French nail art is a design used on fingernails. Instead of painting the nail with one specific color, two colors are used. The first color is used to cover the entire nail, while the second color only covers the white tip of the nail. Lastly, a clear color is used to cover the entire nail and this seals in the first two colors. There can be many color variations with French nail art and different designs can also be used.
Using two colors to polish the nail is considered a French manicure. These two colors are typically a neutral color for the nail and a bright white color for the tip. With French nail art, any colors can be used to polish the nail and tip. For example, a neutral color can be used to cover the entire nail but the tip color can be changed to match clothing or accessories. This color does not necessarily have to be white.
With a typical French manicure, the white tip is completely colored in. French nail art incorporates different designs to enhance the nail. Tips can be done in a triangular shape or they can also be only slightly painted. This all depends on the desired effect. If the tip is slightly painted, it gives the illusion of a longer, thinner nail.
French nail art can also consist of using various decorations on the freshly painted nail. Tiny rhinestones or gems can be added to the design for a more noticeable look. Nail jewelry can also be used to enhance the nail. Hoops can be inserted into the tip of the nail or certain tiny designs can be placed on top of the nail. Sparkly glitter nail polish can be used instead of a solid color for more pizazz.
These types of designs can be created at home or done by a nail professional in a salon. In a salon setting, air brushing and color blending techniques are often used. These types of manicures can be costly and time consuming but there are ways to get these designs at home. Nail art stickers or decals can be placed over the newly polished nail and they have a sticky back side that adheres to the nail. After a clear polish is painted over these designs, they appear to look exactly like an expensive salon airbrushing job.