Beauty Trend How-To: Alternative French Manicures

Though still wildly popular and sported by many, the classic French manicure has over the years gotten a little overdone. These days, the focus has moved from the stark white, square-tipped acrylic nail to its many funkier cousins as seen sported by many celebrity nail enthusiasts such as Katy Perry and Rhianna. These trends are, for lack of a better word, fun. They’re bolder, more intricate, unique and definitely a whole lot more colourful than the beige and white the traditional French offers. Keep reading for the lowdown on the separate ‘Alternative’ French manis that have been catching our eye!

Coloured Tips

As seen on Katy Perry, this style follows the exact design of the traditional manicure except forgoes any inclination to look nature and instead opts for a pop of colour at the tips. This is insanely popular today as well as a fun way to spice up any look. It’s also super easy to achieve, able to be done with nail stencils and stickers and, if you’re particularly steady-handed, freehand. Some people have even chosen to line the tips with rhinestones for that extra bling.

Ruffian Moon Manicure

The Ruffian Moon (or half moon/reverse French) manicure is a gorgeous and unique way of wearing dual toned lacquers while still looking polished and mature. It has been a go-to nail for burlesque queen Dita von Teese and is often seen on multiple models gliding down catwalks. This manicure is the signature nail of Ruffian by Brian Wolk and Claude Morais and was first popularised in the 20s and again recently one of their shows in 09. A great vintage-with-a-modern-twist kind of nail.

Louboutin Manicure

So this one isn’t technically an alternative to the French manicure but it just looks too damn cool to pass up (is it dual coloured though so that must count right?). Seen in Christian Louboutin ads and more recently on Adele’s nails at the Grammy’s, this manicure uses the iconic red-sole Louboutin pump as its inspiration. Though this look takes a bit of patience and maintenance (and inconveniently long nails), I personally think it’s definitely a winner for me when it comes to flashier events.

What do you guys think about these trends? Are you likely to try them out or are you more of a classic French manicure type? Let me know!

Xx Jen

Images: Getty images, hollywoodlife.com, style.com