The French manicure is a beloved nail look that will never go out of style. It is classy and sophisticated, making it a practical choice for any occasion whether it be a job interview or a night out. The look of the French manicure typically consists of a neutral pink polish with a classic white tip. This look is often used on acrylic, gel and natural nails as touch ups are easy and maintenance is manageable. The French manicure has undergone many changes throughout its lifespan, including the use of vibrant and understated colors. The reverse French manicure hit the runways a few years ago and has trickled down to mainstream nail art world. The reverse French manicure bends the rules, and uses a darker color for the tip and a lighter color for the base.
What It Is
A reverse French manicure is a nail look that modifies the original. Instead of using subdued and natural colors that mimic the nail’s actual natural colors, the reverse French manicure is all about playing with colors, textures, prints and shades. The most common look of the reverse French manicure is using a dark color as the base like a purple and using black as the tip. Another neat trend that is taking place in manicures is a dip dyed look, where the nail base could be grey and the tip black or vice versa. In short, pretty much the reverse French manicure has no real rules, allowing your creativity and color choices show your personality. Reverse French manicures can be done in a salon or at home. There are many French manicure sets on the market that you can use to achieve a reverse French manicure as well. You can use existing nail polish colors that you already have at home and use the cuticle oil, nail file, tape and top coat from the kit to get the best results.
How To Use
The first thing that you will want to do when doing a reverse French manicure is get your base nails in the best condition possible.
This means removing any nail polish and allowing your fingers a deep soak in clean warm water. Use the cuticle oil and massage into the cuticles gently, pushing them back to expose more nail. Apply the nail tape so that the tips will not get painted. Choose the colors that you want to use and apply the base, making sure to allow enough time to dry between coats. Once the base has dried you can apply the tip color, again allowing for adequate drying time between coats. Once you have completed your nails go over it with a top coat so that you reverse French manicure will last.
Benefits
The real benefit of a reverse French manicure is that it can give life to your old nail polishes, by giving you a new way in which you can pair it with other colors. You can experiment using contrasting and complimenting colors and shades. This can help you to save money from purchasing new nail polish colors because you will have found new ways to wear the colors that you already have. Reverse manicures also give you a new way to express yourself that isn’t as difficult as creating patterns or freehand, because you have a kit containing the right tools to work with.
Reverse French manicures are a cool nail trend that has picked up fast and sees no signs of slowing down any time soon. Check out your existing nail colors to see what colors might work for a reverse French manicure!