Baby Boomer Nails: A Modern Take on French Tips
Baby Boomer nails, also known as French fade or French ombre tips, are a beloved nail style that keeps trending. The soft gradient and pastel colors complement any skin tone and nail length. It’s no wonder they’re a favorite among nail enthusiasts worldwide.
This look is incredibly versatile, allowing for various customizations with color, finish, and accents to suit any occasion or outfit. In this article, we explore various Baby Boomer nail designs and learn how to recreate them at home.
Where Did Baby Boomer Nails Come From?
You may know that the French Manicure was invented in 1975 by Jeff Pink, the founder of Orly International. He created this look to avoid changing nail colors to match different wardrobes on film sets.
Meanwhile, Baby Boomer nails were developed more recently. The name of this ombre version of the French manicure is a nod to the baby boom generation, but it doesn't mean that this nail style originated during that period. Instead, it’s a modern reinterpretation of the classic French tips with a softer, seamless look.
Classic French Fade With Acrylics
This clean and simple look requires skill and practice to achieve with acrylics. It can be challenging to seamlessly blend pink and white while maintaining the perfect nail shape. On the bright side, acrylics last for a month or more.
Oval French Ombre Tips
Besides acrylics, you can also create Baby Boomer nails with builder gel. It’s long-lasting and easy to work with as it’s a denser gel polish with no powder needed. There’s a different technique to apply hard or builder gel, however. Instead of swiping the brush from the cuticle to the tip, you’ll need to start in the middle and swish it from side to side to spread the polish properly.
Short, Square Baby Boomer Nails
One of our favorite attributes of Baby Boomer nails is their chameleon-like ability to look good on anyone’s fingertips. Long or short, square or rounded, even pointy nails are beautiful with a French fade.
Long Ombre Nails
Moreover, the base color doesn’t need to be pink. The essential thing is to match the skin tone. Peach is a lovely complement to a warm undertone.
Baby Boomer Nails With Glitter
Add a little glamour to your French fade with a sparkly top coat, or use glitter acrylic powder instead of white for the tips.
Baby Boomer Nails With Rhinestones
Make the look more elegant and luxurious with a single crystal on each fingertip or an accent nail with gems. This is straightforward to do even if your French tips are press-ons.
Blue Boomer Nails
Be a rebel and use pastels beyond pink and peach. Your Boomer nails will be a conversation starter.
Rainbow Pastel Tips
Here’s a chance to try out new colors. Swap the white for the base and use pretty pastels for the tips. This ombre French look feels like springtime.
Glow in the Dark Baby Boomer Nails
Are you going out on the town? Shine bright with this luminescent look!
Create Stunning Baby Boomer Nails at Home: A Step-by-step Guide
Mastering the delicate ombré finish of Baby Boomer nails requires precision and attention to detail. The good news is that there’s more than one way to accomplish the look. Here are two methods for doing ombre French nails. Both begin with a crucial first step: nail prep.
Nail Preparation
After you remove old polish, pay extra attention to shaping the nails and pushing back the cuticles. They need to look as flawless as possible. Buff the nail plate, cleanse the nails with alcohol, and you’re ready to begin.
French Fade With Acrylics
Once you apply the dehydrator or primer, start with a white acrylic bead to form the tip of the nail. Then, add the neutral base color second. Blend the edge of this color into the white area. You’ll likely need two coats or more, but keep them thin for a natural shape.
Allow each layer to dry and file as needed, wiping off the debris. Finish with a clear top coat.
Baby Boomer Nails with Gel Polish or Lacquer
You might prefer doing ombre nails with polish instead of acrylics because it is more forgiving and easier to use. Plus, you can use a makeup sponge to fade the colors.
Begin by painting a coat or two of a neutral polish as the base. Choose a shade like peach or pink that matches the skin tone. Otherwise, flip the script with a white base and pastel tips—it’s up to you, artist!
Next, prep the sponge by making sure the surface is completely lint-free to avoid lumps in the finish. Try using tape to lift dust from the sponge beforehand. Then, apply a generous amount of white polish onto the sponge and press it onto the nail. Cure it or let it dry before using another sponge (or another part of the sponge) to overlap the base color onto the white polish. Use a light touch to blend the transition.
Hint: mask off the skin around your nail to protect it from the polish because using the sponge might be messy.
Finish with a top coat, whether matte or glossy, to protect your hard work.
Nail Accents for Baby Boomer Nails
Elevate your Baby Boomer nails from subtle to a statement piece with nail accents like glitter, rhinestones, bows, or charms.
Whether you go with a classic French fade or add a unique twist, we hope you’ll love your Baby Boomer manicure!
Conclusion
Baby Boomer nails are more than just a trend—they're a symbol of elegance and a versatile nail style. Let your nails be the canvas for self-expression and sophistication with this chic, timeless manicure.
If you’re feeling inspired to do more with your nails, take a peek at our new arrivals to see what’s trending. Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over $100. Now’s the perfect time to refresh your look and indulge in a little self-care.
