Multi-Colored French Manicures Are the Cool Nail Look You’ve Been Ignoring

Nail trends seem to appear out of thin air and explode into viral sensations overnight (strawberry matcha nails, I’m looking at you). Don’t get me wrong, I love a new manicure look as much as the next person, but sometimes it feels more groundbreaking to remix a classic. Enter the multi-colored French manicure. It features the same contrasting tip and base design as the orginal, only with a mishmash of different shades. The best part is that there are no rules to making this trend work. Whether you like bold nail colors or softer shades, you can customize your mani to fit your desires. There’s even room to play with designs if nail art is your thing. Ahead, we’ve rounded up nine cool looks to help inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

Multi-colored French manicure looks to try

1 / 9

Pastel polka dots

If you’re looking for a design that borders on minimal and maximal trends, consider this your lucky day. This set merges soft pastel colors with a simple polka dot pattern to do just that. Keeping the print on the tips only adds to the subtly cool feel.

2 / 9

Primary colors

Not only do the colors in this French manicure look like a beautiful painting, but they also blend like one. To get the melted effect, try using soft brushstrokes and lightly diffusing the edges.

3 / 9

Tangerine and cranberry

This juicy combo makes for a refreshing drink on a hot day and a striking French manicure. While tangerine and cranberry couldn’t be more different, they both feature warm undertones that unite them in this look.

4 / 9

Cool blue and neon

If cool tones are more your style, consider this the French manicure for you. Instead of covering the entire nail, the two vibrant shades are used for the tip against a nude base.

5 / 9

Rich gem tones

The beauty of this look is that it works year-round, even though the colors are rich. The key to getting it right is keeping the base as natural as possible and letting the rainbow of polishes speak for themselves.

6 / 9

Pastels  and pearls

A pastel manicure for spring isn’t groundbreaking, but adding delicate pearls to each fingernail is. To get the full effect, use a blend of shades with the same soft feel and be sure to scatter the pearls randomly.

7 / 9

Skittle-colored French tips

Nothing says summer like neon nail polish. Instead of settling on just one shade for the tips, try blending complementary colors like cherry with orange or lemon with lime. The result is a punchy manicure that’s wearable and chic.

8 / 9

Dusky blues

Grayish tones help make this moody manicure stand out in a sea of classic French designs. While the combo works for any nail length and shape, a set of long almond nail extensions will amplify the contrast in the shades.

9 / 9

Eyeshadow French tips

The eyeshadow ombré trend is one for the books. It’s soft, diffused and downright gorgeous. If you’re looking for a fun way to play with pastel shades, try using your favorite palate to recreate this ethereal design.