Nail Artist Emotional Over Work on Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in Wicked
Shei Osei, a 33-year-old nail artist from Basildon, Essex, was brought to tears upon seeing her creations for Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba character on the big screen in Wicked. Having known Erivo for 15 years, Osei collaborated closely with the actress to design nails that reflected Elphaba’s evolution throughout the film.
Osei’s journey began at the age of 14, honing her nail art skills before pursuing it professionally at 18. Over the years, she has built a celebrity client base, working with stars like Candice Brathwaite and Maya Jama. She previously designed Erivo’s nails for Netflix’s Luther: The Fallen Sun. When Erivo called her in 2022 to work on Wicked, Osei eagerly began designing for the character.
The nail designs for Elphaba were carefully crafted to mirror the character’s transformation. Early in the film, Elphaba is portrayed as shy and timid, wearing subtle green ombré nails that are daring yet understated. As the character gains confidence and embraces her identity upon arriving in the Emerald City, her nails reflect that shift with bold, expressive designs. “It’s more of a daring design and more ‘this is me, this is who I am, and you will accept me for who I want to be,’” Osei explained.
Osei created over 35 sets of press-on nails for the film, ensuring they were consistent in style, color, shape, and design. Each set took up to 90 minutes to complete. She also worked on Erivo’s nails for the film’s premiere, where London’s Southbank was transformed into the Emerald City.
Watching her work on the big screen was an emotional experience for Osei. “I cried,” she admitted. “I’m very hard on myself… I was checking to see if I had put it on properly, did I had shaped it properly, and if was the ombré good.”
For Osei, the project’s success lies in the way the nails helped tell Elphaba’s story while also allowing Erivo to feel “authentically herself.” She noted how the nails became integral to the character’s gestures, from touching the broom to putting on her hat.
Since working on Wicked, Osei has experienced global recognition and an outpouring of love for her work. “Everyone says they don’t pay attention to nails, but in Wicked they paid attention,” she said, hoping her story inspires other nail techs and beauticians. “These things don’t come overnight. If you keep pushing, you’ll get there in the end.”
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