What is a double French Manicure?

A traditional French manicure has a neutral base with one solid color accenting the tip of the nail. In a double French manicure, there are two accents along the tip of the nail, whether that simply be two different colors, two lines that create negative space, or a solid color paired with a design. The style is completely customizable to your aesthetic.

21 Double French Nail Ideas That Add a Modern Touch to the Mani

green and gold double french nails — @amyle.nails / instagram

Looking for a little nail inspo? It's no secret that nail lovers across the globe constantly fall back on classic French manicures when they're unsure which new trend to try. It's with this in mind that we're so jazzed about the latest nail art trend swarming social media: double French manicures.

Double French manicures stick to the classy arched tips of the OG French mani, but instead of a single sliver of color, they feature two. Sometimes the arcs are the same color and width, and other times, they vary. But no matter the color palette, shape, or size of your chosen double French mani, the process of creating the nail art look remains the same.

While nail pros can easily freehand double French manicures, if you're going the DIY route, you'll want to have nail tape on hand. Section off the tips of your nails with French manicure stickers—like Orly's Half Moon Guides—and paint above or below the line (or both). If you opt for a double French mani without any space between your lines of color, you may want to let the first section dry before moving on to the next so as to not accidentally smudge the polish. Once your design is in place, finish your double French mani with a high-shine topcoat—we love Olive & June's Super Glossy Top Coat—let your nails dry, and go about your day.

Ready to give this nail art trend a try? Ahead, find 21 of our favorite double French manicures.

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Black Double French Nails

Black and White Double French Tips - Byrdie Nail Tip Design Ideas — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Black polish will make your double French manicure feel extra edgy. This jet-black set features a dynamic mix of traditional and double French designs to keep the look exciting.

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Gradient Pink Double French Nails

Bubblegum Pink Double French Tips — @phoebesummernails / instagram

Indulge in all the shades of pink with this gradient double French manicure. From light pink to hot pink, this mani has it all.

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Brown Double French Nails

Iced Coffee Ombre Double French Mani — @phoebesummernails / instagram

Gradient manicures will always be a winner. This double French take features a beautiful mix of warm brown shades.

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Pearly Chrome Double French Nails

Iridescent White nails with art deco-inspired Double French nail art and a gold midi ring — @glammertized / Instagram

Instantly elevate your pearly chrome manicure with double French details. The bright white polish pops against the gorgeous chrome base.

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Barbiecore Double French Nails

Double French manicure with pink glitter tips — @glossy.studios

Ever since BTS pictures of Margot Robbie as Malibu Barbie emerged on the Internet, the color pink has been on the rise. As such, this glittery bubblegum pink double French mani is too trendy not to try.

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High Contrast Double French Mani

Double French manicure with wide lavender half and thin red tip — @paintboxnails

Not sure how you feel about two arches? Take a less traditional approach to your double French manicure by opting for one arched line and one straight. Here, you can see just how high contrast the end look will be.

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Paired Pastels

Pastel angeled french manicure — @overglowedit / Instagram

Picking just one spring and summer pastel shade can be too hard. Why not wear them all? Pick

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Rainbow Neon Double French Nails

Double French manicure with yellow, orange, pink, and blue neon tips — @overglowedit / Instagram

We love this vibrant neon double French mani idea. By lining each pale neon tip with a pop of brighter polish in the same color, it creates a bright, almost luminescent appeal.

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Geometric Double French Mani

Double French manicure with pink geometric tips and accent plaid — @melanated.mani

Still swooning over Barbie pink nail art ideas? This one pairs hot pink with a nude shade and a few pastel slivers for a geometric double French mani that looks chic as can be.

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Multicolored Swirls

French manicure with swirly colorful tips — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

There is nothing traditional about this double-toned french tip. Pair together different colors for every nail in an abstract squiggle design. Depending how deep you'd like the tip to go will help determine how many layers of color you will want.

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Kelly Green Double French Manicure

Double French manicure with kelly green tips — @mirix.nails

Another color that is always trending? Green! These kelly green double French nails are bound to turn heads if you take the time to recreate them.

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Ultra-Thin Double French Manicure

Black and Silver Double French Manicure — @betina_goldstein / Instagram

Prefer a more minimalist take on the trend? Here, celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein opted for ultra-thin arcs to take part in the trend without letting it take over her full nails.

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Black and White Double French Mani

White manicure with black double French tips — @lolo.nailedit

Forget about white tips or two shades of color: Here, @lolo.nailedit shows us how opting for a white base lined with black tips can create a head-turning nail look. It has an almost cartoon appeal.

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Minimalist Colorful Double Frenchies

Double French manicure with thin multicolor tips — @amyle.nails

Love the idea of a colorful double French manicure, but don't want chunky strips of color? Here's proof that even the slimmest lines can make a big impact with this nail art trend.

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Pastel Double French Nails

Pastel pink nails with pastel blue and purple double French tips — @themaniclub

Love the look of this pastel double French mani? We have good news: These are the Olive & June Double French Press-Ons, so you can easily snag the look for yourself.

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Emerald Double French Nails

Double French manicure with thick emerald green tip and thin gold arc — @amyle.nails

Remember: Green is very in. As we inch closer and closer to fall, this moody emerald double French manicure with gold accents is simply too stunning to pass up.

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Candy Cane Tips

Red, white, and gold candycane themed french manicure — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Although this color combo can lean on the side of the holiday themed, we'd sport this look year-round with different shades. Simply alternate tip colors and add a singular sparkly accent to tie the manicure together.

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Art Deco Double French Nails

Double French manicure with pink base and black and white art deco tips — @gelpolish_bar

Who says you have to stop your double French arcs at the tip of each nail? Here, you can see how unique it looks to drag the underlying arc all the way to the cuticle.

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Baby Blue Toile

Double French manicure in pastel blue with bright blue toile design — @the_gelbottle_inc

If you have the time (and patience), you can take your double French manicure a step further by turning it into an actual work of art. Just look at this baby blue example, inspired by classic toile fabrics.

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Two-Tone Neon Double French Nails

Double French manicure with neon green and yellow tips — @gelpolish_bar

Summer isn't over yet. To relish in the final days of the warmest months of the year, consider this vibrant lemon-lime double French manicure idea.

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Abstract Double French Nails

Double French manicure with abstract blue and red tips — @press_reset_nails

Last but not least, we love this abstract double French nail design. With a mottled tip and thin second arc, this design is nothing short of eye-catching.

FAQ

What is a double French Manicure?

A traditional French manicure has a neutral base with one solid color accenting the tip of the nail. In a double French manicure, there are two accents along the tip of the nail, whether that simply be two different colors, two lines that create negative space, or a solid color paired with a design. The style is completely customizable to your aesthetic.