The "Horizontal" French Manicure Is About to Be Everywhere—Celebs Are Already On Board

When it comes to nails, many of us stick to the same routine. Every two weeks, I go to my appointment, and my manicurist, who knows the drill, asks: “Your usual micro French?” This week, though, I’m going to surprise her by changing things up. Inspired by stars like Sienna Spiro and Cynthia Erivo, I’m trying “horizontal” French tips.

Not to be confused with the “deep” French tip, which is similarly chunky and ’90s-inspired but follows a subtle curve, horizontal French tips are painted straight across the nail for a sharper, more graphic look. New York-based nail artist Mei Kawajiri, also known as Nails by Mei, shared her latest work on singer Sienna Spiro on Instagram this week: a set of horizontal gold chrome French tips, decorated with gems at the base of each nail.

Nail artist Lizzy Trow (@_citre on Instagram) has been creating many of these looks for clients lately. She believes this bold manicure is trending because it gives the classic French a daring, retro twist. “It’s such an interesting take on the classic French manicure because the line goes straight across instead of following the nail curve,” says Trow. “That makes it a bit more graphic than usual,” she adds. “Spiro’s manicure in particular nods to her ’60s style, but the gems give it a modern twist.”

French tips are famously hard to perfect, but this straight line makes the process a little easier. Of course, the polish you choose matters too. “Chrome is known for chipping, especially at the tip,” says Trow. “If you’re inspired by Spiro, I’d suggest asking your nail tech to file the nail before the last coat of polish, so you don’t expose that edge.” Another fun way to try the trend? “Use a cat eye gel for the tip,” says Trow. “That way, you can make your nails look really funky—especially if you mix and match colors.”

That said, choosing a nude base polish like Spiro’s helps with longevity, says Trow. “This makes any regrowth much less noticeable. Ultimately, a French style like this is a timeless classic. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any take on a French manicure.”

Below, even more horizontal French manicure inspiration to bring to your manicurist.

Horizontal French manicure inspiration

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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Horizontal French Manicure written in a natural conversational tone

The Basics

What exactly is a horizontal French manicure
Instead of the traditional white tip that curves along the shape of your nail the horizontal French manicure paints the tip in a straight line across your nail It looks like you dipped just the end of your finger in paint

How is this different from a regular French manicure
A classic French manicure follows the natural curve of your nail bed A horizontal French manicure ignores that curve and creates a sharp straight line from side to side

Why is it called horizontal
Because the line separating the base color from the tip color runs horizontally across your nail rather than curving upwards like a smile

Is this the same as a reverse French manicure
Not quite A reverse French has the colored tip at the base of your nail A horizontal French is still at the tip just with a straight edge instead of a curved one

Who started this trend
Its been seen on celebrities like Kylie Jenner Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa Its part of the larger modern French trend where people are experimenting with different shapes and lines

Why People Like It

What are the benefits of getting a horizontal French manicure
Its a fresh modern twist on a classic It looks very clean and minimalistic and it can make your nails look longer because the straight line doesnt cut the nail visually the way a curve sometimes can

Does it make your nails look shorter
Actually many people find it makes nails look longer A straight horizontal line creates an uninterrupted length whereas a curved line can sometimes break up the visual flow

Is it more professional or more casual
Its versatile A thin white line on a nude base is very professional A thick bright line on a clear base is more casual and trendy

Can I do this on short nails
Yes It looks great on short nails You just need to keep the tip color very thin so it doesnt overwhelm the small nail

Practical Tips Application

Can I do a horizontal French manicure at home
Yes but its tricky