Soft-French Nails Are Trending Quietly

There’s a time and place for a red manicure, and I’m always partial to a pale pink nail, but the truth is that I opt for French tips at the salon more often. Whether I choose classic white, black or something colorful, it’s a simple yet elegant style that always leaves my nails together.

However, after trying what feels like literally every nail color tip possible, I’ve been on the hunt for new nail trends that feel just as high at my next nail appointment. My first port of call? My go-to manicurists, of course, and recently I couldn’t help but notice a new nail trend that’s as cute as your French tip but feels more modern in 2026. Enter: “French” nails.

What Are “Soft French” Nails?

Like the “soft” nails that were all the rage last summer, soft French nails feature a base coat with an integrated French tip. A more subtle take on the classic French tip, but it remains more defined than the “frombré” trend, leading to a closer resemblance to healthy and well-maintained natural nails.

A nude base and a milky white tip tend to be the most popular combination, but the truth is, this nail trend can be recreated with any two colors you choose. As a self-proclaimed nail fanatic, I’ll stick to classic nail colors to create an elevated French nail while still keeping the overall look pared-back and elegant.