When it comes to my nails, I’m a creature of habit. Every two weeks I head to my appointment, where my manicurist, knowing the drill, will ask: “Your usual micro French?” But at my next appointment, I’m determined to switch things up. Inspired by stars like Sienna Spiro and Cynthia Erivo, I’ve had my head turned by “horizontal” French tips.
What are horizontal French tip nails, and how do they differ from a classic French manicure?
@nailsbymei
Not to be confused with the “deep” French tip, which is similarly chunky and ’90s-inspired but traces a subtle curve, horizontal French tips are painted straight across the nail for a sharper, more graphic finish. New York-based nail artist Mei Kawajiri, aka Nails by Mei, took to Instagram this week to share her latest work on singer Sienna Spiro: a set of horizontal gold chrome French tips, further enhanced with gems at the base of each nail.
Nail artist Lizzy Trow (@_citre on Instagram) has been creating plenty of these looks for clients recently, and believes the go-big-or-go-home manicure is trending because it gives the classic French a bold, retro spin. “It’s such an interesting take on the classic French manicure because of how the line goes straight across rather than following the nail curve,” says Trow. “That makes it a little bit more graphic than usual,” she adds. “Spiro’s manicure in particular is a nod to her ’60s style, but the gems put a modern twist on it.”
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How do you achieve the horizontal French manicure?
French tips are notoriously tricky to perfect, but this level line takes some of the fuss out of the process. Of course, the polish you choose has a part to play, too. “Chrome is notorious for chipping, especially on the tip,” says Trow. “If you’re inspired by Spiro, my advice would be to ask your nail tech to file the nail before the last coat of polish, so you’re not revealing that edge.” Another fun way to do the trend? “Use a cat eye gel for the tip,” says Trow. “That way, you can make your nails look really funky – especially if you mix and match colours.”
That said, choosing a nude base polish like Spiro’s helps with longevity, says Trow. “This makes any regrowth far less noticeable. Ultimately, a French style like this is a timeless classic. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any take on a French manicure.”
Below, even more horizontal French manicure inspiration to take to your manicurist.
Turquoise French
Becca’s turquoise tips are studded with metal embellishments, creating a pierced effect.
Animal-print tips
Lizzy’s chunky animal-print tips offer more surface area to play around with patterns and shades.
Pillbox French
Queenie Nguyen’s pick-and-mix manicure combines block colours and cat-eye shades to create a pill-like effect.
Mint-green French
The coffin shape, mint-green polish and dainty sequins make these some of the most eye-catching horizontal French tips we’ve seen.
Lavender French
Proof that straight-across tips look just as good on square nails as they do on almond shapes.
Pick-and-mix French
This combination of cat eye and solid French tips mixes soft pastels with deeper shades, for a pick-and-mix feel.
Mirror French
Cat eye and chrome are a match made in heaven on this straight-across French tip set.
Cat-eye French
This set uses cat-eye polish manipulated in different directions, to create a multidimensional effect across the tips and base.
Glitter micro-French
The horizontal look works just as well on micro French tips, too.
Stripy French
These square nails were made for layered, straight-across French tips that create a striped effect, while the pink and burgundy colour combination feels perfect for autumn.