"As fun as trying new, seasonal nail shades is, sometimes you just want your tried-and-true, emotional support nail color. I’ve had a few over the years: a stunning purple-y mauve color in my early 20s, OPI’s Ballet Slippers when I learned it’s what the Royal Family wears, and lately, any shade of green. I’d argue one of the most devastating experiences for a nail girly is walking into their monthly manicure appointment intent on getting their comfort shade only to find the brand discontinued it or, perhaps even worse, changed the formula and tried to pass it off as the OG.
Such is the current fate of all OPI Cajun Shrimp girls right now. OPI has reportedly changed the classic, bright coral-red shade into an almost-neon, pinky-red. TikTok user @fairy.godmorgan shared her recent salon experience. Not only was she shocked, but her regular nail artist knew the moment she asked for her “usual” just how devastated she’d be.
Despite immediately noticing the shade difference, Morgan decided to go with the new Cajun Shrimp anyway—how bad could it be, right? Turns out, very. Returning home after her appointment proved to be the final nail in OPI’s coffin. Her boyfriend noticed it was the wrong shade. I don’t know about you, but beyond “looks nice! It has sparkles!” my husband has never been able to tell the difference between my manicures. Morgan put it succinctly: The fact that a man can tell the difference between two shades of red is not good, OPI.
The next day, Morgan still wasn’t happy with the shade, saying, “It feels like it is 2004 and we are at the mall getting a Jamba Juice.” After looking at the evidence myself, I can’t say I disagree. Another TikTok user, @vintage_dusties, shared a side-by-side comparison of the original shade and the new formulation. Based on the results, I would be just as unhappy as Morgan.
So, what’s a girl to do? Luckily, the comments on Morgan’s video are flooded with recommendations for shade matches. If you’re a former Cajun Shrimp girl, ask your nail artist to swatch OPI’s Aloha, OPI’s We Seafood and Eat It, DND’s Lava, or DND’s Candy Cane until you find your perfect coral-red replacement.
OPI Cajun Shrimp alternative shades to try
Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor
As Senior Managing Editor of The Everygirl, Garri oversees the pitching, planning, and creation of all content. You might also find her name pop up as a contributor throughout the site, though she mostly works behind the scenes, leading the team in their creative efforts and ensuring they have everything they need to create top-quality content for our audience.