How to Create a Perfect French Manicure Using Scotch Tape

A French manicure gives your nails a professional, clean and natural appearance. You do not need to visit a manicurist to achieve the perfect French manicure. All you will need is your favorite nail colors and a little bit of clear tape to create the perfect look. The days of unevenly painted nail tips and smeared nail polish are over.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish
• Clear tape

Instructions

1. Decide which nail polish color you would like to use for your overlay. Typically, beige, buff or a soft pink is used as your complimentary French manicure color. There may be times when you decide to simply use a clear top coat, for a more natural look. Also decide whether you will be using white or another color for tips.

2. Tear off a piece of clear tape and lay it across your nail bed, leaving the tip exposed. The tape will act as a pattern for the white tips of your French manicure. It is okay if the tape overlaps onto your finger, because it is better to be too long than too short. Make sure that the piece of tape is completely smooth and pressed firmly against your nail, leaving no gaps.

3. Continue to add a piece of tape to the nail bed of every nail in the same way you did the first. It is important to tape all of your nails before moving on to painting the tips, so that you do not smudge your nails.

4. Paint all of your nail tips the color of your choice. You do not have to worry about getting the nail polish on the tape, because it will be removed as soon as the tips are dry.

5. Allow the painted tips to dry thoroughly. This step is very important, because if you try to remove the tape before your nails tips are dry, you may mess up the perfect manicure.

6. Remove the tape when you are sure that the nail tips are perfectly dry. Apply a coat of your chosen overlay color to your nails, allow it to dry and you will have the perfect French manicure.

Tips & Warnings

• A nail dryer, fan, or heat lamp will help to speed up the nail polish drying process.

• The same tape technique can be used to add more designs to your nails. Placing the tape at different angles and using a variety of colors, can create a decorative look.

• Adding a layer of top coat to your nails daily will help to make your French manicure last longer.

• Do not apply the nail tightly around your fingers. You will want to press it firmly to your nails, and leave it looser on your fingers. This will make it easier to remove when you are finished.

• Do not apply the nail polish too thickly. This will cause you to need more drying time and increase the chances of ruining your perfect French manicure.

Resources

• French manicure designs