Meet the Licorice French Manicure, the Little Black Dress of Nail Art

Got a penchant for candy? Well, the licorice French nails might be for you.

But first, a reflection on the enduring classic, the French manicure: An understated but endlessly chic nail art option we’ll never tire of saying oui to. But of recent, there’s a noticeable uptick on twists on the classic, white-striped and pink nailed Frenchie style percolating on FYPs, Pinterest boards, and Instagram Explore pages. From colorful stripes to designs on the expanse of the nail, the simple base can offer variations according to current trends. And this new set? Meet the licorice French nails, which you’ll want to pin for your nail tech at your next appointment.

“The French manicure has really kind of picked up momentum this year,” nail artist Tom Bachik, who paints the nails of celebrities including Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez (an original ’00s Frenchie advocate, of course) told Vogue. Bachik himself has fostered a resurgence (for example, his American manicure), and speaks to the rise in fun and playful variations on the French manicure format. “The French manicure has evolved quite a bit,” nail artist Hang Nguyen also recently told Vogue. “We’ve seen colored tips, tone-on-tone variations, and textured designs become popular, giving this classic style a modern twist.”

Got a sweet tooth? Below, we get into the latest sleek and chic twist on the French: the licorice French nails.

What are Licorice French Nails?There’s only one golden rule for the French manicure: You need to have the tip. This manicure is directly inspired by the snail-shaped licorice candy: The nostalgic sweets with their singular black and shiny hue. The slick of black for the French manicure offers a more modern, sexy variation. It can also feel a little grungy and bold, an emblem of the wearer’s strong personality. Think of it like the Little Black Dress of nail art: A simple and chic variation on a classic.

Why try licorice French nails for spring?Well, the base of this manicure has long proved itself elegant. With this darker version, licorice French nails are simply a more modern, personality-filled touch to a classic. It’s also a great level up in nail art for those more used to or are more comfortable with simple and discreet manicures, or those who need to keep in line with their office codes and dress rules.

In terms of spring fashion, we’re seeing the continued minimalist aesthetic by way of The Row et al, but we’re also seeing grungy checks and plaids through Burberry and Acne Studios. A licorice French nail feels versatile, and seems suited to both trends tipped for spring.

Our verdictNow is exactly the right time to be experimenting with your nail art: As we head into the warmer months, we’re due a fun new bit of glam to go with our rotating seasonal wardrobe. And the licorice French nail is a simple way to experiment with a classic, without hours in the nail chair crafting mini tapestries or stepping too far out of your comfort zone with your talons.

While you may also be inclined to switch up your nail shape, Bachik also recently told Vogue that filing shorter nails on the squarer side provides a nice full-circle evolution of the early ’00s French, and can help create maximum impact for your fresh and fun new set.

Maybe, you’ll also consider the inverse: Painting your nails long and black with a swipe of thin white paint on the tip. A reverse French is still, we believe, chic.

What else is 2025 bringing us nail-wise? There’s also big trends like milky tones and magnetic cat eye finishes, iridescent textures, and smokey tips—all to play for on your fingers!