These Hollow French Manicures Take Your Look to the Next Level

A French manicure is one of the most classic nail looks, without a doubt. Consistently popular and endlessly customizable, it’s easy to fall in love with any trendy spin. And that’s exactly where we’re at with the hollow French manicure. Also called the outline or double French manicure, this ultra-chic look utilizes negative space and precise line work to create hollow look that makes your nails look longer.

Now, the look has landed at NYFW, where celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec designed the hollow French manicures for the Christian Cowen show. Her series of seven nail designs (with hundreds of individual nails made) utilize transparency to create negative space, demonstrating the versatility of the hollow look.

How to Get the Look

This ultra-delicate design demands a very steady hand. While most of our favorite manicure looks can be DIYed at home, this is one we would leave to the professionals. To create that negative space effect, the outside line can be achieved with normal French manicure dip or sponge methods. But it’s that inside line that presents a challenge. Created with a super thin liner brush, the inside line is drawn freehand. That means there’s not a lot of room for mistakes.

If you’re a lover of doing your own manicure, you can always snag a Red Carpet Manicure Nail Art Brush Kit ($12) and become a hollow French manicure expert.

Hollow French Manicure Shades

Just like a French manicure doesn’t have to be white, this look benefits from a pop of color. And with fall bringing about the darker, moodier shades, these are on our inspo board for our next hollow French manicures. We’re taking notes from the other big trends this fall, including cherry mocha colors and gorgeous chromatic finishes. And with the return of our high school fave, Lincoln Park After Dark, there was no way we could leave it out of this trend!

The Best Hollow French Manicure Inspo

1 / 10

Golden Lining

An ultra-fine line of sparkling gold makes this nude manicure instantly look luxe.

2 / 10

Matte Neon

Neon is a popular choice for any hollow French manicure because it allows for a pop of color that doesn’t overwhelm your look. Keeping the finish matte contributes to this effect, making neon way more wearable.

3 / 10

Transparent for the Runway

Created for NYFW, these nails combine transparency, negative space and a deep purple for an ultra-chic take on the hollow manicure.

4 / 10

Chunky French Tips

The endlessly customizable nature of the French manicure means you can tweak the trendy hollow version to your liking. These wider, squared-off nails are giving ultra mod!

5 / 10

Pretty in Pink

We’re obsessed with the ultra-clean lines on this pink double French manicure.

6 / 10

Blue Skies Ahead

We’re expanding what it means to be neutral hue, and a deep blue is an excellent place to start. In this style, the color is a sweet accent that doesn’t take over your look.

7 / 10

Golden 3D

The artsy interpretation of a hollow French manicure in this filigree look is gorgeous and elegant.

8 / 10

Bury Me in Pink

If you’re a fan of long coffin nails, the hollow French manicure is absolutely for you! This shape really enhances the look of that negative space and creates an ultra-long illusion.

9 / 10

When You Heart Your Mani

This trend can get creative! Consider a fun and flirty outline shape, like these super cute heart nails.

10 / 10

Colored-in, Colored-out

Mix and match your style with only a few hollow French tips for a gorgeous take on this trend.