French Twist:
4 Ways to Update the Classic French Mani

By: Angie Sterkel

Think French manicures can only be created using pink, white and acrylic? Think again! Today’s modern manis are all about using out-of-the-box shades and techniques for a unique new look, and we spotted plenty of inspiring color combos at Fashion Week recently. So the next time your client requests a Frenchie, think beyond the pale and try one of these modern variations instead.

Asymmetrical Twist
Nails were a little off center at the Lauren Moffatt presentation—but it was all by design! Models’ nails were painted with two coats of OPI Don't Touch My Tutu as the base. Half were finished with a pop of diagonal color in A Roll in the Hague, a mustard shade, while the other half were polished with a diagonal created with The "It" Color, a vibrant red-orange color. To finish, the nails were topped with one coat of Don't Talk Bach to Me. Bottom line: fun color + diagonal placement = unique French mani!

Licorice Twist
At Tanya Taylor, the pros at Essie updated the French manicure using a color combination of Au Natural and Licorice. The retro-inspired clothing at the show featured beachy separates in bright pastel colors ranging from coral pinks to loud tangerines, so the edgy feel of the manicure helped ground the spring palette perfectly. They applied two coats of Au Natural then used Licorice to create the free edge. One coat of Matte About You over the whole nail completed the look. The result is still has the sleek and sophisticated feel you expect in a French manicure but with a glamorous new twist.


 

Shiny-Meets-Matte Twist
At Angel Sanchez, Creative Nail Design's Shelena Robinson kept the color palette really light and classic, but added her twist on the timeless nail look by incorporating a shiny and matte finish and an almond-shaped tip. The lighter section of the nail was a custom blend of CND Colours in Blueberry Whip, Tutu, Cream Washed and CND Additives in Pink Shimmer, and the darker edge of the nail was created with CND Colours in Blueberry Whip, Tutu, Eclectic Purple and Raspberry Plunge. This nail accentuated flushed pink cheeks and the color palette in the collection.

Bright Twist
For her spring show, designer Jenni Kayne selected a nude nail with bright yellow tips, requesting OPI Need Sunglasses? for a fun pop of color. OPI Don't Touch My Tutu was used as the base to provide contrast with the bright accent hue. Her collection exemplified “surf sophistication”—tying together elements of beachwear and great color combinations, so the classic mani with an unexpected pop of color on the nails brought the entire look together.