It’s a brand-new month, and there’s no better excuse to give your nails a seasonal upgrade. The French tip manicure, a design once synonymous with the late ‘90s and early 2000s, has undergone a renaissance—emerging sleeker, bolder, and infinitely more expressive.
What was once a basic white-tipped style has evolved into a colorful, whimsical, and often unexpected canvas of creativity.
French manicures today are anything but boring. Whether you love soft pastels, neon tips, or minimalistic micro designs, the modern French mani caters to every personality and aesthetic. It can be as chic and subtle as a nude base with crisp white tips, or as dramatic as a multi-colored swirl design.
No matter your mood, there’s a version of the French tip that can match it perfectly. Let’s explore 20 of the most refreshing and expressive takes on this nail classic for May.
01. Pearlescent
Imagine a French manicure dipped in moonlight—shimmery, soft, and irresistibly elegant. That’s the magic of pearlescent tips. This version gives the traditional French mani a dreamy upgrade by blending in luminous, glazed finishes that subtly reflect light with every hand movement.
It’s the kind of look that feels timeless yet trendy, classy yet effortless. Perfect for weddings, brunches, or just a feel-good glow-up, this design brings the glazed donut trend into the French tip realm. Think neutral sophistication with a modern twist.
02. Edgy Patterns
French tips don’t have to be demure—and this design proves it. Here, traditional white tips are reimagined with bold cross designs, colorful rhinestones, and unexpected artistic flourishes. The result is a high-impact manicure that demands attention.
If you’re drawn to styles with a bit more edge, this is a great way to let your hands do the talking. It’s fierce, detailed, and shows how much creative range the French tip really has. Consider it the rockstar version of a classic.
03. Vibrant Hues
Spring is the season of color, and your nails should be no exception. This vibrant French manicure incorporates bright, cheerful hues while keeping the base neutral for balance. It’s a great way to experiment with bold tones without going overboard.
Instead of committing to one all-over color, this design allows you to showcase multiple shades in just the right amount. Perfect for someone who wants playful energy and a bit of variety, all while keeping a clean and polished look.
04. Strawberry Tips
Sweet and unexpected, these strawberry-inspired tips bring a dose of fun to your fingertips. The design features a pink-nude base layered with bright red tips and tiny white dots—perfectly mimicking the look of a ripe strawberry.
Not only is it charming and whimsical, but the textured detailing adds depth and uniqueness to each nail. It’s a fresh twist on fruity nail art, ideal for spring picnics, sunny weekends, or just to brighten your day.
05. Dainty Designs
Sometimes, a small touch makes the biggest impact. These dainty designs stick close to the traditional white French tip but enhance it subtly with miniature accents—think tiny hearts, swirls, or florals delicately painted over the tip.
It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants something elegant and understated, yet just different enough to stand out. The design is refined, romantic, and endlessly versatile—ideal for everyday wear or special occasions.
06. Fun Gems
When in doubt, add sparkle. These gem-studded French tips take your manicure from simple to stunning with just a few colorful embellishments placed artfully along the nail.
The combination of classic white tips and lively gemstones creates a joyful, celebratory effect. Whether you’re heading to a festival, birthday party, or just want a feel-good boost, this design delivers the vibe.
07. Cherry Mania
Bold meets playful in this cherry-centric manicure. Featuring a stiletto shape and a gradient orange-yellow base, the nail design is elevated with adorable retro cherry illustrations—reminiscent of a vintage summer print.
It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern fun. The fruit motif gives a pop of character, while the gradient backdrop adds depth and dimension. Altogether, it’s a statement look with seasonal charm.
08. Ocean Blue
This ocean-inspired set is a mini vacation at your fingertips. A tranquil blue hue forms the base, while delicate white florals evoke the carefree beauty of tropical islands and breezy beach days.
Whether you’re jetting off to paradise or just dreaming about it, this mani channels coastal vibes effortlessly. It’s fresh, aquatic, and perfect for sipping cocktails under the sun—or pretending you are.
09. Yellow and Pink
This manicure merges two springtime favorites: butter yellow and soft pink. The combination is both cheerful and romantic, brought to life through hand-painted floral accents on a light base.
The use of color-blocking and delicate patterns gives the nails an artistic flair while still feeling light and airy. It’s the kind of set that makes you smile every time you glance down.
10. Seeing Stars
Bold color meets cosmic charm in this playful take on the French tip. Bright primary shades—red, yellow, and blue—are layered onto classic tips and finished with shimmering embellishments to create a starry effect.
The look is eye-catching without being overwhelming, perfect for anyone who loves vibrant color palettes and imaginative flair. It’s a reminder that your nails can be both trendy and out-of-this-world.
11. Zebra
Animal print never really goes out of style—it just evolves. This design takes a zebra motif and applies it to the French tip in a subtle way, creating contrast with red airbrushed florals that soften the overall look.
The result is wild yet wearable. It’s great for those who want to add a bit of personality without diving headfirst into full-on animal patterns.
12. Pastel Pink
This set is dripping in delicate femininity. Long stiletto-shaped nails are painted in soft shades of blush and adorned with bows and sweet details that feel straight out of a fairytale.
It’s all about embracing the coquette aesthetic—romantic, graceful, and slightly vintage. This look pairs beautifully with lace outfits, spring dresses, or any moment you want to feel a little more lovely.
13. Black and White
There’s beauty in contrast, and this manicure nails it. With a glossy nude base and sharp black-and-white French tips, it’s a minimalist masterpiece.
It’s cool, confident, and totally effortless. A go-to look when you want your nails to match any outfit, without sacrificing visual interest.
14. Tiny Greens
This playful set is all about micro-detail. From checkered prints to swirls and stars, each nail carries a different miniature design, all tied together with soothing sage green accents.
The result is eclectic yet cohesive, offering a quirky and stylish way to embrace earthy tones. Perfect for those who want their nails to feel like a gallery of mini artworks.
15. Pink and Red
Red and pink are a timeless pairing, and this design knows how to make them work in harmony. With a nude base to ground the look, vibrant pink and red tips are adorned with tiny silver crystals for extra glamour.
It’s colorful but composed, flirty but still elegant. A versatile style that works equally well for date nights, brunches, or just celebrating yourself.
16. Pink Swirls
If you like subtle surprises, this swirl design will win you over. The pink tips are just a shade deeper than the nude base, while fine swirls dance across each nail in a way that’s delicate yet playful.
It’s a masterclass in understated creativity. Ideal for those who want to keep things sophisticated but still have a little fun with the details.
17. Negative Space
This manicure turns blank space into a feature, using negative space to highlight multi-colored tips in a fresh and modern way. The clean, open areas allow each hue to shine without overwhelming the design.
It’s bold, yet balanced. A true example of how minimalism can still be colorful and expressive—perfect for anyone seeking something different but wearable.
18. Micro Metallic
Micro metallic accents are small in scale but big on impact. Paired with a milky white base, they offer just enough edge to elevate a clean design into something futuristic and chic.
It’s an ideal style for those who love high fashion minimalism with a twist. Think of it as wearable art that glints in the light and draws people in.
19. Cat-Eye
Barbiecore is alive and well, and this set leans all the way in. With a shiny cat-eye effect layered over flirty pink hues, it creates depth and movement that feels dynamic and modern.
Each nail feels like it’s catching light in a different way, offering an optical illusion effect that’s both glamorous and fun. It’s confident, playful, and oh-so pretty.
20. Pastel Blues
Blue is having its moment—and this set embraces it with both softness and shine. With striped and solid elements and a whisper of metallic, it’s a refreshing way to wear one of the season’s most beloved shades.
Silver rings and cool-toned accessories complete the look, creating a cohesive, trendy vibe. It’s serene, stylish, and perfect for this time of year.