From red carpets to salons, ultra-glossy grey manicures inspired by dolphin skin are emerging as 2026’s most elegant nail trend.
A new nail trend is becoming popular in 2026, and it is all about looking
shiny and soft. Been called as dolphin skin nails, it gained attention after singer and actor Demi Lovato appeared at the premiere of Paris Hilton’s Infinite Icon album with glossy grey nails done by Natalie Minerva. Her nails looked smooth and glossy, and many fans and beauty experts started talking about them and figuring out how to get them.
The name comes from singer Demi Lovato herself, who said the glossy finish reminded her of a dolphin’s skin, as confirmed by her nail artist Natalie Minerva. After people saw this look on social media, nail artists and salons started trying it out, and the trend quickly became popular.
View this post on Instagram
What Defines Dolphin Skin Nails
Dolphin skin nails are characterised by cool-toned grey shades paired with an ultra-shiny, high-gloss finish. Unlike glitter nails or bold chrome designs, this trend focuses on softness and refinement. The nails reflect light gently, giving a polished and luxurious appearance without looking dramatic.
It usually includes shades like soft grey, silver-grey, or blue-grey, as these colours go well with all the dresses and accessories, easy to match with different looks.
The Technique Behind the Glossy Finish
To get the dolphin skin look, nail artists use shiny gel nail polish. They sometimes use a magnet to make soft lines or patterns on the nails, which makes them look deeper and more shiny. Even without magnetic polish, a strong, high-shine top coat can deliver the signature slick finish.
A protective base coat is applied first to keep natural nails healthy, followed by layers of polish and a glossy seal.
Shape and styling choices
Most dolphin skin nails are shaped in a squoval style, which means they are a mix of square and oval. This shape helps the shine look better and also keeps the nails easy and nice to wear every day.
Why It’s Trending in 2026
The popularity of dolphin skin nails lies in their simplicity and adaptability. They look modern and fancy without being too loud. Many celebrities like this style, and more salons are getting requests for it, so dolphin skin nails are expected to be a big nail trend in 2026.
