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I usually keep it simple with pedicures, opting for a single wash of color in any number of stylish shades. Lately, though, I’ve been tempted to branch out from my basic aesthetic and embrace an “outdated” trend that’s made its way back into the limelight. I’m talking about the old-school French pedicure. Yep, the same French pedicure that was #1 throughout the late-90s and early-2000s. It’s been flooding by FYP all summer, but recently, it’s reached peak saturation with celebrity nail artists and hot-ticket salons showing off all kinds of ultra-chic iterations.
The French pedicure is arguably out of trend-hibernation, thanks to two things: The internet’s obsession with 1) sophisticated nail designs, and 2) all things Y2K (I’m looking at you, Zara Larrson!). Regardless, it’s the single most stylish pedicure of summer 2026. Keep scrolling for all the evidence you need.
What Is a French Pedicure
A French pedicure is the same thing as a French manicure, just…well, on the toes. It’s a simple, minimal design that traditionally involves painting a crisp white or off-white line across the top of each nail (although, some French pedicures incorporate other colors, like pink, butter yellow, etc.). When doing a French pedicure at home, the trick is to focus on the nail and cuticle prep, ensuring you have a clean, fresh, and precise base to work with, but more on that in a minute.
French Pedicure Inspo
A French pedicure looks so chic peeking out from under light-wash denim.
Minimalists will love the micro-French pedi—a subtle take on the traditional look.
This squared-off French pedicure is giving early-2000s vibes in the best way.
If you want something different, try a pink jelly base for your French pedi.
Butter-yellow French pedicures are *everywhere* right now.
Multi-colored French pedicures feel especially playful and summery.
How to Do a French Pedicure
Precise nail and cuticle prep is *everything* when attempting a DIY French pedicure. Depending on personal preference, time, and comfortability, nail artists often recommend soaking your feet for 5-10 minutes, exfoliating via a foot scrub, and then applying a cuticle remover to the base of the toes before pushing the cuticles back with a pusher tool. Sally Hansen’s Instant Cuticle Remover ($6) is my go-to. It works in 30 seconds and makes my nail beds look so smooth and fresh. Did I mention it comes highly recommended from an IG-famous derm?
Sally Hansen
Instant Cuticle Remover
Effective and inexpensive.
Olive & June
Stainless Steel Toe Pusher Cuticle Tool
I use this to push my cuticles back during nail prep.
Step 2: The Base Color
Once the feet and cuticles are prepped, it’s time to paint. Start with a base color. Traditionally, sheer, neutral nail colors are used for this. Don’t be afraid to mix a few shades to find your perfect one. This is a tip I learned from Hailey Bieber’s nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt. She never uses just one shade. She mixes them to create a bespoke shade that compliments each client’s skin tone. A few of her go-to colors are below. Although, You can also veer away from standard neutrals and choose a sheer, jelly one. Sheer pink, butter yellow, and lilac are flooding my FYP.
OPI
Nail Lacquer – Bubble Bath
The iconic Bubble Bath is a sheer candy pink.
OPI
Nail Lacquer – Put It in Neutral
Put It In Neutral is a soft, sheer pink crème.
OPI
Nail Lacquer – Bare My Soul
Bare My Soul is a sheer rosy-beige.
Step 3: The French Pedi
There are a couple of different ways you can create a professional-looking French pedicure at home. First, you can use use a tapered nail brush to manually paint it across the top of the nail. This method works if you have a steady hand. Personally, though, I like using a stencil to get the perfect half-moon shape. I like Orly’s Half Moon Guides ($7) which are wide enough to fit my toes just as well as they fit my fingers.
oliveandjune
Striper Brush Nail Art Tool
This dual-ended brush is tapered and precise.
These stencils couldn’t be easier to use.
Essie
Nail Polish – Marshmallow
I love Essie’s Marshmallow, a sheer off-white color, for French manis and pedis.
OPI
Nail Lacquer – Alpine Snow
For a clean, crisp French pedicure, I recommend OPI’s Alpine Snow.
Olive & June
Long Lasting Top Coat
A glossy top coat is the final step to achieving an expensive-looking French pedicure at home. I love Olive & June’s Long-Lasting Top Coat. It’s so shiny.
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