In the era of Japanese silicon nail art, Russian dry manicures, and many other constantly evolving manicure types, the classic French manicure remains steadfast in the beauty trend. However, a new manicure trend has been buzzing around our Instagram feeds with its muted and practical appeal. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s the American manicure.
What is an American Manicure?
American manicure is the muted French manicure, usually following the same application procedures as the French manicure (discussed later in the blog). It goes with ivory or warm white and blended tips, giving a natural nail appeal.
What is a French Manicure?
French manicures originated in the 1970s in France when French ladies used to create clean white tips for a classy appearance. French manicure features white, clean, and precise tips against a sheer pink nail base. With time, French tips evolved from simple white tips and pink nail bases to modern manicure types like colored French tips, V tips, and muted French tips (American manicures).
Both the French and American manicures are loved by celebrity manicurists including Tom Bachik and Julie Kandalec – the renowned names in the manicure world. However, it becomes easy to choose the best one in the battle of American tips vs. French tips based on your lifestyle and personal preferences when we know the difference between both manicures.
American Manicure vs French Manicure: The Key Differences
The difference between French manicure and American manicure lies in the stark lines of classic French mani and the muted tips of American manicure. Also, the shape, colors, and overall style make a striking difference.
American Manicure vs French Manicure: The Key Differences
The difference between French manicure and American manicure lies in the stark lines of classic French mani and the muted tips of American manicure. Also, the shape, colors, and overall style make a striking difference.
Colors
The color scheme is a major difference that sets American and French manicures apart.
- Classic French manicure comes with a sheer pink nail base and clean white tips. This contrast gives the nails a crescent or stark smile line on the tips.
- While American manicures use nude and natural-colored nail bases with soft and blown-out tips – usually warm white or nude.
Shape of French tips vs American tips
Another difference comes in the shape of both tips, let’s see how:
- French tips are mostly striking and bold with contrasting colors and sharp tips. Usually, French manicures go with square and sharp tips with pointy corners.
- Meanwhile, American manicures come with soft tips such as almonds and oval for a natural and practical mani.
Style and Look
The final look of both manicures is eventually different due to different color schemes and the shape of tips.
- French tips look bolder with bright white tips and sharp shapes.
- American tips are more natural-looking and softer in overall look.
Practicality
The practicality of French vs American manicures is pretty obvious while considering the shape, color scheme, and overall look.
- American manicure, as it has muted and soft tips, is more practical and functional. Also, American tips go well with short nails, bingo! A perfect choice for everyday wear.
- However, a French manicure is the perfect go-to solution for parties and formal meetings as these nails give a bolder and modern look.
French vs American Manicure Application Procedure
Besides the basic nail prep and nail shaping, French and American manicures are slightly different in application. The first step in any manicure is to apply the nail base. You can choose a pinkish nude base for a French manicure or natural nude tones for an American manicure. Then, to get your classic French tips done, use a thin and fine airbrush creating clean white or off-white tips. On the other hand, use a soft or warm white shade to create blended and muted American tips. To fade the tips even more, you can apply a coat of nude nail color and blend it softly till the white tip becomes less defined. These blended tips merge in your natural nails length easily, giving your nails an elongating effect.
American Manicure vs French Manicure: Which one is Easier to Maintain?
Comparatively American nails are easier to maintain because of their rounded and natural shape. The rounded shape and short tips are easier to maintain as compared to the sharp square tips of French mani. Moreover, you will be able to open the pop can with American mani without breaking off the tips.
Is French Manicure Costly Than American Manicure?
In New York City, French manicures usually cost $10-35 depending on the nail salon and nail artists. Regular white tips cost $10-15 and deep French manicures can cost up to $30. Similarly, muted French manicure or American manicure can cost somewhere between $15 to $20. However, the prices can vary depending on the types of nails, such as gel, acrylic, or dip powder nails you are choosing.
Can I do an American Manicure with Dip Powder, Acrylic, or Gel Nails?
Just like French manicures, American manicures can also be done with fake nail extensions and dip powder nails. Though acrylic and gel nails are not necessary, you can use these synthetic nails to give a slight length to your extra short nails. With dip powder nails you can give your natural nails strength and make the American manicure last longer.
Dip powder nail base with nude tones provides your nails a strengthened and bare nail effect. While the creamy tips and clear top coats give it an extra blended effect. You can also seal the complete look with a gel nail polish. This makes your manicure stay longer than ordinary nail polish.
American manicure vs French manicure – which one are you choosing? Are you side soft and muted for an American manicure or side bold and stark for a French manicure? Try both and share your manicure pictures on our social media.
What is the difference between a classic manicure and a French manicure?
A classic manicure simply includes cutting, filing, and shaping your nails with good-quality colored nail polish. Meanwhile, French manicure refers to a special manicure technique, including a light pink nail base and clean white tips.
Why is a French manicure expensive?
Giving a precise and clean tip is time-consuming and the real challenge in the French manicure. That’s why many manicurists and nail technicians charge more for a clean French manicure.
Do I need a nail kit for a French or American manicure?
You don’t need any professional tool kit for French or American manicures. It can be easily done at home with basic tools like airbrush, tape, and nail file. Essentials for manicures include a good quality base coat and nail polish to get a long-lasting manicure.
Is French manicure outdated?
Classic French tips with sharp and defined white tips are outdated in 2025. In contrast, more blended and muted French tips are taking over the trend. Soft French tips and ombre nails are more popular due to their natural and effortless appearance.
What does a French manicure include?
A French manicure includes a square or squoval nail shape with a light or sheer pink nail base and bright white tips. These prominent tips give the French manicure a clean and bold look perfect for formal and professional events.
