I don’t know about you, but my nail aesthetic is constantly changing. One day I’m all for short, square and chrome and the next it’s long, glossy almond tips. Thanks in part to TikTok and also to celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kelsea Ballerini, nail trends are always evolving, but one style that will never fail us is the French manicure.
I remember getting my first manicure as a wee girl and asking my mom to let me get a French manicure just like her. For some time, though, the French manicure was seen as “basic,” but nowadays there are tons of variations on the classic style that suit any aesthetic, one of which being “baby French nails.” If you’re looking for a simple, tasteful style to accompany you to Summer weddings, a beachside vacation or anywhere in between, check out this expert guide to baby French nails.
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What are baby French nails?
“Baby French nails have often been referred to as ‘micro French’ nails in years past,” explains celebrity manicurist Stephanie Stone, whose A-list roster includes Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish and Hailey Bieber. Essentially, as founder and CEO of PLA Beauty Michelle Nguyen puts it, “Baby French nails are similar to standard French nails, but the strip of white (or any other other color) is much, much thinner.”
“The great thing about baby French nails is how versatile they are,” says Nguyen. “You can really use any color or shape with this style. White is always a classic, but you can also spice things up with vibrant neons or rich jewel tones. Feel free to also play with nail shape; anything that works with a regular French manicure will also look great with baby French nails.”
How are baby French nails different?
“While the traditional French tip is often painted to give a stark sheer pink to white contrast in its lining, baby French is painted with ‘barely there’ intention,” says Stone. “A baby French tip can be so subtle in its application, you might not even notice it without looking up close.” Nguyen adds that “Baby French nails can look a little more chic, sophisticated, and subtle due to how thin they are.”