25 Baby French Manis That Show the Subtly Chic Look’s Range

Sometimes, even the classics can benefit from an update. Take the French manicure, for example. It’s a staple in its own right, but recently, nail artists have been reimagining it with a modern twist. Meet the baby French, a sleek, new-age take on your grandmother’s favorite manicure. And that’s no shade to your grandma: Classics are classics for a reason. French manicures are still a great option, but sometimes, a little tune-up doesn’t hurt, and this one is as simple as taking the tip into ultra-thin territory. Ahead, get to know the versatile, wildly chic baby French manicure from the experts themselves. Plus, see some of our favorite takes on the updated classic.

What Is a Baby French Manicure?

According to Evelyn Lim, nail artist and chief educator for Paintbox Nails, a baby French is a micro version of the traditional French manicure, with the tips painted as thinly as possible and slightly tapered down the side of the nail. It’s incredibly wearable, low-maintenance, and chic, and celebrity fans include tastemakers Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Bella Hadid.

The baby French is also pretty easy to achieve at home. LeChat Nails educator Syreeta Aaron suggests starting with a base coat similar to your natural nail color or a nude neutral pink, then using a thin striping brush to apply the tip. For those who aren’t as steady with their nail art, Lim suggests allowing the base coat to dry for 10 minutes, then applying the white tip with a silicone nail stamper.

Best of all? It’s incredibly versatile. Aaron’s a fan of the classic nude-and-white combo, while Lim likes to switch things up with bold metallic or neon tips. And while both experts love the look on shorter, square-shaped nails, they also say the style will look great regardless of nail shape or size—it just works.

Ready to try the trend for yourself? Below, find 25 of our favorite baby French manicures, with options for minimalists and adventurous mani fans alike.