Image Source: Getty/Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic [1]
If a traditional French manicure [2] feels a little too Y2K for you, allow us to introduce you to its much chicer, upgraded little sister, aka the "micro" French. [3] It's exactly what it sounds like: think French manicure but barely there. Instead of a white or colorful tip that covers half the nail, a micro French barely creeps along the edge. The result is an ultra-thin tip that toes the line between no nail art and a classic design.
Rita Ora, [4] who's a fan of milky French manicures, showed us exactly how to rock the micro trend in a recent Instagram photo dump of her trip to London. Ora's long, square-shaped nails were painted a milky nude color, similar to milk-bath nails [5], and upon closer inspection, you can see a fine white line at the tip. She wore the look for the Capital Summertime Ball 2025 at Wembley Stadium on June 15.
Image Source: Getty/Karwai Tang/WireImage [6]
A traditional white line is perfect for this look, or you can mix it up with bright colors to stay on trend with this summer's biggest nail shades [7]. Now that shorter nails are popular again, the micro French is a great way to experiment with nail art when working with a smaller canvas. Any nail salon should be able to create this design, but if you're in the mood to DIY [8] it, you have a few options.
We love press-on nails to achieve the look without having to make a trip to see a pro. Try the Glamnetic La Perle Press-On Nails [9] ($18) for a white tip or the Kiss Impress All Day Long Nails [10] ($10) for a fun, colorful twist.
The micro French manicure can also be re-created at home with the TikTok-viral silicone nail stamp [11]. Just keep in mind that this hack works better if you have longer nails.
Image Source: Getty/Karwai Tang/WireImage [12]
Brittany Leitner [13] (she/her) is a New York-based contributing beauty writer at PS. She has over 10 years of experience working in beauty, health, wellness, travel, and celebrity news. Brittany holds a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously held editorial positions at Elite Daily and "The Dr. Oz Show" before working as a freelance journalist for the past three years.