The French manicure has cemented its place in the pantheon of iconic nail looks. But even the classics need to be updated once in a while — you know, just to keep things fun and interesting. So if you’re looking for ways to spice it up, try a V-tip.
Aptly named, the V-tip is a simple twist on the classic ‘90s mani where the colored top of the nail is shaped into, you guessed it, a “V” instead of a curved crescent moon. “The V-tip gives [the French mani] an edgier vibe,” celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen tells InStyle.
Achieving this look is pretty simple. Los Angeles-based nail artist Hang Nguyen says all you need is your color of choice and a flat brush. First, you’ll take the polish and use the brush from the bottle to slowly paint on a diagonal line on the nail. Starting at the middle part at the top of the nail, draw that line diagonally towards the center of the outer edge. Repeat on the other side to get that V-shape. She then says to use a flat brush dipped in polish remover to clean it up. Et voila — you’ve got your V-tip.
She also says you can use a foundation sponge or silicone stamper to stamp on both sides to get your V-shape. Queenie adds that you can also use a stencil to trace out the perfect lines to get your V-tip with little margin of error.
But the best part? Just like the French mani, the V-tip can be done in any color combo you choose. Neon, pastel, metallic — mix and match all you want with this super fun nail look. So if this has piqued your interest, you’ve come to the right place.
Below are 12 V-tip nail looks for you to post on your beauty mood boards. Scroll through to find the best one for you.
The Underrated Dark Nail Polish to Try When You're Bored of Black
01of 12
Blinged Out
Especially for the holidays, Queenie is a fan of adding tiny little rhinestones along the V-tips to make your nails really stand out.
Hang likes pairing different shades from the same color family together to get that “V” shape. One of her favorite looks is this one she’s done herself thatfeatures one side light brown and the other side a darker brown for a minimal nail look.
03of 12
Classic White
Queenie says you can’t go wrong with the classic white and sheer pink base. Draw on square-shaped nails to really make the V-shape pop.
04of 12
Bright Pastel
Opt for pastel shades for your V-tips. Mix a combo of baby blue, yellow, and pink for something really fun.
05of 12
Rounded Vs
A V-tip doesn’t have to be drawn with straight lines. Opt for rounded edges, like these heart-like tips.
06of 12
Metallic Shine
Queenie also likes metallic shades when doing a V-tip nail. This metallic black with a nude base is topped off with a slight shimmer shine and adorned with a jeweled detail for a nice touch.
You can’t help but smile at these mesmerizing psychedelic V-tips. Draw on your V-shape with a pastel shade and then dress them up with darker contrasting swirls for a bold nail look.
08of 12
V-Swirls
Another iteration of rounded edges, these swirls make for a fun spin on the V-tip trend. Mix different colors together to make them more dynamic.
09of 12
Barbiecore All Over
Adding bright pink V-tips to a deep neon acrylic nail adds dimension and elevates the ever popular Barbiecore color palette. And they’re just so pretty to look at.
10of 12
Color Blocking
Another favorite V-tip of Queenie’s is color blocking. Pair contrasting colors together, like this vibrant purple as the base and a classic glossy black for the tip for a nail look that is guaranteed to get you compliments from anyone who sees it on you.
11of 12
Black & White Affair
A black and white combo makes for an elegant and chic look that you can wear for all occasions. This one has a matte finish and minimal geometric shapes drawn to give the look a little something extra.
12of 12
Going Monochrome
This nail look is just super cool. Dress up a matte black nail base with glossy black V-tips for the ultimate monochromatic mani.
While the French nails use stark white tips and a clear or pink base, the American manicure goes for a more off-white tip with nude tones for the base. The nail is then painted over with a light or skin coloured tone to seal in the tips, though we can achieve the same result with dip powder nails using similar tones.
Ami suggests a rounded or square-oval shape for short nails and an almond shape for longer nails. Ami says to try and choose a base shade suitable for your skin tone, but if in doubt, simply opt for a clear polish.
First, you'll take the polish and use the brush from the bottle to slowly paint on a diagonal line on the nail. Starting at the middle part at the top of the nail, draw that line diagonally towards the center of the outer edge. Repeat on the other side to get that V-shape.
Unlike traditional techniques like acrylic or gel, dip powder nails do not require any UV light exposure. This eliminates the potential harm caused by UV lights, making dip powder a healthier choice. Moreover, dip powder nails are known to be highly resistant to chipping and peeling, ensuring longer-lasting manicures.
If you thought the French tip nail designs were a relic of the beauty trends of the 00s, we have news for you. The classic French manicure is making a major comeback in 2024 — but with a twist. Perhaps the most undefeated nail trend to exist is the classic French manicure (remember when square acrylic...
French tip nails usually have a pale pink base and a straight white tip of varying thickness. V French tip nails feature a deep V shape instead of the “smile line” at the tip.
French Tip nails are undoubtably one of the most popular styles of manicure looks. They bring a subtle and classic feel, while also being extremely elegant – allowing for proper use on any formal or casual occasion.
A French manicure is typically designed with a neutral base color and white accent color that is applied in a half-moon shape on the tip of each fingernail or nail extension.
Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!
If you're in the market for low-maintenance nails, gels are the perfect option for you. Gel nails involve a three-step process: base coat, polish, and top coat. These polishes go directly on your natural nails. In between each coat, your nail is put under UV light for a minute or so to cure.
If you have weak or brittle nails, consider a regular or shellac manicure as they are less damaging. If longevity is a priority, opt for a gel or dip powder manicure. If you want to add length or dramatically change your nail shape, acrylics could be your best bet.
noun. : a manicure in which a band of usually white polish across the tip of the nail contrasts with the often clear or pale polish below. [Michele] DiMauro … has always taken care of her nails. For many years, that meant a standard French manicure—pale pink base, white tip.
The french manicure gradient works well on shorter nails as there isn't a sharp white edge that shows where the nail bed ends and the nail tip begins. It gives the illusion that the nail tips are longer as the white tip gradient fades.
A French manicure traditionally consists of a sheer, nude, or light pink base with a thin strip of white painted at the tip of each nail. Stencils can be used to increase precision while keeping the two colours distinct and separate.
A French manicure is typically designed with a neutral base color and white accent color that is applied in a half-moon shape on the tip of each fingernail or nail extension.
Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy
Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/67764492_1280632595447052_4789051509336993183_n-6c42e5b35403481d9856ae28b47c6fb7.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (1)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/308694875_161387773202951_4801359559664001234_n-61d50b724fbc4813922fd37d69d1a494.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (2)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/279511952_1067562570809783_2955458605774615737_n-9d65a7898e43451cb02ae3b1ad057007.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (3)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/278794192_295024896119753_897972769688558440_n-07fcb29daaa3425ca9326d5270715de4.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (4)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/300967309_605833671044641_6375912831703466557_n-d9050befe8bf4bd2af131110ed368b0c.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (5)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/312698483_1571790019914920_4847805998306956028_n-f30c69d01ca3492fb85b6259182dfa32.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (6)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/305816910_122359993752631_4271495242729170756_n-f9e36636d0224cde85d4654c4d86a856.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (7)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/305561653_1111265349495584_1114011692070324924_n-97d69f724ceb4341a576d338f8d692e0.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (8)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/186760502_846272879317992_7282521806439078959_n-3c7a7d8ca9f14b2ca639f5553abea2df.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (9)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/139748951_154965086220009_3272590354983579875_n-bc58ea8f9dec4b47ae987851e1ebdd97.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (10)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/123579271_182308476769487_3050991062917941957_n-beb9707af80d4d7ea8f91a99647fb153.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (11)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/72409682_470827400175885_238655595872102495_n-be888a9cf2a94fb5b39cec409f4e120e.jpg "Bored of Your Regular French Manicure? Try V-Tip Nails (12)")
