How to do a French manicure?

A French Manicure is one of the most popular nail art techniques. It creates a classy and well-groomed look to the nails. Here we are explaining how to do a traditional French manicure with the white tip, but did you know you can also make a Funky French with other colours? Replace the white with any gel polish colour that you prefer. Before we start, let’s list the items and products you need:

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR NAILS FOR PERFECT APPLICATION

We always like to say: your preparation is key. Make sure you follow these steps for optimal results.

  • Push the cuticles back using a Cuticle Pusher or an Orange Woodstick. Make sure you remove dead skin cells using these tools and a Polishing Block. Then this block file on your nail plate.
  • File the nail into the desired shape and wipe it down using the Cleaner on a lint free Nail Wipe to remove dust and last oils.
  • Apply a thin layer of Prep Booster to the full nail and let this air dry for 30 seconds.
  • Next is your favourite Base Coat. Apply a thin and even layer to the nail, making sure to keep about one millimetre distance from the cuticle. Cure the Base Coat for 60 seconds under the LED-lamp.

STEP 2: PINK GELLAC COLOUR 121

After your preparation, it is time to start with the gel polish. Depending on your preferred coverage, apply 1 or 2 layers of colour 121 French Pink and cure each layer for 60 seconds under the LED lamp. Keep one millimetre distance from the cuticle.

STEP 3: CREATING THE FRENCH TIP

For creating the classy white tip we recommend you to use colour 101 Soft White. Put a dot on the Nail Art Palette and take your French Manicure Brush. Dip the brush in the colour and start drawing the tip to decide the thickness of your nail art. Apply the gel in a thin layer to prevent it from being bulky. When you’re happy with the thickness of the nail tip, map out how long you want it at the sides. Make sure it is even on all nails. When you have decided the length at the sides you can create the half-moon design with the same brush. Pleased with the end result? Cure the colour for 60 seconds under the LED-lamp.

Although the design looks simple to the eye, perfecting this delicate nail art takes practice. If it didn’t work out the first time, wipe the design away with Cleaner and try again. You can do it!

Tip for shorter nails: you can now use our Fine Liner brush for more precision. The shorter your nail, the thinner the line should be at the free edge.

Tip for beginners: follow the white part of your existing nail. You can use this as a guideline and it will give you a very natural look.

STEP 4: SEAL THE DESIGN WITH TOP COAT

To protect your gel manicure and to maintain a beautiful shine, apply a Top Coat. Apply a thin layer on you full nail, making sure to keep a millimetre distance from your cuticle. Don’t forget the tip of your nail to prevent chipping and air bubbles. The latter is extra important with doing a French manicure. Cure the Top Coat under the LED-lamp for 60 seconds. Did you happen to use the Shine Top Coat? Let it cool down for one minute after curing and then remove the sticky layer with our Cleaner on a lint free Nail Wipe.

GOOD AFTERCARE FOR A FRENCH MANICURE

After spending that little extra time on your nails, you want them to last as long as possible, but how? Use a Cuticle Oil regularly to keep your cuticle and nails hydrated. For the best maintenance of the gel polish, we recommend avoiding direct contact with water for at least an hour before and after application. Wear gloves whenever you work with cleaning supplies, water or harsh chemicals.

ET VOILÀ, YOUR FRENCH MANICURE IS READY!