TWICE member Sana unexpectedly became the center of online discussion after close-up photos of her latest pedicure left many fans speechless. What initially seemed like a serious nail condition turned out to be a bold attempt at one of 2026’s most controversial beauty trends.
A close-up photo that left the web horrified
Social media users recently came across a close-up image of Sana’s toenails, with many admitting they had to look twice. The pedicure featured an unusual green marbled finish that, at first glance, resembled moss, mold, or even a fungal nail infection rather than nail art.
The unexpected design quickly became a hot topic in online communities, with many netizens expressing both confusion and amusement.
Some joked, “If a celebrity wears it, it’s called fashion. If an ordinary person walked around like this, their mom would probably tell them to wash their feet immediately.”
Others have commented, “The green color really makes it look like a fungal infection,” “At least add a shiny top coat,” “I couldn’t even look at it properly,” AND “Sana’s flavor is definitely bold this time.”
What surprised many people even more is that the image wasn’t an unflattering paparazzi shot. It was actually uploaded by Sana’s longtime nail artist, who often shares the idol’s custom nail designs and tags her in completed work. However, the unconventional color choice transformed the #1 ranked woman’s nails. 3 in the world rankings “The 100 most beautiful faces of 2023” in what many online deemed a beauty disaster.
The “Dirty Nails” Trend of 2026: Fashion Statement or Nightmare Fuel?
Despite the criticism, Sana’s pedicure wasn’t a mistake. The design aligns with the emerging “Dirty Nails” trend, a rebellious manicure movement created in direct contrast to the refined, minimalist “clean girl” aesthetic.
Earlier this year, fashion publication WWD highlighted the trend in an article titled: “Dirty Martini nails are the chic (but polarizing!) manicure trend I’m signing for 2026.”
According to beauty editors, the trend generally falls into two categories. Elegant olive green “Dirty Martini” shades are embraced which create a sophisticated and subdued look. The other intentionally imitates weathered textures such as rust, decay, moss or mold to create a dramatic and provocative visual effect.
Sana’s latest pedicure seems to fall into the latter category. However, the combination of uneven green tones and darker edges unintentionally reminded many viewers of real nail diseases rather than avant-garde nail art.
The dramatic departure surprised longtime fans because Sana has long been considered one of K-pop’s biggest nail trendsetters. Whether she’s sporting translucent jelly nails, classic French manicures, cat-eye designs, or crystal embellishments, her manicures have often inspired clients to take photos of her into nail salons. This time, however, the TWICE star traded in her sweet aesthetic for a bold, experimental look that few expected.
Even so, many Sana fans were quick to defend the design, arguing that it reflects a bold artistic vision and simply isn’t meant to appeal to everyone. Despite conflicting opinions, one thing is for sure: After going viral on social media, Sana’s pedicure has earned a reputation as one of the most controversial nail designs of 2026.
Sources: kenh14
