What Is an American Manicure? Here’s How to Try the TikTok Nail Trend at Home
Kleigh Balugo
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In case you haven’t heard already, TikTok has ruled French manicures out and American manicures in. You might be in denial that a set as iconic as the French manicure could ever be beaten, but that’s just because you don’t understand the power of the American manicure yet. Harping on simple TikTok nail trends we know and love, like the bubble bath manicure, the American manicure is a chic and subdued set that will surely stand the test of time. If you’re not too crazy about maximalist sets and super out-there color palettes, definitely take note of the American manicure for your next trip to the salon, or do it yourself with some nail polish (we’ve linked a few discounted picks below).
Although the American manicure was just added to the list of approved nail sets for the US Air Force, there are tons of influencers and nail enthusiasts who have hopped on the bandwagon. We’ve seen milky manicures grace so many New York Fashion Week runways and red carpets, so the popularity of the American manicure comes as no surprise. Similar to tons of other TikTok nail trends, the American manicure stems from a larger, more well-known trend—in this case, the iconic French manicure. We’ve seen the American manicure pick up a huge amount of steam on TikTok recently, and it’s nice to know we have options if a French manicure just isn’t peaking our interest anymore.
At this point, TikTok has a nail trend for everyone—from the most complex and over-the-top sets to natural nail inspo, it’s hard not to feel inspired by all of the new trends popping up. But even with so many new nail looks being invented, there’s one thing we know for sure—a simple nail set will always hit. Of course, French manicures will probably never go away. They’re a classic option that has survived both the Y2K era and our ever-changing internet trend cycle. But at the same time, the American manicure has the potential to be just as (if not more) popular. If you’re a French manicure loyalist but are growing tired of all your sets looking the same, the American manicure will be right up your alley.
What Is an American Manicure?
Similar to the iconic French manicure, the American Manicure is all about that natural look. In fact, some might argue that an American Manicure is simply an even more natural version of the French manicure, as it makes use of a sheer nude color for the base and milky white tips in order to achieve a more toned-down look. If the stark contrast between bright white French tips and a nude nail color is just too much for you, the American manicure is exactly what you need. Since the colors of an American manicure flow together more seamlessly, it’s the ideal choice for anyone who loves a “your nails but better” look.
Here’s another example that’s more subtle.
Is an American Manicure the Same as a French Manicure?
Yes and no, although they look super similar at first glance—there are noticeable differences in the colors used. To sum it up, the American manicure favors a softer color palette, while the French manicure is often synonymous with vivid white tips. However, like most nail trends, the colors of the American Manicure can always be adjusted. In order to customize your look, you might opt for a nude shade that closely matches the color of your natural nail bed. Depending on your skin’s undertone, there are different color options that can be complementary to your complexion. Or, if you’re a big fan of the bubble bath trend, you can swap out the nude shade for something more pinky. Thankfully, the possibilities are endless when it comes to the American manicure—and we have no doubt that it’ll soon be just as big as the French manicure.
What To Ask for At the Salon if You Want an American Manicure
When it comes to a set like the American manicure, sometimes you need to bring more to the salon than just the name itself. Although tons of nail techs are super tapped into all the hottest TikTok micro trends, it can be confusing when you’re after a super specific result. (Especially when so many of the trends look similar.) Basically, you want to ask for a French manicure substituted with a sheer nude base coat and a milky white tip. To make things even easier, you can bring in exact inspiration pics to rid your nail tech of any confusion.
How To Get an American Manicure at Home
If you don’t feel like running to the salon every time you want to try out a new trend, rest assured, you can get the look at home, too. All you need is a sheer nude polish (it can be gel or normal, depending on your preference), a milky white polish, and maybe a tool to perfect your nail tip. With the right amount of practice, you can get salon-quality nails right at home.
Shop American Mani Essentials
