When the trees take on a golden hue and a chill comes to the air, you know what that means: It’s time to switch up our nail color, too. Last season’s vibrant shades give way to deeper, darker colors that mimic nature’s mood. One favorite recent trend that feels especially perfect for this moment? Tortoiseshell nails, which have been spotted recently on Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Sydney Sweeney.
Tortoiseshell nails mimic—you guessed it—the pattern of a turtle’s shell, just like the translucent acetate “tortoiseshell” material that’s often used on accessories like sunglasses, barrettes, bracelets, and combs.
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How to create tortoiseshell nails
The shiny, translucent nature of tortoiseshell lends itself especially well to nail art. And, thanks to its neutral yet dramatic aesthetic, tortoiseshell nails are the perfect alternative for those who want to switch up their usual dark red or autumnal nude.
Best of all, creating tortoiseshell nails at home by yourself is pretty easy—even if you don’t consider yourself “good” at nail art. It does not require extreme precision or special gels; in fact, the beauty of the pattern is that it is random and irregular.
To create tortoiseshell nails, simply mix a shimmery, light brown nail polish with clear nail polish to create a caramel shade for the base. Once that’s applied to nails and has cured, use a metal tool with a rounded tip to dab darker brown and black spots over the top. If you want to take it one step further, can also add a splotches in a lighter hue for a three-dimensional effect. Once dried, swipe on some clear top coat.
