DND Captains Hottest Nail Hues

Following the success of Daisy Nail Design’s Yes Chef nail polish collection inspired by Emmy-winning series The Bear, the indie beauty brand has released a follow-up in-line with some of spring 2027’s hottest hues, called I’m the Captain Now.

The collection, inclusive of 39 nautical-themed shades complete with complementary decals, made its debut aboard a yacht on the Hudson River in New York City at dusk on Aug. 4. The collection includes six new gel polishes: Talk Coral To Me (fluorescent neon coral with pink and orange undertones); Siren Call (navy blue); Hydro Homie (dusty pastel powder blue); House of Pearl (pearly shimmer); Seahorse Sensei (light lilac); and Let Me Drive Da Boat (bold, glossy red with pink undertones).

The collection takes its name from the famous quip in the 2013 thriller starring Tom Hanks, “Captain Philips,” which became a viral meme.

“The nautical and sailor vibe is really resurfacing right now,” said Laurie Lee, director of marketing, DND.

DND Gel is a professional nail brand touted for its salon-quality formulas and culture-driven collections. The polishes exclude Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA), a common chemical monomer in gel polishes known to cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, and trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a chemical light-activator previously used to dry and harden gel under UV or LED lamps.

Driving ‘Da Boat’

The coastal theme is inspired by the nail industry regaining the helm following covid when “non-essential“ businesses like nail salons were closed for operations, and the growing need for self-expression and self-care rituals, according to Lee.

“I love that nails have been getting more of an interest in recent years,” she said. “Nails are becoming not an afterthought, but something of your own creativity. A way to expressive yourself, prioritize self-care. And what’s even nicer is when you see people and they’re buying a specific color to bring to their nail salon, because it’s such a part of their identity.”

This philosophy is evident in the fiery red Let Me Drive Da Boat shade.

“I love a good red,” Lee told Happi. “This red doesn’t have any orange undertones, which I feel like it’s very hard for people to find that red that fits their skin tone. Everybody’s like, ‘I want that red that’s not too blue, not too orange, I’m like this is the one.”

Another trending hue that will be big for spring 2027 is coral. DND’s Talk Coral To Me has a pink undertone which makes it more “digestible” for everyday wear, according to officials.

Vintage colors are also trendy for fall. Seahorse Sensei and Hydro Homie are powdery shades reminiscent of vintage eras of the 1950s and 1980s.

The latter, said Lee, is also in-line with fall’s frosty blue eyeshadow trend.

DND’s gel manicure shades can be cured by a heat lamp or top-coated with the brand’s nail lacquer. I’m the Captain Now is available D2C here.