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Manicure: French Manicures

The popularity of the French manicure is undeniable. Maybe it's because of the versatility that is offered by a French manicure. They allow you to have groomed and polished looking hands without having to worry about picking a color. Picking a color is one of my least favorite things about getting a manicure, especially at a nail salon. I always end up picking a color that I don't like once it's on my nails. Then I either have to live with the unfortunate color or embarrassedly ask the manicurist to change the color. That's the beauty of a French manicure. There really aren't that many decisions to be made. Sure you may have to choose between white and off white for your tips, or possibly have to choose between blush and beige for the base color; compared to having to choose between wild orchid or pink palm, that decision is for amateurs.

French manicure designs are normally done in nail salons. This is because salons carry all the equipment (and talent) to create some amazing designs. A popular method of applying a French manicure is through an airbrush machine, which gives the nails a smooth, even line when painting the tips white. Often manicurists will use the airbrush machine to create stunning designs. For example, instead of airbrushing a classic white line on the tips, you can use a stencil to create upward points (resembling triangles). This gives you the classic look of a French manicure while providing a special and unique touch. If you prefer to add color to your French manicure, you could have the manicurist draw or airbrush a small design on your fingernail. Popular designs include symbolic holiday designs, such as Christmas trees for the winter, pumpkins for the fall, or hearts for Valentine's Day. Other designs frequently used for French manicures are flowers, palm trees, or letter initials.

Another great think about the French manicure is that it usually lasts longer than a traditional manicure with color, if only because it shows fewer chips and imperfections.

Another popular design used on the French manicure is known as "nail tattoos." These are transfers rubbed onto your nail directly from printed paper. They are very similar to the application of faux tattoos, and are then covered with a top coat to help maintain longevity. These come in a wide variety of designs, and the salon should be able to provide you with a selection of available nail tattoos.

While French manicures may look almost natural, they are the most difficult type of manicure to have done to your nails. Most salons charge more money for a French manicure, than a regular manicure with one solid color. Some salons use an actual paint brush, with very fine bristles to apply the thin white coat to the tips of the nails. Other salons will very quickly apply the white coat without much attention to detail. Then they will come back before the polish has dried and remove the excess color with an orange stick wrapped in cotton. This is interesting to watch. I always get nervous when the manicurist paints half of my fingernail white. I'm thinking to myself, great, I could do a better job at home blindfolded and I'm paying her my hard earned money to make a huge mess. But then, she is always redeemed when she had cleaned off the excess and my nails look great. Watching her perfect this skill with ease, I was enticed to try this process at home. I made a huge mess; I think that next time I will leave this skill to the professional.

Sometimes nail technicians at salons will use acrylic tips when providing a French Manicure. This is usually done when the actual nails are not long enough to get the stunning white tip look. The technician will place long tips on your fingernails, cut them down to your requested size, and sand them down so that tip blends with your actual nail. They will then apply an acrylic foundation that hardens your nails to make it smooth and even, then proceed with the French Manicure techniques. After painting your nails with a base shade, the technician will then add the white paint to your faux tips and finish them off with a drying spray.

One thing that is kind of interesting about French manicures is that they really don't have any target age range. Anyone from teenagers, to grandmothers can be seen sporting a French manicure, that is something that cannot be said of most fashion trends.

When attempting to paint the tip of my nails, I have tried a couple of different things. In the past I have used those tape strips that you can buy in a French manicure kit. They don't seem to work for me. When I peel the tape off, half the time the polish comes off with it. The other half of the time I find out that I have managed to paint underneath the tape. I've found that the thing that works best is to use a super thin brush, like an eyeliner brush. Next, I just take my time and apply a very light thin strip to the tips of my nail. After allowing the tips to dry, it's time to apply the pink or beige top coat. Lastly, I apply a clear chip proof top coat to my new French manicure.

By: Jessica Jameson

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Author: Jessica Jameson runs an information web site about Manicure and French Manicure techniques
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