Is there anything that can make you feel as effortlessly glamorous as a freshly painted set of classic French tip nails?
While this nail look appears simple, anyone who’s ever tried to do it at home knows it can be anything but. And that’s why Mamamia spoke to nail technician Kristine Unwin – to make sure the next time you want to try a French manicure at home, it turns out perfectly.
Listen: Should we let our young daughters get manicures?
Kristine, owner of Nailesthetic Melbourne, takes us through this step-by-step guide to how to do french tips at home. But first, make sure you have the following: nail file, a cuticle stick (if using) band-aids or sticky tape, nail polish in pale pink or beige (see below), nail polish in white and a bottle of topcoat.
Step 1: Preparation.
Kristine says it’s crucial to take the time to gently push back your cuticles. This will ensure your French manicure lasts longer, as the nail polish won’t lift from the base of your nail.
You could use a cuticle stick for this or if you don’t have one on hand, Kristine suggests using your thumb nail.
“You just need something that’s able to push back the cuticle without damaging the nail bed. If you’re finding that they’re really hard, soak them in some soft soapy water so they’re soft so you can push them back.”
“I’d just get a bit of a body scrub and do a scrub on your hands.”
Step 2: Shape your nails.
Next, shape your nails with a file, being careful to file only in one direction.
“If you’re going left, keep going left. Don’t see-saw – it will shave into the nail and break the fires of the nails,” Kristine says.