The French pedicure has had a 2025 glow-up

Matchy-matchy tips.

27 August 2025

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Sandal and Person

paintedbyjools / Instagram

When celebrity nail pros Milly Mason and Harriet Westmoreland both declare “French toes are back,” you'd better believe our ears pricked up. Not to mention, the French pedicure is suddenly everywhere on social media with Kylie Jenner popularising the look and content creators revealing how to take our favourite manicure style to our toes.

This summer has seen a smorgasbord of nude nails grace our fingertips – from the milky French and BB cream nails to barely-there rose water and princess nails – so it's perhaps unsurprising that our toes are now set to get the same treatment.

‘Rose water nails’ are going to be everywhere this summer

All you need for a rosy outlook.

By Fiona Embleton

Image may contain: Body Part, Finger, Hand, Person, and Skin

Why should you get a French pedicure?

As the name implies, the French pedicure shares the same DNA as a French manicure. It also holds the same appeal. With its soft pink or nude base, crisp white tips and glossy topcoat, “the French pedicure is having a moment because it strikes the perfect balance between timeless and modern," says Milly. “It's chic, understated and works with absolutely any outfit, any shoe and any occasion.”

And, just like the French manicure, it's had a timely makeover. “The French pedicure has evolved far beyond the traditional look," Milly says, adding that its modern iteration is now super versatile.

For starters, you're no longer restricted to just a white tip – pastel or even metallic edges are a fresh riff on the traditional design. You can experiment with the texture of the nude base, too, opting for a gradient ombré or a milky pink polish to create a creamy, translucent finish. "Add in different nail shapes – soft square or rounded – and there’s something to suit everyone,” says Milly.

Instagram content

On a practical note, the French pedicure also leans into TikTok's viral ‘recession beauty’ trend that favours purse-friendly, low-maintenance beauty choices. "A French pedicure's sheer base gives a clean, natural look – meaning it will look fresh even as the nails grow and you get a little longer out of your pedicure,” Milly adds.

Are there different types of French pedicure?

The short answer is yes. There are four types of French pedicure that are currently trending:

The micro French pedicure

One of Milly's favourite designs is the understated “Skinny French”, also known as a micro French pedicure. Distinguished by a super-thin line along the tip of the toenail, “it creates a delicate, modern edge,” Milly notes.

Instagram content

2. The deep French pedicure

There's also the deep French, where the curve travels further down each side of the nail bed for a bold finish.

Instagram content

3. The ‘Frombré’ pedicure

If you prefer a smooth colour transition from white to pink rather than a defined line, try the French ombré pedicure.

Instagram content

4. The '90s French pedicure

“You could even try a ‘90s inspired French, characterised by its thick white tip, for a nostalgic twist,” says Milly.

Instagram content

How do you create a DIY French pedicure at home?

Start by prepping and shaping the nails. Trim your nails by clipping straight across, then file the top of the nail into a straight line before rounding the edges to your desired shape.
“Apply a sheer base with a slight colour – something classic like Chanel La Base Camélia is ideal – and allow it to dry completely,” advises Milly.
Place a French tip stencil across the top of the nail - Amazon has a wide choice.
“Paint the tips with a crisp white polish, then gently peel away the stencils,” says Milly.
“Allow the polish to dry thoroughly before finishing with a glossy top coat for that professional high-shine finish,” she says, adding that her go-to is the Chanel Le Gel Top Coat.