11 Reverse French Manicure Ideas That Put A Fresh Spin On A Classic

When it comes to my manicure, I’m pretty unadventurous. As soon as I sit down at my local salon, my nail tech knows exactly what to ask: “Your usual French?” And the answer is always yes. To me, a French manicure — whether the classic white tip or something a bit cooler, like cat-eye — strikes the perfect balance between timeless and elevated, and it takes a lot to sway me from it. But the trending “reverse” French manicure might just change that. 

The reverse French manicure isn’t exactly new, but we have Cardi B’s Super Bowl look to thank for its recent comeback. Her nail artist, Coca Michelle, turned the classic French manicure on its head — literally — by flipping the gold tip so it curved around the base of the nail, right at the cuticle. Since then, Google searches for “reverse French manicure” have increased by 110%, as it seems we're ready to channel Cardi B and try something different. 

Natalia Mercedes, nail artist and founder of Sad Girl Nails Studio in New York City, is well-versed in the art of the reverse French manicure. “The reverse French is essentially a flipped take on the classic,” she explains. “Instead of highlighting the tip of the nail, the design hugs the curve of the cuticle with either a thin, delicate line or a thicker, more graphic arc,” — exactly like this beautiful set by nail artist Fern Barron. 

Mercedes adds that it draws the eye downward. “It frames the nail at its base rather than the edge, which gives it a more unexpected, editorial feel compared to the traditional French.” 

She has an idea why it’s becoming so popular again: “It’s a twist on a timeless look, and right now clients are craving fresh ways to stay minimal without feeling boring,” she says. To Mercedes, the reverse French feels modern and intentional — subtle, yet still a statement, like this set by Fliss Alton. “It’s perfect for someone who loves ‘clean’ nails but wants something more directional than a standard tip,” adds Mercedes. 

Achieving a reverse French manicure is similar to painting a traditional French tip. It calls for the precision of a thin nail brush and a steady, skilled hand as not to flood the cuticle with polish or get any uncured gel on the skin, which could potentially cause an allergic reaction.  

There’s a clever benefit to reverse French nails, too, but it depends on your color choices: “If you incorporate negative space or a sheer nude at the cuticle area, the grow-out can look incredibly subtle,” says Mercedes. Because the design is already anchored at the base, she adds that it can blend more seamlessly as the nail grows. “This is especially true when softer tones are used,” she says, like nude shades.

Intrigued? Here are a few more of our favorite reverse French tip nail looks for your perusal.  

Polka dots are the nail art trend du jour, but if you don’t have the patience for a full look, ask your manicurist for a reverse French instead. This dainty design by Lucy Rose is so cute. 

Nail artist Fliss Alton used The GelBottle’s BIAB in Teddy for the base, with Chalk Blue for the skinny French tip and the reverse French accent nail — a subtle switch-up that feels refreshing. 

The glossy, clear base makes this burgundy reverse French — painstakingly painted by Jenny VanHoy — really pop. 

These tortoiseshell nails by The Nail Nerds are given a serious upgrade with a neon green reverse French, which draws the eye downward. 

The chunky cobalt blue reverse French over a jet-black base, finished with a slick of glossy top coat, almost makes this set by Plaster look 3D. 

Nail artist Lucy-Rose proves she has a steady hand with this double reverse French — a white slick of polish edged with a line of silver chrome, all set against a peachy base. 

This thick silver chrome reverse French by Gabriela Santiago looks stunning against a duck egg blue base. 

Reverse French or nail cuffs — whatever you call the trend — Fliss Alton’s super-skinny take is subtle and so chic. 

This gold reverse French by Australia-based @jellyjellynails_ is the manicure equivalent of stacking gold jewelry. 

Colchester-based nail tech Christina knew the neon pink “cuticle cuff” would perfectly complement the blush pink base of this set. 

Unlike the traditional French tip, the reverse French is much easier to master on shorter nails, like this set by manicurist Charlotte May. We especially love the sky blue base and how the reverse French wraps around the tip slightly.