Seasonal shades and trendy nail art are fun, but nail lovers can always rely on a timeless French manicure. The iconic arched tips can be worn at any time, in any season, for any occasion, and flatter every nail shape and length. If you love a traditional French, you’re going to be jazzed about this latest nail trend: the double French manicure. Double French manicures aren’t the first time the classic French has gotten a fresh twist (see the sleek reverse French manicure or Heidi Klum’s rainbow French), but this latest iteration is one we can’t wait to try.
In its simplest definition, a double French manicure is not one sliver of color at the nail tip, but two (it’s also referred to as “floating” French tips). Not unlike the arched style of the original, a double French manicure is ripe for creativity and customization—we’ve seen the trend using every color, width and even nail shape. Ready to make an elegant statement? Check out our favorite double French manicures to inspire your next nail appointment.
Classic, But Make it a Double
Nail artist Alexandra Teleki proves a minimalist double French is a show-stopping manicure—and that a little floral nail art or gold foil adds extra oomph.
All That Glitters
Go-to celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein counts Zoe Kravitz, Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman as devoted clients. Here, Goldstein kicks up the double French trend by several notches with glittering shimmers, including a of black and silver micro style for actress Gemma Chan.
Going for Gold
Bridal nails are traditionally pretty understated, but Teleki and nail artist Chels Lou combine a French manicure with gold to add a subtle sparkle and sheen for a new wedding day favorite. They prove the style looks great on any nail shape.
Pretty Pinks
Barbie season may be long over, but pink nails are always on trend. They look even better here, with various shades of pink arches contrasting and complementing the other.
Half-Moon Magic
Upgrade your half-moon manicure with double French tips. We especially love mixing colors like Goldstein did with this bright red, vibrant pink and white combo or using jewel tones, like she did with this emerald and black look.
Complementary Colors
Lou lets complementing shades of greens, oranges, yellows, purples and blues pop on each nail tip, making a rainbow French manicure even more fun.
I’ve Got the Blues
A hint of blue never looked so chic. Nail artist Alyx Lippiatt created a cobalt blue double French manicure using TWENTY™ Pro Official’s Santorini gel nail color. Nail artist Amber Hancock created a slimmer double French with The Gel Bottle’s Electric Blue.
Back in Black
Color French manicures deserve their own accolades, but I can’t stop staring at these black tips. Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton keeps it simple and striking with a black monochrome double French. Teleki, on the other hand, used The Gel Bottle’s Glass Black to create a sheer and smoky-tip effect. Then she added a sliver of Jet Black to make the defining line and blink-and-you’ll-miss-them hearts.
Ruby Red
If there’s any other manicure that can match the timelessness of a French, it’s red nails. Shelton combines the two classics for an elevated everyday look.
Sweet and Spicy
Perfect for Valentine’s Day but chic enough to wear anytime, this manicure by Lou is equal parts sweet and spicy. Take any milky-pink base color and add micro pink and red tips for a playful look.
Double Corner French
A Chanel watch inspired Goldstein to create this black and white double-corner French manicure. Naturally, the nail artist turned to Chanel nail products to get the look, including the best-selling Le Vernis in Ballerina.
