When you hear the phrase “French manicure” the first things you probably think of are sticky lip gloss, Juicy Couture pink sweatsuits, and low-rise jeans. That’s totally understandable since the French mani was basically the hottest nail trend during the early 2000s. Well, guess what, it is making a big comeback. But never fear, because the 2020 version of the French manicure is much cooler and way more fun. It has plenty of fun shapes, glitter, and colors that go well beyond the classic white tips.
The early 2000s are starting to make a comeback in the fashion world but with some twists of their own. The French manicure gives a classic nail look that dates all the way back to the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a modern and clean look that never really goes out of style. This style also makes your nails appear long and elegant for a look that is hard to top. But if you want to add a new modern French twist to your manicure, keep reading. We’ll start with the classic look. Then we’ll get you thinking about new shapes, colors, and embellishments. We’ll also provide you with 20 fun new ideas to completely update your French manicure for 2020 and beyond.
The Classic French Manicure
This classic manicure features a sheer nude on the base of your nails and a distinct thin white polish on the tips. Square tips give you a great throwback look. But rounded tips provide a more updated, current style. Short nails and extra thin tips offer an ultra-modern look.
Variations on a Theme
To brighten up the classic French manicure, you can paint your tips in bright colors to give your nails a fresh new look.
Added French Twist
Another variation on the classic theme is to add fun embellishments like butterflies, glitter, studs, and much more. It takes fun and kitschy to a whole new level.
Add new shapes, colors, and embellishments to really take your French manicure to the next level and be completely on trend for 2020. The following are 20 new French manicure ideas to help you get on this hot new trend for 2020.

20 French Manicure Ideas For 2020
- Yellow-Tipped French Manicure
Lose the white tips we are all so familiar with and give your French manicure a great pop of color. Yellow polish is fun and fresh.
- Wavy French Manicure
Update your French manicure with a new shape. The straight line is really played out, so why not use a wavy edge for your tips instead.
- Gold-Foil French Manicure
Give your French manicure a gilded touch by adding gold oval studs around your nail tips.
- Colorful French Manicure
To give your French manicure a truly colorful vibe you can paint each of your nails a different color. This creates a bright rainbow effect.
- Angled French Manicure
Give your tips an angled swoop. This is much cooler compared to the classic French manicure’s straight-across line that you’re used to.
- Blue-and-Brown French Manicure
For a really unique look combine two bold colors for your French manicure, a light-brown and a deep-teal polish.
- Neon Pink French Manicure
To really make a statement with your French manicure, paint your tips neon pink. It’s not just for summer. You can sport this all year long.
- Reverse French Manicure
Paint half-moon shapes on the bases of your nails rather than the tips for a cool inverse French manicure.
- Metallic French Manicure
Paint your tips with a metallic polish to give your French manicure a cool and edgy look.
- Cotton Candy French Manicure
Paint your tips in pastel cotton-candy colors for a sweet and simple French manicure.
- Red French Manicure
Paint your tips a vibrant red to give your French manicure a truly stunning look. Add a pop of gold to the bases of your nails and try sharp-angled tips for a completely unique look.
- Nike-Inspired French Manicure
Add the logo of your favorite brand of shoes to your new French manicure to really make a statement.
- Flame French Manicure
Give your French manicure some major heat by painting your tips in flame colors.
- Glitter French Manicure
Give your French manicure some sparkle by adding glitter tips with a nude base coat.
- Half-and-Half French Manicure
Give your French manicure a half-and-half look, with half of your tips cinnamon-brown and half-white. Color-block your nails, just like you do with your clothes.
- Minimalist French Manicure
For a super-minimalist look, combine a light base coat with a thin black line on the tips.
- Heart-Shaped French Manicure
Paint your tips in a heart-shape for a really fun and playful French manicure. Then use gold studs to top off your design.
- Geometric French Manicure
Split up your French manicure into three color shapes to give off a very cool geometric vibe.
- Sequin French Manicure
Add sequins to your tips to give your French manicure the feeling of a disco ball. It is the perfect look to sport at a New Year’s Eve party.
- Peach French Manicure
If you would like a more subtle French manicure vibe, choose a nice pale peach polish for your tips.
Table Of Contents
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Chapter 1 – The Best French Manicure Ideas For 2020
Chapter 2 – The Classic French Manicure
Chapter 3 – 20 French Manicure Ideas For 2020