Nail Artist Shea Osei Hopes Her Success with ‘Wicked’ Will Elevate the Craft

Shea Osei, the nail artist responsible for Cynthia Erivo’s iconic nails in the ‘Wicked’ films, hopes her newfound fame will highlight the artistry of nail design in the film and entertainment industries. Osei, who has worked as a nail technician since she was 18, collaborated with Erivo for the first ‘Wicked’ film and designed over 35 sets of press-on nails for the sequel, ‘Wicked: For Good.’ The nails, she explains, symbolize Erivo’s character Elphaba’s growth and transformation throughout the story. Osei’s involvement with the films has led to recognition and a larger platform, which she hopes will inspire aspiring nail artists. Despite facing challenges, including working long hours and facing moments of doubt, Osei believes her success is a result of hard work. She envisions a future where nails receive more attention in the arts, particularly in film and theater, where hair and makeup have historically taken center stage. Osei, who didn’t have role models in the nail industry when she started out, encourages young technicians to believe in themselves and pursue opportunities, no matter how daunting they may seem.