The sharp green talons that captivated audiences in the Wicked films have an unexpected origin story, one that leads directly to an Essex-based nail artist. Shea Osei, the creative force behind the iconic manicures, has seen her profile soar as fans and critics alike celebrate her intricate work.
The Artist Behind the Magic
Shea Osei, 34, who operates under the business name Shades of Shea, served as Cynthia Erivo's personal nail technician throughout the filming of both Wicked movies. With over 53,000 Instagram followers, Osei's career took a transformative turn in 2022 when she was commissioned to design the nails for the first film.
For that initial production, her task was monumental. She crafted over 35 sets of press-on nails, with a single set taking up to 90 minutes to complete. Her work debuted memorably in Elphaba's opening scene, where the character's elongated green ombré talons made their first dramatic appearance.
Nails as a Storytelling Device
Osei's creations are far more than simple cosmetic additions; they are a vital part of the on-screen narrative. She explained that Elphaba's nails evolve throughout the story, mirroring her character development.
"Her nails go from being short to a bit longer and the colour changes and it gets a bit more daring," Osei told the BBC. "It just flows seamlessly together with who she is as Elphaba."
This attention to detail sparked a viral moment in the first movie when Elphaba moved her hand behind her hair, revealing the nails to the audience. Osei noted that nails typically receive less attention in film commentary compared to hair and makeup, but that single scene helped change the conversation.
Building a Celebrity Client Portfolio
Shea Osei's journey into nail artistry began as a teenage passion. She turned professional at 18 and has since cultivated an impressive roster of celebrity clients, including Candice Brathwaite and Maya Jama.
Her professional relationship with Cynthia Erivo spans over a decade, having previously worked on the actress's nails for the Netflix production Luther: The Fallen Sun. The success of her work on the first Wicked film led to her being brought back to develop fresh designs for the follow-up, Wicked: For Good.
The visibility from the Wicked franchise has firmly placed Shea Osei on the map, bringing overdue recognition to her craft and highlighting the significant role nails can play in cinematic storytelling.
