I’ve had it on my radar for a while to try out using the silicone stamper trend to create french tip nails. So I thought I would also take the chance to run through 5 French Tip Nail Art Techniques that you can do at home!
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French Tip Nail Art with guideline stickers
This is one of the most common methods that people are familiar with.
Start by applying a light/nude base colour, assuming you’re going for a classic french tip style. You can also use bright colours if you prefer.
Let this completely dry. Add the guideline stickers to the bottom of your nail, then apply the tip colour (generally white). I recommend painting away from the sticker to ensure that none of the polish goes underneath the sticker ruining the straight line.
This is one that I have completed a while ago. The full details can be found here: Blue French Tip Manicure | Nail Art Tutorial
Nail Stickers
This method is even easier than the guideline stickers as there isn’t any additional painting required. However, you will need stickers that are designed to create the french tip look.
Simply apply your base colour to the nail. Then apply the correctly sized sticker to your nail. If it’s a little big just trim off the excess.
The only issue I found when creating this design was that the stickers I had didn’t have enough that was long enough to cover the full nail and so a few fell short.
Free-hand French Tip Nail Art
This method needs a very steady hand, which I don’t have (hence no picture for this method)! But it’s worth trying out to see if you have the skill to pull it off.
Follow the same method as the guideline sticker design however skip the part where you apply the guideline sticker. Rather just paint a straight line as much as possible at the bottom of the nail, trying to keep the lines on each nail the same size.
Nail Stamping
This is a great method to create even full coverage with beautiful neat lines.
Start with the base colour. Grab your stamping plate and stamping polish and apply the image to your nail. You might need to experiment to see which size suits you best. Maniology has a great plate for this technique called Pardon My French (M052). You can use my code THENAILCHRONICLE for 10% off at Maniology.
You can also use patterned stamping plates, which is what I used for this design:
Silicone Stamper Trend
I’ve saved the most interesting for last. For this technique, you will need a silicone stamper. I recommend either a cheap one or an old one as this technique can damage the stamper. In my case, I used both a cheap and old stamper that was already slightly damaged on the side.
Apply the base colour to your nails and let them dry. For my attempt, I used one coat of Sally Hansen – “Shell We Dance?”. For most other nail art I would generally apply at least 3 coats of this polish however, for french tip nail art 1 to 2 is sufficient.
When your nails are dry, apply the polish on the stamper. I used my favourite plain white, OPI Alpine Snow. Then press your nail into the stamper trying to keep the line straight and deep enough to cover the tip of your nail.
Some tips
- Keep your nail as straight as possible
- Use the bottom section of the polish so that you don’t get too much polish under your nail.
- If you have it available, apply peel off latex barrier to make clean up easier, especially for under your nail and on the sides.
Check out my video below for more details
So…Which of the 5 French Tip Nail Art Techniques is best
Well, this really depends on personal preference. On my IG (@theNailChronicle) I sent out a poll asking preferred methods for French Tip Nail Art and the results were pretty equal.
I’ve put this chart together to hopefully help you decide which method is best for you!
Personally, I prefer the guideline sticker method. However, I could see the stamper method becoming a favourite after a bit of practice.
Comment below the method that you prefer.
