Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa: the tortoiseshell manicure taking over autumn
Caramel, amber, chocolate, deep brown: some manicures feel tailor-made for autumn, and this one is the perfect proof. Tortoiseshell nails, also known as tortoise nails, are cementing themselves as the nail art look of the season, worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa.
Why celebrities have brought this manicure back
It is no coincidence that tortoiseshell is having a moment. Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa have each been spotted wearing the pattern, thrusting this nail art style back into the spotlight. Their influence has clearly accelerated the buzz around the look.
Nail artist Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa among her clients, confirmed to Glamour UK that tortoise nails will be one of the biggest nail art trends of autumn. Her view is echoed by Susan Carroll, founder of London salon Young LDN, who highlights just how seasonal the pattern feels. According to her, the blend of amber, caramel, chocolate and black gives it an instant autumnal feel, with a particularly effective accessory-like quality.
A pattern that works for every style
What truly sets this manicure apart is its versatility. It brings more personality than a simple solid brown polish, without going as bold as a brightly coloured nail art look. That makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to stand out without going overboard.
Its irregular pattern also guarantees a unique result every time. Each nail can feature its own markings, darker or lighter, more or less spaced out. No two tortoiseshell manicures ever look exactly alike, which makes it one of the most adaptable patterns to work with.
- Wear the pattern on every nail for a fully committed, statement look
- Limit the tortoiseshell to one or two fingers for a more understated effect
- Go for a French tip version, with the pattern applied only to the tip of the nail
- Vary the intensity of the markings from nail to nail for a personalised finish
How to wear the tortoiseshell manicure
Michelle Humphrey actually advises against automatically applying tortoiseshell across every nail on the hand. This approach lets you dial the effect up or down to suit your preferences and achieve a more personal result.
The French tip version remains a popular option: only the tip of the nail receives the pattern, delivering a look that feels both elegant and original. For those who want to fully commit to the trend, however, covering every nail with the pattern creates a strong, cohesive statement. And that is precisely the strength of this nail art: it works brilliantly either way.
Shades designed for the season
The tones that make up a tortoiseshell manicure are anything but accidental. Caramel, amber, chocolate and dark brown form a naturally autumnal palette that harmonises with the warm hues of the season. This chromatic cohesion is partly why the pattern returns every autumn-winter with such consistent success.
Compared to a monochrome polish, tortoiseshell adds an extra dimension, almost elevating the nails to the status of an accessory in their own right. Susan Carroll is particularly emphatic on this point: the pattern gives nails a visual presence close to that of jewellery or a fashion piece, without requiring any vivid colours or elaborate decoration.
This season, the tortoiseshell manicure establishes itself as a choice that is both accessible and distinctive, capable of transforming a look with just a few brushstrokes.
