across the tip of your nail. Precision isn’t necessary at this stage.
3. Erase and Refine
Dip the small concealer brush into pure acetone. Make sure you have poured a little amount from your bottle of Acetone into a small bowl which is not easy to knock over. BE SURE to use an undermat to protect your tabletop from any spillage. Tap the brush onto your skin to remove excess acetone. This makes it easier to control the brush. Then, use the brush to clean up around the nail and refine the white line into a smooth, curved tip. This technique is all about erasing, so there’s no need for any prior skill or practice.
4. Customize the Thickness
Decide how thick or thin you want your French tips to be. You can keep them thick and bold or go for a more delicate, thin line. Continue to refine it as described above until you are happy with the result.
5. Apply Gel-Like Top Coat
Once you are satisfied with your white tips, apply a thick layer of your gel-like top coat. This will give your nails that polished, professional look, making them feel like a full, decent manicure even with just one layer of colour. Feel free to do more than one layer to extend the longevity of your new French manicure. Using the UV curing lamp in between the coats will also help with this through faster drying time and setting/curing the gel polish for extra strength and durability.
Why This Method Works
The simplicity of this easy DIY French nails technique is what makes it truly brilliant. No need for special tools or intricate skills. With just a few items, you can achieve a timeless and elegant look perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, a formal event, or just want to add some classic charm to your everyday look, this method is your go-to.
There you have it—an easy, no-fuss way to do a French manicure that anyone can master. Ditch the fear and embrace the elegance with this straightforward DIY approach. Try it out and let us know how it went in the comments below. You’ll be flaunting those classic French tips in no time!
Want to watch the process before you give it a go? Take a look at the video below.
