It might seem like there is a new nail trend every week, but some have real staying power. Like “baby boomer” nails, a design that has been around for decades, after being made popular by the post-war generation it’s named after. Also known as the “French fade” or “French ombré”, baby boomer nails are a twist on the classic French manicure, according to nail artist Georgia Rae – who also happens to be the woman behind Sofia Richie Grainge’s bridal manicure for her wedding in the south of France.
The difference between a classic French manicure and the baby boomer design, according to Rae, lies in the use of colour. “Where with the classic French you have a defined white line between the natural base shade and the white tip, the baby boomer blends the two colours together, creating a gradient or ombré effect,” she says.
The design has returned to the fore in line with the growing popularity of almond-shaped nails – a shape that was common back in the 1940s, and is perfect for showcasing this elegant polish. “I would use a gel to create the baby boomer nail, applying a base shade that is slightly transparent with a pinky hue that complements the skin tone,” Rae says. “For the white shade, I’d use a pigment powder and lightly brush the pigment into the tip of the nail and gradually bring it down, away from the edge, until you achieve the desired look.”
If you’re not able to make it to the salon, try using a make-up sponge to gently press a creamy, white polish onto your pink base, making it slightly more concentrated at the tip of your nail. Boom.