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For the better part of the last few years, chrome nails have been the most steadfast, sought-after style amongst experimental nail girlies. Whether you’re adding chrome details to a French manicure or going for a full-on futuristic effect, chrome powder is one of the most versatile additions to any manicure, no matter the aesthetic.
For a while, though, chrome manicures were strictly a professional style, making it difficult for those of us with not enough time or money to get to the salon to achieve the look. Nowadays, though, the world of at-home manicures has vastly expanded, and tons of brands carry their own safe, effective chrome powders suitable for home use.
Creating a good chrome manicure at home isn’t as simple as slapping on some powder, though. To get the full picture, we tapped the experts at viral nail brand Manucurist Paris to break down all things chrome nails from home.
How to Create Chrome Nails at Home
Given the eye-catching, dimensional nature of a chrome manicure, you might still be wondering, “Can I really do chrome nails at home?” Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes. And you don’t need a full gel manicure set up to make it happen, either. “At home, I love using effect powders, which are super fun to work with and allow me to create stunning ‘wow’ effects that I can’t achieve with regular nail polish,” says Manucurist Paris resident artist Agathe Masse.
Thanks to brands like Manucurist Paris, which carries Glazed Effect Powder ($9), creating a chrome manicure at home is more than attainable. Using the powder, you can create chrome finishes on regular polish (its Green line) or gel polish (its Green Flash line).
DIY Chrome Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide
Like anything, creating the perfect chrome manicure does take attention to detail. Luckily, Masse has all the tips for ensuring your chrome nails are show-stopping and long-lasting. As Masse explains, prepping the nails is a crucial step in the chrome manicure process, noting that nail prep is “essential to ensure your polish lasts and involves several elements.”
Prep the Nails
First, Masse says to file your nails to your preferred shape, soften and push back your cuticles, buff the surface of your nails and remove any dust with a dust brush. Then, before getting started with any polish, remove the oils from your nail beds to help the polish adhere (an alcohol wipe or nail polish remover will do the trick).
Polish Up
Next, apply your base coat. “One thin coat protects the nail surface and helps the color set,” Masse explains. Let the base coat dry, and if you’re using the Green Flash polishes or any other gel-like polish, be sure to cure the polish before you move on to your color. Then, apply your color in two thin coats, curing it under a lamp for the indicated drying times if you’re using gel polish, or wait for the polish to dry almost completely between coats of regular polish.
Apply Your Chrome Effect
Once your base and color coats have dried or cured, it’s time to go in with your chrome effect powder. While you’ve likely seen videos of people using eye shadow brushes or powder puffs to apply chrome powder, Masse recommends a different approach for a more long-lasting result. “Use your finger! This way, the powder particles will adhere well and tighten more to each other to create a beautiful effect.” Once you’ve patted the powder onto your nails, Masse recommends removing any excess powder with a dusting brush. “This also helps to blur the pearl effect and clean the skin around your nails,” she explains.
What to Know Before Creating Chrome Nails at Home
Creating a chrome manicure is relatively straightforward, but there are always a few things you should consider before you dive in. “Depending on the shade you place under your chrome powder, you can create a different chrome effect,” Masse says. Essentially, chrome powder will create a different finish on every nail color. “For example, the effect will be pretty soft with a nude shade, but if you use a darker shade like gray or black, you’ll get a very intense mirror effect. For the glazed effect, which is more transparent, you can have fun with the colors you use underneath. Right now, the trend is red, but I must admit I love it over brown, like a Chestnut shade.”
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