Dolphin Skin Nails Are the Cool-Girl Manicure Taking Over Winter

We’re deep in winter, and according to the groundhog, the gray skies and bitter cold aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The forecast may not be ideal, but it does have all the makings of a cool winter nail trend. Enter: dolphin skin nails, a sleek gray look that mimics the shiny skin of everyone’s favorite water mammal.

Like its namesake, dolphin skin nails are pretty and elusive. The slick, high-shine finish feels wearable for everyday but chic enough for the red carpet. In fact, that’s where the look was first spotted, when Demi Lovato stepped out at the premiere of Paris Hilton’s documentary, Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir. She paired a soft charcoal strapless gown with a glossy dolphin skin manicure.

The look was created by celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva, Lovato’s longtime go-to. While it didn’t start as a formal collaboration, the singer-songwriter quickly weighed in on the final result. “We went with a smoky gray magnetic gel, and D said it reminded her of dolphin skin,” Minerva shared in an Instagram Reel.

Lovato is no stranger to edgy beauty moments, and as a trendsetter in her own right. So it’s no surprise that dolphin skin nails quickly went viral.  Ready to unleash your inner Lovato? Ahead, we’ve curated shades that nail the dolphin skin trend.

Nail Colors to Try

1 / 4

A slate-blue polish gives the trend a fresh twist. Infused with shimmery flecks of rose gold, copper and honey, it mimics the way water glistens in the sun.

2 / 4

This magnetic polish is ideal for nailing the dolphin skin look. A subtle shimmer reflects light through a soft gray base. To amplify the effect, use a magnet to manipulate the filaments.

3 / 4

Reach for this shade if you prefer a fully minimal manicure. The opaque color and softly glossy finish fit the trend without adding extra shine.

4 / 4

This sleek gray strikes a balance between subtle and polished. The cool, light-gray shade delivers high-shine payoff in just two coats.