The French manicure can be considered the nail equivalent of glowing skin or a classic blow-dry – those baby pink shades completed with white tips provides a timeless, sophisticated beauty staple that is polished and practical in equal measure. Now, however, there’s a new contender in town, being dubbed the American manicure, that’s going viral for being a brighter and more playful alternative to the traditional French look.
Its popularity is hardly surprising given the explosion in nail art over the past decade. Instead of a simple file and polish, we haven’t been able to get enough of 3D enhancements, foil finishes and graphic designs when it comes to a pro manicure service.
Essentially, the American manicure has the same design as a French manicure, but instead of using stark white on the tips of nails, they’re painted in an array of colours as well as designs from leopard print to holographic glitter.
While the American manicure has only recently exploded in popularity, the concept first started circulating in the 90s, when manicurists began using a softer shade of white on the tips and a sheer, translucent base colour for a supremely natural-looking finish.
While this more subtle version is still a firm favourite in salons, there’s also a fun flip-side that incorporates a rainbow array of colours and textures. The base shade is still true to the original version – a pale, peachy, barely-there nude – and modern designs favour shorter, natural nails over extensions (which, coincidentally, are far more hygienic).
The fun begins at the tip of the nail, which provides a sliver of canvas to create impressive works of art.
This leopard-print American manicure is the perfect example. Whereas a full-blown leopard design might be a little too garish for some for everyday wear, the American manicure tones it down to just the right amplitude.
Then there’s these holographic and iridescent tips that incorporate glitter in a grown-up and elevated way (expect to see a lot more iterations as we enter the festive season).
Finally, a simple, jet-black black tip is one of our favourite forms of the American manicure. There’s just something about the monochromatic look that epitomises elegance.
Looking for more nail inspo? Check out this month’s nail art collab with nail salon Townhouse for a pro’s take on the latest trend as well as the best nail polishes to stock up on for at-home pampering.
For more from GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor, Lottie Winter, follow her on Instagram @lottieawinter