Influenced by Flojo, but Sha’Carri Richardson’s Iconic Nails Have a Different Twist: “It’s Really Not Me”

Since her emergence in the track and field, Sha’Carri Richardson‘s flamboyant fashion statements have been stirring multiple worlds. While the track and field communities have found a similarity with Florence Griffith-Joyner, the fashion world has hailed Sha’Carri’s statements through her nail paintings or hues. However, the first notion of similarity has recently faced a hard wall as the 24-year-old sprinter has mentioned that her nail paintings are not done by her. 

Rather, she has a team of nail techs who take care of the matter. The team literally reflects the thought process of garnishing Sha’Carri Richardson’s nails and putting their idea in to give the ultimate form. So, Sha’Carri could easily say in Nylon’s interview: “It’s really not me; it’s them — they just understand me just as a person.” However, Flo-Jo remains defiant on this matter, as she used to take care of her nails by herself. 

Furthermore, in showing her love for her nails, the world’s fastest woman said, “These are my very decorated nails that I’ve been growing for a while.” No matter, that flamboyant example of artistry and personality used to remain closer to her heart as Flo-Jo’s first choice of profession had been working in a nail salon and she had discovered herself in a fresh form when she was in her track and field avatar.

Later, Flo-Jo’s iconic nail painting suited the raging form she displayed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Before moving for the Olympics, the legendary sprinter had painted her natural nails with two golden colors and carried the dazzling red, white, and blue colors on other nails, conceding her wish to make a double gold in the Olympics from the US side. Ultimately, Florence Griffith Joyner was successful in her endeavor, earning four gold medals and track records. 36 years later, Sha’Carri Richardson is also dreaming of making a double on the Olympic podium. But in the case of her nail preparation, she has a few more mysteries to open. 

For every event or occasion. Sha’Carri Richardson usually puts on a different vibe. And her tech team sets the tone by adding a suitable nail color, unlike Flo-Jo. But does not that create a difference or a human error to match the pace of emotions? Sha’Carri shook her head and stated, “What they create just matches my energy and my vibe. So we’re locked in some energetic way. We’re all just locked in.” Meanwhile, the Dallas native sprinter has a heartfelt gratitude for her tech team that works behind the scenes to give her iconic fashion statements all these years. 

Sha’Carri Richardson claws her way back to her fame

This year, Sha’Carri Richardson has appeared with her claws colored differently, based on the mood of the occasion. Remember her promotional ad for Whoop that attracted heaps of flak for allegedly copying Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce? Sha’Carri chose a greenish shade for long nails in that shot, keeping similarity with her green sporty outfit. Keeping a festive mood, SCR managed to take on a leisurely color when she met with pop star Cardi B this year. 

The informal meeting displayed the larger-than-life duo, sharing tidbits about their life and upcoming future. Meanwhile, Sha’Carri and Cardi B could not avoid the chance to paint their nails when a service was available on the scene. This time, the sprinter’s white athleisure outfit suited her nail paint with a dazzling white color. But a copy of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s style statement couldn’t go Sha’Carri’s out of sight, the 6.5-inch-long nails. 

In 2022, Sha’Carri Richardson set her eyes to reclaim the throne of being the standout woman sprinter. In showing her fierceness, she opted for the stiletto nails with symbols, like a golden snake, an eye design, and a significant ankh symbol. The color remained vivid – gold, cream, and light rose pink. The style statement had been a shift from her previous coffin-shaped manicures. Words had already been there about her emulation of Flo-Jo. And these things had fortified the fact. Sha’Carri Richardson had her answer ready meanwhile. 

It is all about touching the glory. Proving that part, Sha’Carri said, “If the amazing Flo-Jo had long nails, there was no excuse why I couldn’t have long nails.” Yes, why can’t she?