Retro short and square French tip nails are making a very chic return this spring
Clean and angular, short square French tips are a go-to this season for a practical but stylish manicure...


A favourite of Victoria Beckham's back in the '90s and '00s, square French tips are as classic as manicures get. Now, fast-forward to 2025, and the look has been trimmed down for a modern and perfectly chic feel.
This is likely thanks to the array of short square nail looks topping the 2025 nail trends and the surge of pastel French tips for spring, but all in all, it's safe to say that the iconic pairing is back - and arguably better than ever. Instead of just the nude base and white tip that was prevalent in decades past, we're now seeing a whole host of popular and luxe shades being incorporated into the look, to very chic effect. Then, there's just how neat and versatile this manicure is, as both the length and design offer subtlety and practicality.
So, if you're tempted to request a short square French tip mani (despite it being a bit of a mouthful), we've rounded up six stylish iterations to consider - along with everything you'll need to recreate it at home.
6 chic short square French tip nails to request this season
Short French tip nails have become a go-to for many over the last few years, thanks to their clean and minimalistic look. Now, add in a square nail shape and you've got yourself a very elevated and sophisticated manicure. Despite being popular in the '90s and '00s, the angular style feels modern when paired with today's popular shades - and with a French tip, even more so.
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
What we really love about this short manicure is how versatile it is and how easy it makes experimenting with brighter polishes. A red or yellow, for instance, doesn't feel too in your face when reserved for just the tip of your nail - and is less likely to clash with your wardrobe but rather, add a stylish accent of colour.
Your square French tip kit
Now, we won't lie to you - creating a French tip on your own nails is no easy feat. It will take some practice, so we would recommend leaving the design in the hands of the professionals. That said, if you're keen to take on the task, we would recommend investing in a set of nail art brushes and adding a timeless base colour to your kit - like a sheer nail polish or subtle nude nail shade.
RRP: £8
To create the perfect square nail shape, we recommend investing in a good-quality nail file, like this glass file from Tweezerman, to buff along the tip and edges of your nail to achieve that angular look.
RRP: £5
While it might take a bit of practice to master, having a selection of thin and angled nail brushes will help you to create that signature crescent or straight French tip design. This set from Boots features five brushes - ranging from thin detailing brushes to angled and flat - and all have a dotting tool at the other end.
RRP: £18
OPI's Bubble Bath is the perfect nail colour to use as a base for your French tip, regardless of whether you go for a classic white tip or playful pastel. It's sheer but buildable and offers a wash of soft, nude pink to your nails.
RRP: £10.99
If you're looking to embrace this year's popular spring nail colours, we recommend opting for a buttery-yellow French tip - and essie's nail polish in Atelier At The Bay is the perfect hue. It's also lovely as a block nail shade and is set to be a go-to this year.
1. The classic
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
When in doubt, go for the classic pink base and white tip combination. It never fails to afford a certain sense of luxury and sophistication, whilst remaining very subtle. The design, in general, goes with every nail shape and length but sharp, square edges really enhance the design - even if you opt for a mini tip.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
2. Square Butter-yellow French tips
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
For a spring-ready manicure, we're loving butter-yellow and lemon French tips, particularly in this short and square style. The modern shape ensures that the brighter hue doesn't feel too juvenile.
3. Square Powder blue French tips
A post shared by Julia Diogo (@paintedbyjools)
A photo posted by on
Another popular and very chic option is this powder-blue tip. As with butter yellow, it adds a lovely pop of colour to your look without being too bold or statement, with the French tip design itself adding an element of timelessness.
4. Square pink Glow French tips
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
A photo posted by on
Speaking of timelessness, a 'glow' French tip with this short, square shape is the perfect everyday option. The glossy pink base will enhance the look of your nails, while the classic white tip makes the whole manicure feel fresh and luxe. Like a classic nude and white tip, this option transcends seasons and can also be adapted to suit any nail shape and length.
5. Square ombre French tips
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
A photo posted by on
For a similar look but with added subtlety, opt for ombre French tip nails. The finish is soft and perfectly understated, again making it great for a signature, everyday manicure.
6. Square Pastel Green French tips
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
Pistachio and matcha greens have been tipped as must-have spring colours, so it makes perfect sense to pair them with this equally popular nail shape.

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she covers everything from makeup to skincare but specialises, particularly, in fragrance and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi shares her trend expertise and personal product recommendations. She is also a judge for woman&home's annual hair, skincare and beauty awards.
Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products.
Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, to pursue her passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee and probably online shopping...
-
Ruffled boho dresses are a summer occasionwear must-have - just ask Heidi Klum
From weddings to garden parties, this style of dress is effortlessly on-trend
-
Princess Charlotte has inherited a love for this surprisingly mature snack from Kate Middleton
Princess Charlotte is partial to a rather grown-up snack...
-
Stuck for pedicure ideas? Victoria Beckham's birthday mani-pedi is a lesson in coordination
Unsurprisingly, Victoria Beckham's nails look as posh as ever
-
Amanda Holden has bought this versatile balm from the 1930s on repeat throughout her life
The nearly century-old buy has earned cult status as the ultimate beauty multitasker
-
Juliette Binoche's patent black nails are a lesson in French style - and not following every spring trend
Sure, lavender and lilac are pretty - but if French women say black nails are in for spring, so do we
-
Victoria Beckham ‘constantly returns to’ this iconic nude lip look - and she's just revealed the exact products she uses
Both versatile and incredibly wearable, Victoria Beckham's recognisable pinky-nude lip combination has never been easier to recreate
-
Sarah Jessica Parker just tried spring's favourite new wavy hair trend - and she gave it such a stylish twist
And just like that, Sarah Jessica Parker has officially hopped on board the 'Ghost Wave' hair trend for spring.
-
I've finally found the volumising mascara behind Demi Moore's defined, full lashes
Promising buildable length and volume, the actress' mascara of choice turns out to be a favourite of our beauty team, too
-
You can keep your cold, powdery pastels this spring - we're requesting lilac nails instead
Milky lavender hues are trending, but if you suit warmer nail colours, this pink-toned pastel could be right up your street
-
The 'amazing' shampoo Sofia Vergara relies on to keep her strands in tip-top condition
Wave goodbye to damage and quickly fading colour, this lineup of shampoos is A-list approved