I'm Calling It: This Forgotten Nail Trend Will Have a Major Revival in 2024

It's no secret that animal print is having a moment right now. You only have to open Instagram or TikTok to see that leopard print is a huge trend for 2024, with everyone opting for leopard jeans, coats, dresses and more. However, when it comes to the world of beauty, it seems that there's a different animal print taking over, and it's one I'd almost forgotten about over the past couple of years. That's right, I'm talking about tortoiseshell.

We might be used to seeing this print on vintage-style sunglasses or stylish homeware, but it's having a major revival when it comes to manicures, and I for one am not mad about it. Hailey Bieber was spotted wearing the chic, warm-toned print in September last year, and since then I've seen nail artists such as Betina Goldstein giving it a go. In fact, if you've read our guide to the biggest nail trends of 2024, then you'll know that OPI global ambassador Iram Shelton said that animal-print nails will be the new go-to, and in my opinion, tortoiseshell will definitely be one of those prints.

What I love about it is that it takes a subtler approach compared to other animal designs, so it's great for wearing daily. The neutral tones will complement everything in your wardrobe, and the high-shine finish means it perfectly fits into a more elevated aesthetic whilst still being fun and on-trend. Don't believe me? I've rounded up some of the most stylish tortoiseshell nail designs below, so keep on scrolling to see what all the hype is about.

Tortoiseshell Nail Inspiration

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Hailey Bieber could be seen rocking the tortoiseshell nail trend back in September.

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Why not try two trends in one and add a pop of red to your manicure as well?

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

Tortoiseshell French tips look so chic.

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

This print works perfectly with short, square nail shapes.

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

This whole look is giving me major retro vibes.

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

A close-up of Bieber's nails, because why not?

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(Image credit: @paragonnails)

Yep, you can even match your mani to your phone case.

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(Image credit: @enamelle)

I mean… just look at that shine.

A photo posted by on

The great thing about this trend is you can keep it as minimal as you like.

Shop Products for the Tortoiseshell Nail Trend:

Next Up: J.Lo and Selena Gomez Just Predicted 2024's Biggest Manicure Trend

Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.