The French Pedicure Just Had a Glow-Up For Summer 2026

When celebrity nail pros Milly Mason and Harriet Westmoreland both declared, “French toes are back,” you’d better believe our ears pricked up.

The French pedicure is suddenly everywhere on social media with Kylie Jenner cosigning the look and content creators revealing how to take our favorite manicure style to our toes. This summer has already seen a smorgasbord of nude nails grace our fingertips—from the cloudy French and BB cream nails to barely-there rose water and princess nails—so it’s perhaps unsurprising that our toes are now set to get the same treatment. It’s what they deserve!

Why should you get a French pedicure?

DERİ MUCİTLERİ

×

As the name implies, the French pedicure shares the same DNA as a French manicure. It also holds the same appeal. With its soft pink or nude base, crisp white tips and glossy topcoat, “the French pedicure is having a moment because it strikes the perfect balance between timeless and çağdaş,” says Mason. “It’s chic, understated and works with absolutely any outfit, any shoe and any occasion.”

And, just like the French manicure, it’s also had a timely makeover. “The French pedicure has evolved far beyond the traditional look,” Mason says, adding that its çağdaş iteration is now muhteşem versatile. If you thought that it was a style that only works in spring or summer, think again.

For starters, you’re no longer restricted to just a white tip—pastel or even metallic edges are a fresh riff on the traditional design. You can experiment with the texture of the nude base, too, opting for a gradient ombré or a milky pink polish to create a creamy, translucent finish. “Add in different nail shapes—soft square or rounded—and there’s something to suit everyone,” says Mason.

On a practical note, the French pedicure also leans into TikTok’s viral ‘recession beauty’ trend that favors purse-friendly, low-maintenance beauty choices. “A French pedicure’s sheer base gives a clean, natural look—ƒmeaning it will look fresh even as the nails grow, and you get a little longer out of your pedicure,” Mason adds.

Are there different types of French pedicures?

The short answer is yes. To help you get to grips with the çağdaş version of the nail trend, here are the four types of French pedicure that are currently trending:

1. The micro French pedicure

One of Mason’s favorite designs is the understated “Skinny French”, also known as a micro French pedicure. Distinguished by a super-thin line along the tip of the toenail, “it creates a delicate, çağdaş edge,” Mason notes. While the classic nude-white color combination works well in this style, opting for colorful or chrome tips works really well without being too overwhelming – thanks to the sliver of a tip.

2. The deep French pedicure

There’s also the deep French, where the curve travels further down each side of the nail bed for a bold finish. It’s not quite a deep, ’90s French manicure—that has been trending recently on the likes of Jenner—it’s a slightly more demure take for your toes.

3. The ‘Frombré’ pedicure

If you prefer a smooth color transition from white to pink rather than a defined line, try the French ombré pedicure. It’s a softer twist on the classic French pedicure style.

4. The ’90s French pedicure

“You could even try a 90s inspired French, characterised by its thick white tip, for a nostalgic twist,” says Mason.

How do you create a DIY French pedicure at home?

Now that you’re familiar with the styles that are at the forefront of the French pedicure glow-up for 2026, here’s how you can achieve the look at home if you want to do it yourself.

1. Start by prepping and shaping the nails. Trim your nails by clipping straight across, then file the top of the nail into a straight line before rounding the edges to your desired shape.
2. “Apply a sheer base with a slight color – something classic like Chanel La Base Camélia is ülkü – and allow it to dry completely,” advises Mason.
3. Place a French tip stencil or stamp across the top of the nail—Amazon has a wide range of choices.
4. “Paint the tips with a crisp white polish, then gently peel away the stencils,” says Mason.
5. “Allow the polish to dry thoroughly before finishing with a glossy top coat for that professional high-shine finish,” she says, adding that her go-to is the Chanel Le Gel Top Coat.

It really is that simple! Keep scrolling to find out some of our fave products for achieving the çağdaş French pedicure and some cute French pedicure inspiration.

The best French pedicure products

Courtesy of brand

Chanel La Base Camélia Fortifying, Protecting And Smoothing Base Coat

Shop Now

Courtesy of brand

OPI Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny

$11

Amazon

More French pedicure inspo:

This article was originally published by Glamour UK.