This summer, updated takes on the classic French manicure are set to take over. “A French mani is always on trend, and we see different variations on the beloved look throughout the seasons,” says Olive & June VP of Content & Creative and Mani Trend Expert, Olivia Van Iderstine. While classic pink and white French manis are making a return as a result of the current early ’00s craze, there’s something to be said about the brown French tip nails taking over our social feeds. If you’ve yet to see them, you’re in luck!
Ahead, find over a dozen unique brown French manicures fit for summer.
Chocolate Brown French Tips
Not sure brown tips make for a stunning summer nail look? Here’s proof that they do. To perfect this nail look, start with a nude base, then use a chocolate brown polish to create the arched tips. If you struggle with a shaky hand, simplify the process with French manicure stencil stickers. For the best result, wait to peel them off until the tips are fully dry. Then, complete the look with top coat.
Chocolate and Cream Mismatch French Mani
Nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens is the queen of mix-and-match manicures. For this one, she went with chocolate and cream smiley faces, swirls, daisies, and stars. If you have a steady hand (and are ambidextrous), you can recreate the look with dotting tools and a liner brush. If not, simply drop into your local nail salon to bring the look to life.
Chocolate Ombre Cuticle Cutouts
If you prefer a bit more saturation on your nails, consider extending your French tips down toward your cuticles for more of a cutout mani. This design looks gorgeous in a single shade, as well as in various brown tones.
Dark Chocolate French Tips
Nowadays French manicures very rarely solely feature simple arched tips. Here’s one way to put brown polish to work in a more creative French tip design.
Soft Brown French Mani
If you love the summer pastel trend currently circulating on social media but want to hop on the brown bandwagon, consider combining the two with a soft take on the latter. Here, Sapiens used taupe, sand, and cream tones to create the look.
Two-Tone Brown Apex French Tips
For something a smidge edgier than solid brown French tips, consider pairing the warm hue with jet-black polish in an apex design. “Hang created this look using a nail art brush,” Hanna says.
Wavy Brown French Tips
If you don’t want to commit to a classic French manicure, consider three brown French tips paired with eye-catching nail art like daisies and swirls. Sapiens created this look with dotting tools and a nail art brush.
Tortoiseshell Tips
Love the idea of a tortoiseshell French manicure? There’s always the option to let the design stand on its own without any other extra accents.