This year, clients will be intrigued to see their polish break apart before their very eyes. As a continuation to the trends in textured polish over the past few seasons — matte, plastic, suede, among others — crackle polish takes texture to a new level with eye-catching fault-line styled breaks that will make passers-by ask, “Who did your nails?”

In early December, China Glaze tweeted: “I like to call them ‘dinosaur egg’ manicures,” as a tease to its now just-launched Crackle Glaze collection of six colors. “Crackle polish is a hot trend for 2011,” says Sarena Kirby, brand manager — new collections at China Glaze. “The innovative technology creates a deconstructed crackle design over your favorite shimmer, glitter or crème nail lacquer. The look is edgy, creative, and makes a bold statement.”

OPI unveiled its take on the crackle market in January with the launch of Black Shatter. “It’s individual and instant nail art,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischman, executive vice president and artistic director at OPI. “Depending on how hard you press on it, and how much you pick up on your brush, each nail will be a little different.”

To use a crackle polish, simply apply base coat, then any polish color (in any texture from cream to glitter) and let it dry. Then, apply crackle polish and watch it crack. Seal with top coat as usual. Depending on what polish color and texture you choose to use under the crackle you can create looks from sophisticated to punk. Also consider retailing it to your clients, so they can switch up their nail look in between appointments.