An almond shape is such a classic and pretty base for a French manicure.

• Almond is a classic and timeless nail shape.
• It’s a stunning base for the equally classic French manicure.
• Explore 23 looks that showcase how good a French tip looks on an almond nail.

Almond nails are one of the most classic and enduring shapes. They beautifully elongate the hand and create a stunning backdrop for any nail look, from a milky white to classic polka dot. Their classic nature means they also lend themselves beautifully to a French tip.

“Almond is the most timeless shape for medium- to long-length nails,” says nail artist Laura Malarkey. “I always say that almond nails are like wedge shoes for your hands—they make everyone’s fingers look long and slim.” Plus, adds the expert, the almond shape is one of the strongest nail shapes. Since it doesn’t have sharp corners, like square nails, it absorbs shock and resists chipping better. We chatted with Malarky, along with fellow nail artists Tara Haye and Rachel Joseph, to get their favorite almond-shaped French tip manis.

Keep scrolling for 23 beautiful almond French tip nail looks to inspire your next manicure.

Meet the expert

• Laura Malarkey is a Cincinnati-based nail artist at Nailing Hollywood. Her clients include Pamela Anderson and Gigi Hadid.
• Tara Haye is a celebrity nail artist who has worked with Lucy Hale and Lana Condor. She is based in NYC.
• Rachel Joseph is a nail artist at Nailing Hollywood. She has worked with Kim Kardashian and Ayesha Curry.

Pattern Play

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Classic patterns are dominating nail art right now, so a look that blends stripes and polka dots is perfectly on-trend. We love that this look is achieved with just two shades—creamy white and deep espresso—to create a gorgeous contrast.

Pink Glitter

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To paint the perfect French manicure, Joseph starts with the perfect sheer base. Once you’ve cured your base, Joseph says to use a lining brush to paint on your French tips. From there, use a flat brush with alcohol (for gel) or acetone (for regular polish) to clean up your look.

Red Outlines

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For a minimalist take on the French manicure, opt to outline the very edge of the nail tip and smile line, leaving the rest of the tip bare. It’s a fun way to play with negative space. Plus, it makes a bold color like red a little less loud.

Chocolate Brown

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Forget about classic white French tips—these chocolate brown ones have our hearts.

Pearly Whites

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A classic French is a stunning base for embellishments. This look features a few pearly smile lines for added texture and charm.

Black and White Checker

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“Almond-shaped manicures provide a perfect balance between a sharp point and a soft curve,” says Haye. This almond-shaped mani features a trendy mix-and-match design with black French tips, checkers, and cheerful smiley faces.

Black and White Matte Heart

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Here’s another black and white almond-shaped French manicure that instantly caught our eye. Between the matte finish and marbled heart accent nails, what’s not to love? Remember: You can transform any manicure into a matte manicure with a matte top coat.

Coquette Glitter

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Bows are one of the biggest fashion motifs of coquette culture. To elevate your almond-shaped French mani, try a pink glitter polish topped off with a ballet pink bow, like nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens did here.

Black and Red Suits

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This black and red almond-shaped French manicure would be perfect for a Vegas or Atlantic City vacation. The tiny card suit details and lucky angel numbers make it an ideal fit for gambling.

Silver French

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Once upon a time, silver was a color reserved for the holidays. Now, it’s a fun, stylish hue to be celebrated and worn all year long. And, as you can see here, it’s a polish shade that looks especially pretty in French form on an almond-shaped mani.

Dual-Finish Hot Pink

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How fun is this dual-finish French manicure? Who knew opting for a matte base and glossy tips could make for such a head-turning nail look?

Lavender Ombré

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French manicures don’t have to feature super crisp arches. Here’s what a more ombré approach can get you. Malarkey took it up a notch by adding a chrome finish on top.

Rhinestone Cherries

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Cherries are cute, playful, and timeless, so this rhinestone cherry almond-shaped manicure is a must in our book.

Coral Bloom French Tips

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We love this classic white French mani topped with dainty coral blooms.

Minty Green

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This angular minty green French manicure looks so fresh. Malarkey painted it by hand, but you may need to head to the salon to recreate such precise lines.

Minty Marbled

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This minty French manicure is the perfect springy nail look. Malarkey created it using a pale lime zest polish on most nails, with abstract swatches on the others.

Glossy Nude

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Instead of white French tips, try a glossy, sandy nude shade. Haye created this airbrush-inspired neutral mani for Valentine’s Day, but it’s a nail look that could easily be worn all year long.

Shimmer Skittle

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We’re swooning over this shimmery skittle French mani. We like the accent provided by the rhinestones, but you don’t have to add it. The lacquer will stand out all on its own.

Pink and Red Bow

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Black French tips are a bold move that we fully stand behind.

White Flame

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This isn’t your average French manicure. Opting for flames over crisp crescent moon tips is a bold move. Joseph created this one by starting with a pink aura base, making it an even more fashion-forward nail look.

Warm Rainbow

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Skittle manicures are those that feature a rainbow of colors. This one leans warm, with hot pink, red, tangerine, lemon, and lime shades. Malarkey created this bright manicure and focused on bringing the sides of the tips further down the nail for an even, more elongated look.

White Diagonal

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There’s nothing wrong with classic bright white French manicures. Instead of a whole hand of arched tips, consider some diagonal accents to create a more abstract appearance. You’ll be shocked by just how chic it looks.

Pastel Diagonal Swoop

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Another way to update a classic French mani? Swap symmetrical arched tips for diagonal swoop tips.