Remember glazed donut nails? Well, they’re back – kinda. The latest rendition of the trend comes repackaged in a fresh, ultra-clean, high-gloss look. And with a new look, comes a new name: glass nails.
What Are Glass Nails?
Just like glass skin, a glass manicure is all about giving your nails a flawless, super-shiny finish. ‘Glass nails are a beautiful manicure style that originated from Korea,’ explains manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador, Tinu Bello. ‘They offer a more subtle luminescence compared to classic chrome or glazed doughnut nails. The light reflects off the nails like glass, giving them a unique, liquid-y sheen.
‘Manicurists are constantly trying to elevate, and just as we see trends in beauty and skincare becoming glossier and more glass-like every year, nail artists are trying to replicate this for our nails,’ she adds. ‘Like glass skin, glass nails are an extension of this understated elegance, offering a healthy glow that catches the light in a subtle, sophisticated way. In an age where understated and glossy beauty trends are gaining traction, glass nails fit perfectly.’
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And while the trend may have already done the rounds in Korea, Tinu pins its recent success in the west on one specific influencer. ‘Earlier this summer, Kylie Jenner dubbed her super reflective manicure “glass nails”,’ she says. ‘Since then, we’ve seen several A-listers sporting the look on the red carpet, giving it a wider global reach.’
How To Ask For Glass Nails In The Salon (& What To Expect)
Keep it simple, recommends Tinu. ‘When visiting a salon, you should ask for a glass manicure or glass nails,’ she says. ‘It’s good to mention that you’re looking for a sophisticated, glass-like sheen rather than a chromatic effect. Bringing a reference photo can also help your nail technician better understand the look you’re aiming for.’
With you and your nail tech on the same page, it will then just be a matter of bringing the look to life. ‘When creating glass nails in the salon, the nail tech will begin with a sheer, neutral base coat then apply a subtle amount of chrome,’ Tinu explains. ‘This will be topped with a fairly thick apex to reflect the light. Because the chrome is underneath the clear gel, instead of on top like with glazed nails, the light will catch the chrome in a more reflective, glass-like way.’
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How To Recreate The Look At Home
For those trying out the look at home, Tinu shares a few tips and tricks:
Method 1: Iridescent Layers
‘For the best results when achieving glass nails at home, use an iridescent or pearly polish as your base colour,’ she suggests. ‘Finish with a sheer translucent shade to capture the glass-like effect.’
Method 2: Powders
‘Alternatively, begin with a sheer base and buff a small amount of chrome effect nail powder over the surface,’ Tinu advises. ‘Top this with a thick layer of clear polish. The play of light on the chrome beneath a clear gel creates a mesmerising subtle glow.’
What’s Next?
While glass nails are currently a clean girl beauty staple, Tinu sees the trend getting bigger and bolder. ‘The trend is likely to evolve with variations in base colours, different types of chrome finishes, and perhaps combining with other nail art techniques like minimalist designs or negative space,’ she suggests. ‘It’s a versatile and elegant look that I believe will continue to inspire creativity in nail art.’
Glass Nails Inspiration
Featured image: Getty Images
