The Straight French Manicure Is a Chic, Modern Take on the Classic

The Straight French Manicure Is a Chic, Modern Take on the Classic

The French manicure’s allure lies in its timeless nature. Subtle twists continue to keep the French manicure atop the trend lists, whether it be glass tips or a fresh take on the shape. Generally, the French manicure features a curved line at the top that slopes with the nail’s shape. However, with square nails seeing a resurgence, we’ve noticed straight French manicures getting their moment in the spotlight with stars like Demi Lovato sporting the look.

“The straight French manicure is a twist on the traditional French manicure where the tip is a straight line across rather than curving up into the sides,” explains nail artist and Global Education Manager at ORLY, Julie Ventura. She notes that a straight French manicure looks best with square or coffin-shaped nails.

Straight French manicure
IG: @vsbeautystation

Luckily, this chic modern update on the classic manicure is fairly simple to achieve. “Start by filing your nail to a sharp square or a coffin shape for longer nails. Then polish the nail with one to two coats of a sheer white or nude lacquer like Pink Nude ($11),” instructs Ventura.

Then “grab a bright white, like White Tips ($11), or switch it up with a fun pop of color or metallic polish,” advises Venture. “Hold the brush sideways and gently swipe the very tip of the free-edge in a straight line across.” Pro-tip: “For your non-dominant hand, it helps to hold the brush steady and gently move your nail instead.”

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