If Ariel had crawled out of the ocean with a crush and no voice during Chanel’s latest cruise show, she might have turned around in her new barely-there heels and swam back to a nail salon in Atlantica instead. That’s because backstage at the Chanel show, London-based nail artist Ama Quashie was turning models’ nails into tiny, ocean-inspired treasures, drawing from beach days and mermaids.
Photo: Instagram (@amaquashie)
Quashie chose a “sea-washed palette,” using soft, blended shades of red, amber, pink, and turquoise. “The key to this look was finding colors that melt into one another.” She added a touch of iridescence and shimmer over the pastel tones to hint at water. The result? A subtle underwater rainbow with a mother-of-pearl shine.
Seashell nails aren’t just for runways—they’re all over our feeds as the weather warms up and beach trips get closer. Whether you prefer a short, chic manicure or bold, over-the-top tips, there are endless ideas to pick from the sand.
“Tactile finishes and textures that mimic nature are really popular right now, and seashell designs are perfect for summer,” says Toronto-based nail artist Cerise Carvalho. “You can go all out with 3-D gel and chrome, or keep it simple with an elegant pearly look.” She also suggests trying multiple layering effects at once for a more realistic feel.
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“Real seashells are all slightly different, so embrace that. You can layer translucent jelly polish, powders, magnetic effects, gems, and more to get a super cool, dimensional look that will get you tons of compliments.” Carvalho’s French twist—with a subtle sparkle in the center—mimics the classic fan shape of a perfectly formed shell.
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A light or sand-colored cat eye polish is key to achieving this look, says Brooklyn-based nail artist Nic Zuhse. She uses white liner gel and 3-D gel to capture that wave-worn effect. “They can mimic the ridges of a shell without being too much.” Here’s Zuhse’s take on the trend, inspired by bivalve shells.
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Those earthy tones are also a favorite for Montreal-based nail artist and creator Rachel Parent, who says seashell nails’ natural textures and patterns fit her style perfectly. “I love that they’re very detailed and dimensional, but still versatile and easy to match with any outfit thanks to sandy and pastel colors.”
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Guanina Cotto, a nail artist based in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, nails the whimsical look of spiral and conch shells with bold 3-D effects and a bright, aquatic palette you might see while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. “There’s so much inspiration to find in seashells’ colors and textures,” she notes. She suggests playing with marbling and metallic polishes for anyone trying this look at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Sea Shell Nails covering everything from the basics to prolevel tips
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly are sea shell nails
Sea shell nails are a nail art style that mimics the look of a real seashell It usually features a pearly iridescent finish with subtle ridges or texture often in soft pastel or white tones
2 Do I need to use real sea shells to get this look
No not at all Most sea shell nail art is done using special powders sheer polishes and stamping plates You can achieve the look completely with products
3 What colors are best for sea shell nails
The most popular colors are soft whites creamy beiges pale pinks pearly grays and light blues The key is using colors with a shimmer pearl or opalescent finish
4 Is this style only for long nails
Not at all Sea shell nails look beautiful on short nails too The iridescent shimmer can actually make short nails appear more delicate and elegant
Application Technique
5 How do you get that shimmery rainbow effect
That effect comes from aurora or iridescent nail powders You buff the powder into a tacky gel top coat Its the same technique used for mermaid or unicorn nails
6 How do you create the ridges or texture on the nail
You can create ridges by
Using a thin brush to paint subtle curved lines over a wet gel top coat
Using a special shell stamping plate
Sprinkling a fine iridescent glitter in a line pattern
7 Can I do sea shell nails with regular polish
Yes but its harder to get the 3D texture You can use a regular pearly polish and then apply a sheer iridescent topper For the ridges use a thin brush and regular polish but be patient as it may take longer to dry
8 What is the best base coat to use
A sticky or tacky base coat works best for holding the shimmer powder If using gel a nowipe top coat is ideal for the buff