When it comes to creating French tips, there are actually several ways to do it — and it’s not nearly as difficult as some might think. We’ve put together a guide with three different methods for creating a classic French tip. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the length of the guide; we’ll simply take you through the entire process, from prep to the final result. So let’s get started. If you’re already familiar with Gel Polish and are ready to create your French tips, you can skip the first three steps.
Step by Step
1. Prep your nail
When applying Gel Polish, it’s important to prep your nails thoroughly so you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. Proper preparation is essential for the longevity of your manicure, so prep might just become your new favorite step.
You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails here. But if you’re experienced with doing your own nails, you already know the routine: wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.
2. Apply Base Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the middle of the nail and press the product down towards the cuticle while keeping the brush almost horizontal along the nail plate. Then guide the product up along each side of the nail towards the tip, capping the free edge.
It is important that your Base Coat is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail.
If any product gets onto the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing. We recommend using one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.
Let your Base Coat cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.
Please note that Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing. This is completely normal and should not be removed or touched.
3. Apply your Gel Polish
Once you have applied your Base Coat, it is time to apply your Gel Polish. You can also use other gel products as your base, but in this guide, we’ll use Gel Polish as the example. Before opening the bottle, it is a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle to be easy and comfortable to roll between your hands. This helps distribute the pigments evenly throughout the bottle. It is important that you do not shake the product, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish, which may be visible on the nail.
The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the colour, as more pigmented colours can be a little thicker.
Apply your Gel Polish in the same way as your Base Coat. Start by applying a thin layer of Gel Polish to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the centre of the nail and gently push the product down towards the cuticle while holding the brush almost horizontally along the nail plate. Then guide the product along each side of the nail towards the tip, where you seal the edge.
It is important that your Gel Polish is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around it.
Once your Gel Polish sits the way you want it to, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. You may find it helpful to do one nail at a time and cure it for 10 seconds, then cure all your nails for 60-90 seconds at the end. This helps prevent the product from running while you are doing your nails.
If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply several layers. Remember, 4 paper-thin layers are better than 2 thick ones. It is important that you cure each layer for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Nail Stamping
When creating a French tip with our Nail Stamp, start by applying a thin layer of Gel Polish to the Nail Stamp. It’s important not to apply too much product, as this can make the layer on the nail too thick.
Once you have applied Gel Polish to your Nail Stamp, gently press your nail into the Nail Stamp and carefully lift it away again. It’s important not to place your nail in the middle of the product you have applied to the Nail Stamp, as the product may get under your nail and potentially touch the skin underneath. Instead, place your nail at the lower edge of the Gel Polish you have applied to your Nail Stamp.
Once you have pressed the nail into the centre of the Nail Stamp, tilt the Nail Stamp to each side of the nail to create a beautiful curve. In other words, first press the nail into the Nail Stamp in the middle, then tilt it out towards each side. Be careful to avoid getting product on the skin around the nail.
If you are not completely satisfied with the shape, you can adjust it with a liner brush. Once you are happy with the shape, cure the French tip for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Liner Brush
When creating a French tip with a Liner Brush, start by dipping your Liner Brush into your chosen colour. You can easily do this by picking up a little Gel Polish from the bottle brush, or by placing a small amount of your chosen colour onto a Nail Art Palette.
We recommend starting with a small mark in the centre of your nail where you want your French tip to sit. This makes it easier to create lines from each side that meet at the mark you made in the centre.
You can then adjust the shape as needed using your Liner Brush. Once you are happy with the shape, simply fill in the area up to the tip and seal the free edge. Then cure the French tip for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
French Nail Stickers
When creating a French tip with our French Nail Stickers, start by removing the sticky layer left behind by your Gel Polish. Then apply one of our French Nail Stickers to your nail.
If you find it a little difficult to position it evenly, use the center of your French Nail Sticker as a guide and align it with the point where you want the center of your French tip to be.
Once you have placed your sticker, press it firmly into place. You can then easily apply your chosen color to the tip of your nail.
After applying the color, remove your French Nail Sticker. If any Gel Polish has seeped underneath your sticker, you can remove it with a brush or a Micro Brush and our Cleanser before curing your nail in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds.
5. Apply Top Coat
No matter which method you use, you’ll finish in the same way: by applying a Top Coat to seal your design. Apply it just like your Base Coat and Gel Polish. Your Top Coat also needs to cure for 90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Our Top Coat does not leave a sticky layer after curing, so once you’ve applied your Top Coat, your nails are ready. You can also apply a little nail oil around the edges of your nails.
Now comes the really difficult part: where should you share your new nails first? Instagram, TikTok or Facebook? We can’t wait to see the result!