Nail Ideas

The Micro French Manicure Is Our Favorite Nail Trend Yet

written by EMMA GINSBERG

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

micro french manicure"
micro french manicure
Source: @gel.bymegan
Source: @gel.bymegan

If there’s one thing I know about Everygirls, it’s that they looooove a simple, elegant manicure. Nothing quite hits like a fresh set of nails that are simple and understated with just a little bit of fun detail to spice it up. I am, of course, speaking of the trending mani style of the summer: the micro French manicure. These are the kinds of manicures that you can wear with any outfit, for any occasion, but will always attract the attention of someone with a keen eye. Getting complimented on your manicure feels about 100x better when it’s a design that’s on the super-subtle side.

What is a micro French manicure?

A micro French manicure is exactly what it sounds like: a French manicure but with as thin a line of polish at the tip of the nail as possible. Though this nail style is nothing new, it’s perfect for the girlies who want to add a pop of color or intrigue to a plain manicure this summer. Of course, not all micro French manicures are the same level of “micro.” You can have a micro French mani with a barely detectable line of polish, or one with just a slightly skinnier French than normal. Either way, this style is especially great for those of us who love the look of a French manicure, but also want to have one that doesn’t overpower a relatively short nail shape.

How to do a micro French manicure

If you’re planning to ask for a micro French manicure at the salon, make sure you pick a base of your favorite “your nails but better” color and follow it up with the tip color of your choosing. You can request a micro French mani by name, or simply request a super-thin French manicure. For our DIY girlies, start with the base coat of your choosing before moving on to the French tip. With the micro French design specifically, it helps to have a super-tiny brush on hand to dip in the tip color and drag slowly and carefully along the edge of the nail to create the French tip design. You can use another small brush with a bit of polish remover, or rubbing alcohol if you’re using gel polish, to clean up any mistakes.

Micro French manicure ideas

Need some inspo for your next micro French manicure? From classic white to colorful ombré, we’ve got you covered. 

1. Bright pink micro French

micro French manicure
Source: clw_nailartist

2. Black micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @paintedbyjools

3. Sparkly green micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @sophiealice_nails

4. Brown micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @natmaloneynailartist

5. Baby blue micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @gel.bymegan

6. Matcha green micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @gel.bymegan

7. White micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @gel.bymegan

8. Colorful ombré micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @wandergelofficial

9. Black and white micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @gel.bymegan

10. Tropical multicolored micro French

micro french manicure
source: @gel.bymegan

11. Lemon yellow micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @matejanova

12. Light pink micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @matejanova

13. Pastel multicolored micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @anouknailedit

14. Neon green micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @matejanova

15. Sparkly black micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @matejanova

16. Gold micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @gemmapope_

17. Sparkly silver micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @paintedbyjools

18. Bright blue micro French

micro french manicure
Source: @paintedbyjools