Crushed French Nails Are 2024's Freshest Take On The Iconic Manicure

We've already upgraded our French manicures with textured tips, but have you heard of crushed French nails? It's 2024's freshest take on the iconic manicure, and for good reason. The edgy twist features a crushed effect on the tips, hence the name, which can be achieved using either 3D sculpting gel or cling wrap. "They're gorgeous to look at, so it makes sense why they're trending," celebrity nail artist Sarah Chue said when speaking to PopSugar.

If you're more of a DIY person when it comes to your manicures, this trend is perfect for you. Achieve it easily by pressing cling wrap onto your usual French tips, which you will then cure under a nail lamp. Once removed, the cling wrap will have left a crinkled effect on your tips, resembling a crushed texture. To elevate the look, Chue recommends adding an iridescent finish.

For those who aren't as nail-savvy on their own, simply ask your trusty nail technician to create a crumpled design on the tips using sculpting gel. The gel will provide a more pronounced 3D effect compared to using cling wrap, making it a great addition to both simple and elaborate sets. Feel free to play around with different colors, add-ons, and creative designs, as the crushed French is the perfect trend for showcasing your personality. 

The iconic French manicure continues to withstand the test of time thanks to its ability to embrace nail trends without much fuss. For those interested in exploring the crushed French nails while still keeping a subdued aesthetic, we recommend going with a classic French manicure and adding a hint of texture to the tips. The look will still be very subtle, yet effective enough for you to get a taste of the fresh style. Make sure to use clear 3D gel on your tips, though, if you want to avoid making a bold statement. Any nail shape and length work here, so choose according to your preference.

Icicle tips are the crushed effect's most subtle version, perfect for those itching to experiment with the trend on their French manicure. For a touch of flair, opt for a nude base with clear French tips, and then embellish them with the icicle pattern using cling wrap. The DIY method will leave a crumpled effect on the tips, which you can either leave as is or seal with a top coat, preferably a pearlescent one. To infuse a bit of personality into the otherwise naked nail look, consider adding clear or iridescent gems.

Ombré French tips are already a fresh take on the iconic manicure, but adding 3D tips will take the style to another level. Depending on your desired look, start with either a nude or colored base. Then, choose the shade of your tips and ask your nail technician to emphasize them with clear sculpting gel. For a more interesting look, you can also go for white ombré tips topped with colored 3D gel. Whichever approach you opt for, the end result will still be a chic interpretation of the crushed French tips, making it perfect for most occasions and everyday wear.

French manicure aficionados have long surpassed the minimalist stage of the classic style, and you don't have to sacrifice your love for bold looks when trying out crushed French nails, either. Whatever the season, a colorful French manicure is the perfect blend of bright shades and neutral nails, making it the ideal style for bringing the crushed effect to life. For those taking the cling wrap route, we recommend opting for jelly nails to make the pattern more visible. Alternatively, go for clear sculpting gel on each of the colored tips and complete the look with a coat of iridescent finishing polish.

Although long nails serve as the perfect canvas for any type of nail art, including textured tips, you don't have to miss out on the crushed French tip trend if you prefer shorter nails. A short French manicure will still look great with a hint of texture on the tips, which makes it ideal for those on the fence about the wearability of the style. Granted, you'll have to have at least a little bit of length to make the pattern visible, but it doesn't have to be excessive. You can use either clear or tinted sculpting gels here, but stick to delicate swirls in terms of design.

If you love the chrome update to the quintessential French manicure nail trend, you'll love it in the crushed version as well. Reimagine your chrome French tips by pairing them with matching sculpting gel to achieve the ultimate crinkly effect. The overall set can be as extravagant or simple as you'd like, sans or including platinum gems, additional patterns, and anything else that may come to mind. For maximum impact, opt for longer nails. A square shape will complete the futuristic aesthetic of the style, while an almond shape will give you a more delicate look.