If pastels are too obvious and nude nails too passé, then tortoiseshell nails could be exactly the spring manicure inspiration you’re craving.
There’s been a revival of tortoiseshell accessories – from hair bands in the style of Carolyn Bessette thanks to Disney’s American Love Story and tortie hair barrettes nestled into pretty half-up hairstyles. We’ve seen claw clips clasped over twisted ponytails to sweep strands off our shoulders and then there are, of course, the tortoiseshell sunglasses we’ll be wearing in the warmer months ahead.
So there’s something about the speckled caramel design of tortoiseshell nails that feels destined to sit alongside these trends. “Tortoiseshell nail art has literally gone viral,” says Amy Rickaby, whose designs on her Instagram, @beautyworksbyamy, have been shared, duplicated and reshared countless times. “It’s one of the most versatile print designs to do,” she adds.
The best part? Every design is unique. “It’s super fun to create – every set has its own individual pattern,” she says. “It’s unique but not overpowering.”
Despite looking complicated, tortoiseshell is actually a design you can try yourself at home. “The design has become even more popular with the help of tutorials and step-by-steps from nail techs on how to create the perfect tortie design,” says Amy. “Once you’ve cracked how to create the warm caramel tones and depth of the design, the variations you can create are endless.”
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Tortoiseshell nails step by step
Here are Amy’s top tips for mastering the tortoiseshell nail trend…
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