50+ Red French Tip Nails You Need to Try This Month

Sharing is caring!

French manicures have been a staple for many years, and now it’s time to shake it up with red French tip nails!

Combining the timelessness of french tips with classic red is the perfect way to make a statement with your nails.

We’ve collected some of our favorite looks to inspire you, as well as some tips on picking the perfect shade and style.

Choosing Your Red French Tip Nails Style

There are so many styles of french tips now it can be hard to choose the right one.

Not to mention you can also have different shades of red and different combinations; for example, you may choose to only do French tips on some nails and full color on the rest. Check out Pinterest for some ideas.

If you are getting gel or acrylic, you pretty much choose any shape you like!

If you are sticking with your natural nails, look at the shape of not only your nail but your free edge (where your red french tips would go). Ideally, you would follow the line of your free edge, though if you would like your french tip a little wider you can adjust your polish application.

Red French Tip Nails: Video Tutorial

If you would like to try making red French tip nails at home, check out the tutorial below – skip to 3min 40sec to see the design. Video by Venus Rosa via youtube.

YouTube video

Red French Tips You Can Do at Home

If you prefer to do your own nails but aren’t used to doing French tips, there are a few simple tricks.

  • The simplest way is to use tape as a border for your polish.
  • You can buy special tape at the drug store, or in a pinch, scotch tape works as well. Just line the tape under your free edge (you may need to trim if you’re using scotch tape) and apply your polish.
  • The key with this method is to apply the color first, followed by the base coat and then the top coat.
  • This way you can use a cotton swab to clean up the edges, and the combination of the base and top coats together will help to really lock in the color. 

Style 1: Short Red French Tips

If you like to keep your nails short, you can still have gorgeous red French tips. You can either paint the tip a bit wider than your free edge, or stick with a thinner tip for something a bit more subtle.

With this method you may want to think about using an off white or light blush as the base color (rather than clear), this will make sure the red tips really pop!

Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by ashlee.bee.nails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailsinc
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by tiaras.nails.ut
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by __sugarcoatnails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by @_.nailsbymo.
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by __powderhouse
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by @primadona_nails_corby
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by the.manicureman
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by sophies_nails20

Style 2: Dark Red French Tips

We love a classic apple red shade, but how about something a little darker?

Look at shades like burgundy or oxblood to really make a statement with your red French tips. 

Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by designbyjanet_
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by megansquirrell.nails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by madebyellamae_
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by polishedbyalo
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailzbyvee
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by thebeautyloft_byemily
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by ep_gel_nails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailzby_cyn

Style 3: Red French Tips for Acrylics

If you like the convenience of getting your nails done and not having to worry about them for a few weeks, try acrylic nails!

This will give you the freedom to try any length and shape you want for your red French tip nails. Your nail tech will have some experience with nail art, so be sure to ask for suggestions!

Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailovva
Red French Tip Nails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by saundersbeauty
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by thenailroombygee
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by lesmainschics
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by beautymeetsspooky
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by theyonnaise.nails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailsbytaylormelissa
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by cs_nails_xo
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by abisnailsandbeauty
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by @shawnz.nailed.it
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by @_ag.beauty via Instagram
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nail.sbyangelina
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailsbyjaqueline_
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by polishedbymccall
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by alexandrine.ongles.cils

Style 4: Red French Tips for Coffin Nails

Coffin nails have become a popular nail shape. If you’re not familiar, coffin nails are slightly rounded at the side and straight across the top.

If you’re looking to try out something new with your red French tips, coffin nails are the way to go!

Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by rubyduznails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by theyluvbeautyy
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by _nailsbyenri
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by klawzbykuualoha
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by wonderlinks_nails_by_alys
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by slaayed_by_cc
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by liinas_nails
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailed.by.amy
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by _nailedbywendy
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by scarnailss_

Style 5: Glitter Red French Tips

If you are a lover of anything sparkly, you’ll definitely want to try out some glitter-red French tips! You can either find a red polish that already has glitter, or add a clear glitter coat over top.

You can also use glitter on just one or two of your nails for an accent. The perfect way to add a little sparkle to your day to day. Or keep it in mind for the holidays!

Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailhustle
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailsxjosie
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by slayedby.emvee
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailsbyautumnraee
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by row.nails.beauty
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by bonbonnailsandbeautyleeds
Red French Tip Nails
Nail design by nailsu.kblackfen

Now that you’ve got your gorgeous red French tips, make sure they last! Wearing rubber gloves when you do the dishes or any kind of cleaning is key for making sure your nails stay fresh. 

If you are doing your own nails, it’s very important to have a good quality top coat. Given that it’s only the tips that are painted, any nicks or chips are much more noticeable. 

Red French tips are the perfect way to step up your manicure game. With so many options, you can try out a few different styles until you find your favorite one. So get out your tape or head to your nail bar and try them out!

Lindsey Harris
Author
Lindsey is a professional nail artist based in Utah, US. Her specialties are party and occasion nails, she loves to work with glitter and gemstones in her nail studio. She loves sharing her knowledge of the nail industry and curating the latest nail design trends. She is contributing to a number of other industry related magazines.