French Manicure: A Nail Spa Favorite

The French manicure is one of the most popular nail treatments available. Classy, sophisticated and timeless, it is a look that is worn by everyone from movie stars to moms. French manicures are a good choice for special occasions, such as a wedding or dance, but they are well-suited for normal everyday wear as well. Since it can be a little bit difficult to do this technique by yourself, women often go to a nail salon to have it done by a professional.

This manicure begins just like any other: cleansing the hand and nails, shaping the nails, cuticle treatment and grooming, applying lotion and cleansing the nail plates. A base coat is then applied and the nail beds are polished with a light, neutral color. The signature mark of the French manicure is the nail tip, which is painted a crisp white. The result is a natural, but smart-looking nail that is pretty and fancy--all at the same time.

A French manicure can be a great way to add allure to nails that are not terribly long or are uneven in length, as the technician can ignore the actual free edges of the nails and apply an exact amount of white tip to each nail, making them all look the same.  The final coat of top coat seals and protects the polish somewhat.

The look translates well to everything from a business environment to a fashion show, so it can be worn for nearly any occasion, unlike some types of nail art that are more suitable for special occasions. The technique tends to be a little more expensive than a regular manicure since there is quite a bit more work involved for the nail technician.

Over the years, variations on the French manicure have evolved. Sometimes other colors are substituted for the white tip or the neutral base, but the traditional shades of white, pink and beige remain far more popular. Reverse French manicures have come on the scene as well, often featuring a pink tip and a white base. The French manicure is also becoming a popular look for pedicures, with many salons offering this distinctive look.

French manicures can be easily damaged by chips or nicks in the polish, so it can pay off to take extra precautions after you leave the chair. Use rubber gloves to protect your nails when cleaning, and try to be a little more cautious when you go about doing everyday tasks. If you do wind up with a bit of damage, you can always visit the salon to see if it can be touched up.