We never thought we’d say this, but the French manicure is making a major comeback. This time, though, it’s not the understated nude nail with a skinny white stripe favored by politicians nor the ombré baby boomer version loved by beauty queens. This version is dramatic, bold, and glamorous — and New Yorkers, including one Bella Hadid, can’t get enough of it.
Rita De Alencar Pinto, owner and founder of NYC’s Vanity Projects nail salon, tells us that lately everyone has been asking for what she calls the "deep French," a style classified by its heavy white tips. "The deep French takes up a bigger space on the nail compared to a traditional French," explains Pinto, adding that it nods to the disco era and the many women who wore this look decades before it popped up on Instagram — including those who favored pink-and-white acrylics. "We started seeing it a little bit last year, but after Bella Hadid wore a deep French manicure, it really re-energized the trend, and it’s been a huge request at the salon ever since," Pinto says.
Ahead, get a close-up look at the supermodel’s chic mani, plus our favorite variations on Instagram, to serve as inspiration for your next salon appointment.
A couple weeks ago, celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin shared this video of Hadid getting glammed up for the CFDA Fashion Awards — and it quickly went viral. But while everyone else was mesmerized watching her makeup artist rub nude gloss over the contours her lips, we were laser focused on Hadid’s fingertips: long, elegant, and movie-star worthy.
Vanity Projects artists love pairing the deep French with long, almond-shaped tips. "People are requesting this exact style because it’s universally flattering, and super chic," Pinto tells us.
You can also square off your ends in a coffin style for a modern take on the classic look.
Not ready to fully commit? Try out the look with accent nails as opposed to a complete set.
And it’s not just white tips that are back in fashion; Vanity Projects says many clients are requesting bold colors in a style that’s also been described as French-dip nails. "It is definitely a big request in the salon — both in white and bright neon colors," says Pinto. "It’s fun to add a different color to the tip to make it pop."
This sunny-yellow version screams summer, and also makes for one easy grow-out process.
Like this post? There’s more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and inspiration on the Refinery29 Pinterest page — we’ll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Jaclyn Hill Is Giving Every Person Who Bought Her Lipstick A Refund
Rihanna Wore Red Hair To The BET Awards — & Fans Think It’s A Major Clue
Lizzo Rocked Her Natural Hair To The BET Awards
Source: Refinery29 – Megan Decker