If there’s one trend that has taken the nail world by storm it would have to be chrome and this summer it looks like it’s going to be hotter than ever. From straight up silver to gold chrome tips and vanilla white chrome nails — as long as it reflects the light from all angles, it seems to be the go-to look this year. Festival goers everywhere seem to be sporting the style and there is a constant influx on our social media feeds of a barrage of different chrome nail designs being worn by the cool kids. According to research by Spa Seekers, there has been an uptick of 83% in searches for chrome nail designs and TikTok currently has over 9 million searches for the style per month and over 151 million views. I can completely understand why, this trend has picked up where Hailey Bieber’s glazed doughnut nails left off but with an edgier, more nostalgic feel to it and I am here for it.
But it’s not just on social media, celebrities everywhere are going for gold with various chrome nail looks, like UK rapper Little Simz, who wore full on silver chrome at Glastonbury painted by celebrity manicurist Michelle Class, Lily Allen choosing a white ombre chrome design by leading UK manicurist Michelle Humphries and Hollywood movie star Kate Hudson choosing a gold chrome foil for her holiday tips, created by Girls Aloud’s go-to nail tech Lucy Tucker.
The question is, why has chrome gained so much popularity and can you recreate the look at home without going to the salon? We ask two experts in the nail industry to let us know, as well as picking some of our favourite chrome nail designs to save for your next salon trip.
Experts Featured in This Article
Thea Green MBE Nail expert and founder of Nails Inc
Kirsten White Nail expert and founder of London Grace
Why Have Chrome Nails Become So Popular?
“Chrome has been such a big trend this year because it allows your nails to make a statement but in a sleek, sophisticated way,” Kirsten White tells PS UK. “Part of the fresh mani-pedi feeling is about admiring your new nail polish colour and the high-shine, reflective finish of chrome and metallic nails means you can’t stop looking at them!”
It could also be down to our love for the early noughties according to Thea Green. “The chrome trend has a nostalgic appeal with its popularity in fashion during the early 2000’s,” she tells PS UK. “We love to look back on the different styles of past decades and chrome has made its return.” It is this nod to the past that has made it such a hit on our social media feeds. “Recently many high-profile influencers and celebrities have been sporting chrome fashion, accessories and nails,” Green explains. “This is driving its popularity and resurgence.”
What Are the Different Chrome Nail Design Trends For Summer 2024?
“I love to add pops of chrome for a more wearable everyday look,” says Green. “I find the best way of doing this is to match my chrome mani to my accessories such as rings, bracelets and hardware on my handbags and belts. My preferred chrome mani is an all-out silver set for a more striking look, however chrome it also looks great as an accent nail when you’re going for a more subtle approach.”
“Chrome nails aren’t just limited to silver or gold,” says White. “Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber have shown that chrome works for vibrant colours like greens and pinks too, making it a versatile choice for your next mani-pedi.” It is this freedom with the chrome trend that makes it so exciting in comparison to the glazed trend last year as it can be worn in its full reflective glory, as accents of nail designs or in bright bold colours or soft pastels.
What’s the Best Way to Apply Chrome Nail Designs at Home?
Achieving the perfect at-home chrome requires some specific steps and attention to detail according to Green, so we asked for her step-by-step guide to creating the perfect DIY chrome mani. “Always prep the nails to ensure you start with clean and manicured tips,” recommends Green. “Always apply a base coat, I recommend the Nails Inc Get Hard Hardening Base Coat (£9).” For the perfect silver chrome nail Green recommends Nails Inc Mirror Chrome formulation in Silver (£11) “Remember to shake the bottle prior to application and always apply a top coat to prevent chipping.”
If you prefer to let the professional take care of your tips, White recommends opting for a chrome powder over your gels. “In a salon the chrome finish is often applied on top of the colour coat, using a very fine powder and a sponge applicator until the desired finish is achieved,” she tells PS UK. “Make sure your nail technician has applied a generous layer of top coat to seal the chrome powder, as otherwise this can wear off prematurely revealing the original gel polish colour underneath.”
Alternatively White adds that if you want a full on chrome finish at home, to add a extra coats for true colour pay off! London Grace Pyrite (£12) is a beautiful oyster chrome option.
