Today’s version of the standard French manicure, with a thinner “micro-French” tip, looks more delicate. “French manicure is a classic look with a nude or pink base and white tips” – editorial team and celebrity nail stylist, Aja Walton says ESSENCE.

Meanwhile, “a micro-French manicure takes a classic look and adds a modern twist by making the white tips thinner and more delicate.” Seen on stars from Lori Harvey to JLo, the mani (also often known as the “baby French”) references each the red carpet favoriteincurable” and the classic white ending that we will not tear ourselves away from.

Here, Walton shares with us expert-approved tips about how to micro-dot your manicure and the very best technique for every shape.

If you are learning how to give a precision micro-French manicure, step one is to make certain you have got all the appropriate tools. In addition to a transparent base and top coat, pull out “a clear nude or light pink nail polish as the base color and an opaque white nail polish for the ends,” says Walton.

For optimal precision, use a protracted, tremendous tip brush and a square or round tremendous tip brush to perfect your style, she recommends. “Look for brushes designed specifically for nail art to ensure precision,” says Walton. “These styling brushes are also great for removing excess nail polish and creating defined lines around your nails.” Although you need to still have acetone available to clean up any mistakes or rough edges for a more refined micro tip.

Preparation

“Start by giving your nails the desired length and gently push back the cuticles,” she says. At this point you possibly can, when you prefer, use the Russian-style nail preparation method, working with a tremendous drill to file down the cuticle. Then, “buff the surface of your nails to create a smooth canvas for applying the polish.”

Base layer

Then, “apply a clear base coat and wait for it to dry completely,” he says. “Transparent bases protect the natural nail and ensure a smooth application of nail polish.” Using a base coat will form the premise for the subsequent steps, which may also help make your manicure last more.

Select and apply a color

Now it is time to select a color. As mentioned earlier, the primary layer of color might be a nude or light pink clear polish, which is similar process as a conventional French manicure. “Apply a thin layer of your chosen base color to the entire nail,” she says. “Be sure to apply evenly, keeping the brush completely parallel to the nail” before allowing it to dry completely.

Paint the skinny ends

Probably the toughest part: “Using white polish, carefully paint thin white tips on each nail,” says Walton. “Start on one side and gently drag the brush to the other side, creating a delicate line,” letting the natural curve of the nail guide you. Unlike traditional suggestions, the micro-French tip is far thinner, so “if necessary, you can use a nail art brush for more precision.”

Seal with top coat

“Once the design is perfected, apply a clear top coat to the entire nail,” she advises. “A transparent top that fixes colors and adds shine to the finished manicure.”

“The technique for a micro-French manicure may vary depending on the shape of the nail,” he says. For a conventional square nail, the method is straightforward: “paint thin white tips in a straight line on the edge of the nail, making sure they are the same width and parallel to the edge of the nail.”

However, to achieve a round shape, when painting the ideas, follow the natural curve of the nail. To do that, Walton recommends “starting your white tips a little lower on the sides and gradually building them up toward the center to maintain a balanced look.”

When painting almond-shaped or stiletto nails, lengthening is essential to complementing the form of the nail. “Start the white tips closer to the center of the nail and taper them to a point for almond nails, or lengthen them further for stiletto nails,” she says. Finally, for coffin and ballerina nails, the white suggestions should follow the square fringe of the form, very like square nails. They should all have a more parallel tip.

Painting a straight line is not easy, but for a micro-French tip it’s crucial. “Curvy lines can easily make this manicure look sloppy and unprofessional,” says Walton. “Take your time and work with patience and precision,” maintaining a continuing depth at the tip of every nail.

To do that, he recommends wiping the comb several times after dipping it within the paint to ensure all of the bristles are evenly covered. All this without applying a base color to the white suggestions. “Keep your colors separate to maintain the stark contrast of your French manicure.”

“Removing any errors and rough edges is essential to mastering this look,” he says. If you make a mistake, she recommends using a skinny round or square brush dipped in acetone or nail polish remover. “This step ensures clean and precise lines in a micro-French style.”