This "Dated" Pedicure Trend Always Divides Opinion, But Experts Say It's Making a Comeback

As a beauty editor, I'm forever keeping my eyes peeled on nail trends and pedicure trends. One trend that I've been seeing all over my socials right now is French pedicures. However, the internet seems split on this one. Many think it looks a little dated, but the other camp says it's classic.

The origins of the French manicure came from Orly founder, Jeff Pink, who in 1975 invented it for actresses on films sets who would often need to change their nail colour in between scenes. This was time consuming, and the classic and neutral design of the French manicure meant that it worked across scenes and didn't affect the film's continuity. Since then, we've seen the French style take to our toes as a classic and timeless pedicure look.

Is the French Pedicure in Style in 2024?

Whether you love or hate it, the French pedicure isn't going anywhere, with top nail techs proclaiming it's well and truly back.

"I've noticed a significant increase in client requests for French pedicures this year, especially the elegant micro French style," says Amber Hankock, brand ambassador for The Gel Bottle. "French pedicures are timeless, but clients now gravitate towards sheer, neutral bases, rather than the bold ‘pink and white’ look. The micro French style, embraces the clean aesthetic, creating an effortlessly elegant finish," she says.

How to Do a French Pedicure

If you're doing your French pedicure at home, Hancock has some tips for getting it right.

"Achieving the perfect French pedicure starts with meticulous skin and nail prep," says Hancock. "For stubborn cuticles, I use cuticle remover before pushing and nipping. To leave the skin glowing, I finish with Pillow Powder foot soak and mineral scrub exfoliator," she says.

"Depending on the client’s skin tone, I typically choose between The Gel Bottle 'Precious,' 'Solo,' or 'Marshmallow' for a pink base. If the client has any discolouration on their toenails, which is quite common for first-time gel pedi clients, I apply 2-3 thin layers of the base colour to effectively conceal it and create a flawless finish," adds Hancock.

Lastly, it's time to perfect that French tip. "To achieve smooth, thin lines, opt for a long, fine nail art brush like The Gel Bottle’s Liner 02. The length of this brush helps absorb shakiness, allowing for more precise and controlled application," she says.

Ready to enter your French pedicure era? Scroll ahead for the chicest French pedicure designs we love and the products to get the look.

French Pedicure Ideas

1. Milky French Pedicure

This is such a pretty take on the French pedicure, featuring a milky white base and crisp white tips.

Essie

Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss 00 Arctic Jelly

£9

Apply this sheer white as your base for a milky effect.

Peacci

Nail Polish in Daisy

£9

The perfect white for a crisp French pedicure.

ZARA

Nail Set

£18£10

Every brush you could need for a flawless French.

2. Classic French Pedicure

You can't beat a classic French pedicure—choose a sheer pink base and pair with a white tip to make your feet look groomed and chic.

Templespa

Sole Balm

£21

All good pedicures begin with good foot care. This foot cream is one of the best around to leave soles silky soft—what dry cracked heels?

CHANEL

Le Vernis in Longwear Nail Colour Ballerina 111

£29

Chanel Ballerina is the perfect pink for a French pedi.

Manucurist

Nail Art Brush

£16

Get a precise French tip with a fine-nibbed nail art brush such as this one.

3. Pink Jelly French Pedicure

The pink jelly polish on this pedicure gives the traditional pedi a fun update.

CHANEL

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 175 Skieuse

£29

A sheer jelly pink you'll reach for time and time again.

Manucurist

Green Active Glow

£16

Lends nails a healthy tint of pink.

Nails Inc.

Glow and Grow Nail Growth Treatment

£9

This nourishing formula encourages stronger nails while imparting a healthy pink flush.

4. Pink French Pedicure

I love the bolder pink in this French pedi, which makes a chic change from the standard soft sheer pinks.

Peacci

Nail Polish in Gossip

£9

Such a pretty pink hue for toes that you'll reach for time and time again.

H&M

Gel Nail Polish

£7

This formula from H&M looks just like gel but is regular polish and has serious staying power.

OPI

Nail Polish in It's a Girl!

£18

This hue has a slight sheerness to it, which looks really pretty for a French pedicure.

5. Peach French Pedicure

If you're bored of pink, why note try a peachy base for your French pedicure?

Pleasing

Milk Man's Cheeks Polish

£18

Pleasing's Astro Milk nail polish collection includes this sheer peachy milky polish.

Barry M

Air Breathable Nail Paint in Peachy

£5

Delivers a sheer wash of peach that looks so chic.

Essie

Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss 120 Apricot Jelly

£9

For something a little bolder, one coat of this jelly apricot polish will make your toes look bright and healthy.

6. Colourful French Pedicure

Who says you have to stick to a white French? Experiment with colourful French tips from bold and bright to delicate pastels.

Hermès

Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel

£45

The chicest bright red you'll ever try.

CHANEL

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

£29

This pastel lilac would look so pretty as a colourful French tip.

Bio Sculpture

Cloudcha NailPolish

£12

Matcha green is one of the coolest hues to wear right now.