An A-list manicurist, Tinu Bello, claims that chrome nail designs are revolutionizing the nail industry. They have an unmatched charm that closely resembles the shiny, reflecting quality of metal. Chrome nails have a continuous sheen that collects and reflects light uniformly, giving them an ethereal appearance in contrast to ordinary glitter, which scatters light. Wearing jewelry at your fingertips is analogous to this. Any nail design is enhanced by the high-shine finish, which gives it a more upscale and opulent appearance. Chrome can create delicate accent patterns or be applied to the entire nail.
Your choice of manicure is one of the simplest ways to communicate who you are. You can experiment with different nail lengths, shapes, and, of course, nail art designs. You can choose from various textures, but those are the fundamentals. (Do you recall velvet nails?) Chrome is now experiencing a lot of popularity.
Though they have been around for a while, chrome nail designs gained significant popularity once Hailey Bieber began showing off her glazed doughnut nails on social media.
Delicate Chrome Patterns
There is something for everyone, ranging from delicate chrome patterns and simple French tips to full-blown 3D appliqués with chrome finishes and multicolored chrome manis. Here are 29 of our top picks for chrome nail art to get you in the mood for your next salon visit.
Donut Glazed Nails:
Here are some iconic glazed doughnut nails done by Zola Ganzorigt, Hailey Bieber’s manicurist. She used Tin Man Can Chrome Powder (salon only) and OPI’s Funny Bunny Nail Polish to get the look.
Rose Chrome Nails:
A cozier interpretation of the trend can be found in these rose chrome nails. You will need to visit the salon for this layered appearance.
Chocolate Glazed Donut Nails:
Let us present you with doughnut nails and chocolate frosting. This mani, another Ganzorigt design, was made with a chrome top coat, two shades of brown, and a gel base coat.
Titanium chrome nail designs:
Ganzorigt went over and beyond by applying Titanium Glaze nail strips to create this striking manicure. Here’s another illustration of how, instead of going for the minimalist look of glazed doughnut nails, utilizing an opaque base colour would give your chrome nails a more futuristic, dramatic appearance. We can not get enough of this magenta chrome manicure.
Checkered chrome nail designs:
Chrome nail designs have taken over our social media feeds ever since Hailey Bieber showed up at the 2022 Met Gala sporting a “glazed donut” manicure. Before an eruption of various chrome nail patterns, it began with replicas of the model’s monochromatic appearance. Imagine shimmering in a limitless variety of hues and textures. In addition, there are numerous designs and accents.
However, several companies, such as Londontown and OPI, produce standard polishes with an integrated chrome effect. We compiled 24 looks with expert advice from Jimenez and nail artist Sonia Sanchez to help you get the chrome nail design of your dreams.
Nail’s Fairy Winkle:
Sanchez achieved this lovely look by using Aprés Nail’s Fairy Winkle hue, and Nail Bunny’s Drive Me Glazy. Despite its simplicity, the frosty baby blue is ideal for winter and makes a statement.
Sanchez used Nail Bunny’s Drive Me Glazy chrome powder to accentuate traditional French tips for a bridal look. Aprés Nail’s Sculpted almond-long gel tips created the design.
This set shouts cotton candy and has all four Londontown Candy Dreams nail polish tones. The chunky glitter in the purple tint looks lovely with the light pink, white, and blue chrome hues.
Sanchez created this look using the foundation of Aprés Nail’s sheer white shade Baby’s Breath. She then extended it into a delicate line design that ran down the nail, finishing it with an edgy silver chrome tip.
Since stars shine brighter than anything else, adding star-shaped chrome nail design accents to a manicure is ideal. The hot pink centre and milky nude background are sufficiently basic to highlight the embellishments.
Sanchez created this fantastic appearance with pearl decals, French tips, white swirls, and a silvery chrome topper.
Moon Cat’s Flight of the Monarchs is a coppery square chrome nail design that is quite beautiful. It is orange with hints of purple and blue. Due to its high warmth, the shade almost looks neutral on this skin tone.
Which hues complement chrome the best?
One key advantage of chrome nail designs is their adaptability—they look fantastic in almost any base colour. According to Giorgia Cappella, Training & Education Manager at The Gel Bottle, “the variety of chrome effects is always expanding, allowing you to swiftly and easily improve any manicure, from frosty whites to dazzling metallics and holographic colours.”
Glazed Doughnut Nails:
Glazed doughnut nails are a trendy manicure design that offers a subtle and tidy look. Bello says, “This is perfect for people who like a minimalist style or for everyday wear.” Conversely, cherry-glazed nails provide a striking, summer-appropriate splash of colour ideal for making a big impression. Chrome dust may give any vibrant or neutral manicure a classy, reflective accent. It is a simple method to add excitement and freshness to any tone.
How do you do your chrome nail designs?
According to Bello, getting chrome nail designs at home has never been easier, even though we always advise going to a salon for the most polished manicure.
Use a cushion applicator to thoroughly buff the powder after applying your base shade and top coat. The secret is to buff until all tackiness is removed and the surface appears mirror-smooth. Witching Hour Gel Nail Polish has a tremendous dark base tone for a classic chrome appearance. Nevertheless, suppose you want to try something different. In that case, adding chrome to lighter or pastel hues can produce a stunning iridescent finish that gives you a variety of styling alternatives without leaving your house.
Apply an even layer of top coat and let it dry for 60 seconds after applying your preferred BIAB or gel. After it has dried, massage a bit of chrome powder into the top coat using the chrome application brush, carefully covering the entire nail (or the area where you want the chrome to be). Use a dusting brush to remove excess, then apply the selected topcoat. We suggest Clear All In One BIAB or Rubber Top 2.0 to complete your final look.
Chrome nail designs Should Aware in 2025
According to Bello, “glass nails,” which use subtle chrome to create a glossy, glass-like reflection, are among the most notable trends. This style is appropriate for formal occasions and everyday wear since it balances subtle elegance and striking attractiveness. It shows how versatile and adaptable this nail art method is because it has a more sophisticated appearance than the striking, metallic sheen we usually associate with chrome.
If you do not like French tips, a snowy chrome nail is the ideal substitute and is considered the gold standard of bridal manicures. Chrome is a straightforward technique to add dimension and elevate a clean and basic manicure, traditionally the best bridal cosmetic accessory. Additionally, if you intend to sunbathe, it is flattering.
