OPI's Cajun Shrimp Is Off Its Game, and Southerners Aren't Happy About It

Is something really amiss with the classic summer shade?

I first heard whispers of the rumor on TikTok. Our Senior Lifestyle Editor Ivy Odom was highlighting her trademark nail polish shades in a video , and, naturally, she included OPI’s Cajun Shrimp, the spunky coral-y red shade that’s graced the nails of Southern women for decades. “I’ve heard OPI changed up the Cajun Shrimp color?!?!?!” one viewer commented frantically. Another chimed in, “They’ve changed the formula. It’s not the same.” Yet another added, “I’ve been informed that the formula has changed and [is] nowhere near the same! I’m crushed.”

Related: 15 Timeless Favorite Nail Shades That Our Readers Will Keep Choosing

A swift search on Google showed that we were not alone in noticing the change in shading; many other influencers also expressed their disapproval of the Edit, including Nashville-based @fairy.godmorgan She stated that her former favorite shade had become "neon" and "certainly not OPI Cajun Shrimp."

But it wasn't until my mom sent me an image from her latest pedicure —where she'd "ordered Cajun Shrimp, and the label said Cajun Shrimp, but it turned out to be Cajun Shrimp from her Aunt Fanny!" —I realized I needed to accept that OPI may have truly messed up our favorite nail polish.

As any Southern lady would do when she has something important to discuss, I contacted the brand directly. Here’s what OPI responded with: The formula for Cajun Shrimp hasn’t undergone any changes recently.

Phew.

That said, OPI did The GelColor formula has been recently modified to comply with stringent international safety and quality guidelines. The revised formulation features an increased concentration of pigments, making colors such as Cajun Shrimp appear more vivid. To achieve optimal outcomes, nail technicians should apply multiple light layers rather than one thick coat and be sure to shake the bottle thoroughly for consistent pigment dispersion. Additionally, keep in mind that slight color discrepancies may arise from varying types of formulas (such as lacquers versus gels versus dips), product expiration dates, and how they have been stored.

Why Southern Residents Have Distinctive Polish Hues

If you, somewhat rightly, are wondering if a polish formula change really matters, especially in this economy, allow me to explain. For many Southerners, it’s not just about the fact that the color pairs well with our favorite shoes or our skin tones. For many of us, our nail polish shade of choice is a sentimental matter of tradition.

In my situation, OPI’s Cajun Shrimp has been a staple in our family for many years. . My grandmother, affectionately known as Ghee Ghee, was not one to fuss over trivial matters, yet she maintained a regular appointment with her nail specialist, Miss Mona. She consistently chose only between two shades from OPI: Bubble Bath and Cajun Shrimp. In addition to her favorite polish colors, she also had her secret recipe for hot dog chili And with her occasionally mischievous sense of humor, my mother embraced these traits as her distinctive attributes, which she then bestowed upon my sisters and me. During my wedding, Cajun Shrimp was the sole choice for my high-heeled sandal-clad toes. No one truly noticed the nail polish since my feet remained mostly hidden beneath my voluminous gown all day, but I was aware of the vibrant hue adorning my nails. The coral-red shade on my toenails served as a form of "something borrowed," bringing me closer to feeling connected with my mom.

So OPI, if you’re reading this, I’m officially pulling the dead grandmother card… please don't ever change our beloved Cajun Shrimp! I hate to be dramatic, but some of our most treasured family traditions depend on it.

Read the initial article on Southern Living