When it comes to nails, many of us are creatures of habit. Every two weeks, I head to my appointment where my manicurist, knowing the drill, asks: “Your usual micro French?” This week, though, I’m about to surprise her by switching things up. Inspired by stars like Sienna Spiro and Cynthia Erivo, I’m trying “horizontal” French tips.
@nailsbymei
Not to be confused with the “deep” French tip, which is similarly chunky and ’90s-inspired but traces a subtle curve, horizontal French tips are painted straight across the nail for a sharper, more graphic finish. New York-based nail artist Mei Kawajiri, aka Nails by Mei, took to Instagram this week to share her latest work on singer Sienna Spiro: a set of horizontal gold chrome French tips, further enhanced with gems at the base of each nail.
Nail artist Lizzy Trow (@_citre on Instagram) has been creating plenty of these looks for clients recently, and believes the go-big-or-go-home manicure is trending because it gives the classic French a bold, retro spin. “It’s such an interesting take on the classic French manicure because of how the line goes straight across rather than following the nail curve,” says Trow. “That makes it a little bit more graphic than usual,” she adds. “Spiro’s manicure in particular is a nod to her ’60s style, but the gems put a modern twist on it.”
