As far as nail trends go, inspiration is in abundance, but amid the mesmerising cat-eye finishes, playful polka dots and unexpected pistachio and tomato shades, sometimes what we really crave is a palate cleanser.
Let Naomi Ackie’s manicure serve just that purpose. Taking to Schiaparelli’s show at Paris Fashion Week recently, the actress wore a French ombré manicure – courtesy of nail artist Imarni – that felt like a breath of fresh air. And a quick scroll on Instagram proves that manicurists are already recreating the look in numbers.
What are French ombré nails and how do they differ from a classic French manicure?
The French ombré is anything but your average clean girl nail consisting of little more than a slick of nude polish. Thanks to the softly diffused tip – rather than the stark white line synonymous with a classic French manicure – there’s something more intricate and considered about the ombré look.
“A French ombré is a much softer take on the classic French manicure,” Imarni tells British . “It gives you the same clean, timeless feel as a traditional French tip, but with a softer, more modern twist,” she says. Imarni adds that the blended finish looks “effortlessly elegant”, but it’s also practical: “The French ombré manicure grows out beautifully, making it a great option for clients who want something classic but a little less defined, not to mention more wearable day to day,” she says.
How do you achieve the French ombré manicure?
For Ackie’s nails, Imarni layered Bio Sculpture’s Colour Builder Gel in the shades Dream and Snow to create the perfect base. “I personally love a milky pink rather than anything too opaque because you want the colours to melt into each other,” says Imarni. Depending on your skin tone, she also recommends asking your manicurist for Bio Sculpture’s Candy (a sheer light pink), Blossom (a blush pink) or Peony (a natural pink).
Once you’ve chosen your base, it’s all about perfecting the blurred white tip. “I love using Bio Sculpture’s French White or Snow to create a soft fade at the free edge,” says Imarni. An ombré brush or a nail sponge will help blend the white downwards into the sheer base.
Requesting professional gel is your best bet for a high shine finish like Ackie's, but if you’re painting your own nails at home, Imarni has a few tips for using regular polish: “Opt for one layer of Bio Sculpture's Nail Polish in Dané or Rosé and blend with a layer of Nail Polish in Créme.” These bases lend a delicate veil of colour, allowing the natural white tips of your natural nails to peek through, giving the illusion of an ombré effect. Finish with a glossy top coat to lock in the French fade. “This is an important step because it smooths out any texture and gives the nails a luxurious, glass-like shine,” says Imarni.
The great thing about a French ombré manicure, adds Imarni, is that it works well on all nail lengths and a good nail technician can adapt the style to most shapes. “The secret is creating a completely seamless blend between the nude base and the white tip,” Imarni says. “There should never be a harsh line.”
Below, even more French ombré nail inspiration to take to your manicurist.