Tortoise Shell Nails Are Trending—Here’s How to Recreate Them

When it comes to our nails, we love a fun print, but we can admit that (depending on the pattern) some of them can be too loud. But then there are also times when a solid swipe of nail polish feels too plain. That’s where designs like tortoise shell nails come in. “Tortoise shell nails are a form of nail art that mimics the turtle shell pattern we see in nature,” explains Sola Salons manicurist Corey Weber. “It mixes several layers of color to create this timeless and classic look.” Tortoise shell manis are the perfect in-between; not too simple but not too overwhelming, and always in style.

If you’re heading to the salon, “You should call in advance to ask if someone knows how to do it,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec suggests. “It is a skill that not everyone knows how to do, requiring very specific colors.” While it’s certainly particular, you can easily DIY the look from home—just keep in mind it’ll take some time to create the intricate design.

Start with an amber base color before loosely blotting on a brown polish across the nail, Kandalec suggests. Then, inside those blobs, use a nail art brush to create smaller black spots. Finally, allow your nails to dry completely and apply a top coat. And voila!

Need some tortoise shell mani inspiration? Look no further. Ahead, we’ve rounded up six of our favorite takes on the classic design.

1. Classic tortoise

According to the pros, an amber base color is key to mimicking that turtle shell pattern. Then, you’ll need brown and black polishes to create those swirling spots.

Get the look: To recreate those spots, loosely blot on a chocolate brown polish on top of the amber base in varying sizes. Kandalec suggests the Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in Americano ($8).

2. Neon tortoise French

While tortoise shell nails are a classic, timeless look you can add some personality and fun with a bold French tip, like these neon green and magenta ones.

Get the look: For a no-fuss French, try using moon-shaped nail guide stickers like this set from Amazon ($5). That way, you can create your perfect French tip without messing up the tortoise shell print below.

3. Tortoise shell accent nail

Switch things up with a tortoise shell accent nail. Because the print reads so neutral, you can pair it with virtually any color—it always looks good.

Get the look: Weber says tortoise shell designs work best when created using gel polish. To do that, you’ll need an at-home gel lamp, like the Gelish Pro 45 Mini LED Light ($50).

4. Jelly tortoise

The only thing better than the perfect amber base? A jelly amber base, Kandalec says. If you can’t get your hands on a true jelly polish, Weber suggests trying a semi-translucent amber color.

Get the look: This Allisa Jelly Gel Nail Polish in Amber Brown ($8) is a great option for creating that sheer base—just stick to one or two coats.

5. Half-tortoise French

For an unexpected twist, try some half-French, half-tortoise shell nails. It helps break up the design while maintaining an overall classic feel.

Get the look: We suggest using some nail tape to split the nail into two perfect halves, like this set from Amazon ($7). You can also use the tape to create your French tip.

6. Half-moon tortoise shell

Use negative space to create some visual interest in your tortoise shell mani. These half-moons are super cool—and we love the ultra-thin white outline; it’s a tiny detail that makes a big difference.

Get the look: To easily create those ultra-thin white lines, you’ll want to use a detailing polish like the Finger Paints Nail Art Polish in Hip Hip Hue-Ray ($8).