The term “French manicure” harks back to 1975, when Jeff Pink, founder of Orly, created the look so that actors on movie sets had perfectly manicured neutral nails that could match each costume, thus saving time. Apart from that, there are so many things to adore about this cult classic. For one, the sheer nude base of a French manicure makes the growing-out phase much more forgiving.

I’m a fan of starting with a professionally applied builder gel in a sheer pink shade for fair skin, or a deeper nude for darker skin, and finishing with a crisp white tip that can last up to a month. To vary this classic look, change the tip colour – spring favourites include black, Tiffany blue, gold and lavender. See the mavens at Manicure Laundry in Melbourne or The Parlour Room in Sydney for a flawless finish.

There are loads of Instagram versions inspired by this look. For instance, take the white edges to extremes with long square nails and a very deep white tip. If colour is your thing, rainbow tips are doing the rounds – a half-nude nail topped with thin, curved stripes in an array of rainbow hues (see @gypsy.nail.girl for guidance). Glittery gold tips, highlighted with some artfully placed rhinestones, are an especially fun party trick.

Then there is the negative space double French, or the reverse French, where the tip rests at the base of the nail – still elegant, but with a twist. The combinations are limitless and as simple as changing the angle of the tip with a slant covering just the edge of the nail.

Adhesive decals are fun, too. Spell out your name or make a statement – with decals, you can change up your words every day. Or channel your favourite fashion house with Gucci Nail Art Stickers ($34). We also love painting four pastel dots (think baby blue, pale pink, peach or lemon) instead of a line at the tip of the nail. Use the Manucurist Dotting Tool ($25) to create precise beads on the tips of your nails.

Creating these looks at home and doing them justice is all about preparation and maintenance. You will need a paper towel or a hand towel to rest your tools and hands on, a nail file, buffer, base coat, top coat, cuticle eraser, nail clippers, cuticle oil, orange stick and nail polish remover.

Firstly, wash your hands thoroughly with an exfoliating cleanser such as Hunter Lab Exfoliating Hand & Body Wash ($42). Next, take a tissue and nail polish remover and wipe each nail clean, making sure any residual polish and oil are removed. Then take the clippers, cut your nails into the shape you want and file them. Start from the side if you want a rounded shape or from the top if you want them squared. Buff your nails gently, apply a cuticle oil and push your cuticles back with the orange stick.

After applying one layer of base coat and letting it dry for a couple of minutes, it’s colour time. Place your hand on a table and, taking care not to use too much polish, paint it on from base to tip using steady, even strokes. Let it dry for two minutes, then reapply. Finally, clean up any slips using nail polish remover and the orange stick. Finish with a top coat and reapply every two days.