There are tons of beauty trends that Hailey Bieber has helped popularize, if not start herself. From the Clean Girl Aesthetic to quiet luxury, and her brand’s viral lip balm phone case. Her beauty influence runs so deep that she’s also helped popularize the now ubiquitous chrome nail trend. Often seen on Bieber’s digits, chrome nails have a highly reflective, mirror-like finish. The end result is a glossy, pearlescent finish that elevates just about any nail color to be worthy of a special event.
However, this is probably a look that you’ll want to get at the salon instead of DIY-ing. “Achieving this magical look requires special powders or gel nail polishes that create a smooth, shiny, and reflective surface on the nails,” says nail professional Sashanie Gray. Another plus of this manicure is that you can get it in a “a wide variety of textures and finishes, ranging from shade-shifting mermaid colors to bold high-shine metal looks,” says celebrity nail artist Rachel Messick.
Meet the expert
Whether you prefer subtle elegance or striking drama, there’s a chrome finish to suit every mood and occasion. Below, nail experts share a few of their favorite chrome nails.
Toasted Chrome
This ombré chrome manicure fades from pink to brown, giving nails a cozy toasted look.
Ombré Tips
@ashaniegraynails/Threads
Not all chrome manis have to be super dramatic. This look shows off soft white ombré tips with a nude base, topped off with a white semi-translucent chrome pigment. It’s kind of like the “no-makeup makeup” of the nail art world.
Star Accents
If you’re not ready to commit to a full mirrored look, dip your toes in the water with chrome accents. This playful manicure features a neutral base with silver chrome French tips and star details. It straddles the line between neutral and fun.
Butter Chrome
@rachel.messick/Instagram
Pale yellow nails are having an absolute moment. To take them to the next level, Messick recommends using a transparent glassy white chrome. The almond shape here helps elevate this manicure, but a squoval would work too.
Mirror Chrome
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While all chrome nails must have a reflective finish, some looks take it to the next level—like these nails. You can actually see a person in the reflection of the middle nail. To create this soft mirrored chrome manicure, rub silver chrome powder over a warm nude base color.
Fun French
@rachel.messick/Instagram
Not feeling a full chrome nail? No worries. You can ease your way into the trend by starting off with a chrome French manicure. “Use a metallic chrome and some French line stencil stickers to create this look,” says Messick.
Delicate Pink
@sashaniegraynails/Threads
If you’re a soft life babe or channeling your inner softy, this delicate pink and green semi-translucent duo chrome over nude is the look for you. The length of the nails (or lack thereof) makes the mani super practical.
Barbie Pink
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The Barbie cast may no longer be doing their press run, but pink will never go out of style.
Gold Ombré
This stunning ombré gold chrome manicure features a neutral base that morphs into a spectacular metallic finish. The coffin shape makes it that much more dramatic. It’s the perfect special occasion manicure.
Black French
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“On this day, my client said she wanted to feel like a ‘bad gyal,’ so we opted for a black French tip with a nude base, topped off with a semi-translucent chrome powder,” says Gray. “It was just the right amount of edginess for her.” The high reflectiveness of this manicure is hypnotizing.
Dripping in Chrome
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These almond-shaped nails are the perfect shape to allow the design to shine. The chrome is the star here (get it?) and elegantly drips down the middle of each nail. Plus, the sheer base and neutral metallic will perfectly complement any outfit.
Lemon French
A lemon yellow French manicure makes the perfect spring manicure, and a chrome coating is just the icing on the (lemon loaf) cake.
Black Snakeskin
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If you want to add some visual depth to a vintage gold chrome manicure, opt for a black snakeskin print. “Animal prints are back. Really for me, they never left, so why not marry two trends of chrome and animal print?” says Gray. “To create this look, I used a snakeskin nail art stamping plate, and stamped the design directly on top of the rubbed-in gold pigment.”
Feminine French
What’s more feminine than a pink French manicure? A pink French manicure with a pearlescent chrome top coat. The square-shaped nails offer a call back to y2k era.
Water Drop Ombré Chrome
@rachel.messick/Instagram
“This look was inspired by summer and the ocean,” says Messick. “After applying a blue ombré on top of a nude manicure and a layer of non-wipe top gel, I gently layered on OPI Professionals Blue Plate Special, then sealed everything in with a top gel and used Jin B Crazy Top Thick to create the water drop effect.”
Shiny Sunflowers
@rachel.messick/Instagram
“I love the look of artsy, painterly, not-so-perfect floral designs,” says Messick. It’s an understated manicure that still features pretty chrome.
Pink Aurora
@rachel.messick/Instagram
“One of my absolute favorite looks is pairing a gorgeous neutral pink,” says Messick. These nails are still highly reflective, but it’s almost like the mirror is pink. It offers tons of interest, depth, and dimension.
Vanilla Sugar
This bridal-ready vanilla sugar manicure features alternating shades of white and cream with glitter accent nails and a chrome coating. It’s neutral yet elevated.
Textural Chrome
@nailartfairy/Instagram
There is so much texture and interest in this chrome mani. The gold polish in varying abstract shapes is artful, and the negative space keeps it from feeling overwhelming. To top everything off, the small rhinestones add different colors and focal points.
Duo Chrome
@sashaniegraynails/Threads
“Allow me to introduce you to the duo-chrome pigment powder. In this case, you get to enjoy two chrome colors for the application of one,” says Gray. “Duo chrome powder reflects multiple tones at the same time and is worn best over a black background, due to the darker pigment. To elevate a black gel polish manicure, add a duo chrome French tip.”
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