25 Chrome Nail Designs to Help You Shine Bright (2024)

When Hailey Bieber arrived at last year's Met Gala and debuted her "glazed donut" manicure, it took over our social feeds and ignited a trend. It started off with recreations of the model's neutral chromatic look before giving way to an explosion of different chrome nail designs. Think: shimmer in an endless array of colors and finishes. Plus, all kinds of accents and patterns.

Hailey Bieber's Glazed Donut Nails Are Going Viral — Here's How to DIY the Look at Home

"Chromes come in many finishes — from white chromes that add a metallic sheen to multi chromes, which make for more of a [more dimensional] finish," says nail artist Galdina Jimenez, adding that chrome nails "can be a challenge at home since chrome powders work best on gel color." However, tons of brands like OPI and Londontown make regular polishes with a built-in chrome effect.

Meet the expert

  • Galdina Jimenez is a nail artist and OPI North America education manager.
  • Sonia Sanchez is a nail artist and brand ambassador at Aprés Nail.

To get the chrome nail design of your dreams, scroll through 25 inspirational looks below.

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Baby Blues

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Nail artist Sonia Sanchez created this beautiful look using the shade Fairy Winkle from Aprés Nail topped with Drive Me Glazy from Nail Bunny. Although simple, the icy baby blue really stands out and is perfect for winter. The color is applied over the Sculpted Stiletto Medium gel tips from Aprés. "Chrome can be incorporated into many 3D designs or used to add an elegant touch by applying chrome over the nails," says Sanchez.

02of 25

Chromatic French Tips

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Sanchez elevated classic French tips with the Drive Me Glazy chrome powder from Nail Bunny for a bridal look. The tip design was executed on the Sculpted Almond Long gel tips from Aprés Nail.

03of 25

Zodiac Tips

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This astrological look uses the Star Galaxy Prism gel polish in shade 1404 from Ice Gel for the tips and the Lele Sadoughi x Deco Beauty Zodiac Nail Stickers for accents. Together, they create a mesmerizing look.

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Glazed Dounut

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For that classic glazed donut look, which was created by nail artist and OPI Global Ambassador Zola Ganzorigt, Jimenez layered OPI's Gemini and I over sweet pale pink Bubble Bath.

05of 25

Cotton Candy Chrome

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Using all four shades from the Londontown Candy Dreams Nail Polish Set, this set screams cotton candy. The pale shades of pink, white, and blue chrome are pretty and play beautifully with the chunky glitter in the purple shade.

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Fine Lines

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Sanchez used the sheer white shade Baby's Breath from Aprés Nail as the base of this look. Then, she topped it off with an edgy silver chrome tip, extending it into a fine line design running down the nail.

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Chrome Stars

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Nothing shines brighter than a star, so adorning a manicure with starry chrome accents is the perfect move. The base — a milky nude with a hot pink center — is simple enough to really let the embellishments shine.

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Celestial Chrome

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Jimenez created this celestial look by layering #Virgoals from OPI over the brand's Black Onyx, which is the perfect basic black. The two shades together truly make each nail look like a galaxy of its own.

09of 25

Swirls and Pearls

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French tips, white swirls, pearl decals, and a silvery chrome topper came together to create this epic look by Sanchez. By keeping the colors light, the otherwise intricate look comes off more understated.

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Golden Tips

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Metallics will always pack a punch, but when done in a minimal design like tips, they can be really subtle. Sanchez created this look on top of the Sculpted Stiletto Medium nails from Aprés Nail.

11of 25

Copper Chrome

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This super pretty, coppery chrome is Moon Cat's Flight of the Monarchs, an orangey hue with purple and blueundertones. Because the shade has so much warmth, it almost looks like a neutral on this skin tone.

12of 25

Like a Mirror

This look by Sanchez is so reflective that each nail looks like a little mirror. It was created by the pro using a chrome finish atop the Sculpted Almond Medium gel tips from Aprés Nail.

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Candy Chrome

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This beautiful set uses a trio of shades from Cirque Color's Mxmtoon Collection Set. The three hues each have blue undertones, so they look really pretty and cohesive while still standing out.

14of 25

Pearlescent

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If you could melt down a pearl and coat your nail with the liquid, you would get this stunning look. It's super reflective and sure to catch your gaze multiple times throughout the day.

15of 25

Pop of Chrome

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In this manicure, chrome serves as an accent, which features a pop of icy blue metallic underneath a dotted design. Even though it's subtle, it still packs a perfect punch.

16of 25

Barbie Chrome

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If you're still living for Barbiecore, this manicure is perfect for you. It uses the hot pink shade Let's Have Some Little Fun from Nail Reserve LA as the base and is topped with the Sun-Set Glow chrome powder from Ice Gel.

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17of 25

Marbled Chrome

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Swirls of pink, green, blue, and purple pastel chrome make this beautiful and ethereal marbled design. Each nail is accented by a tiny pearl, serving as the perfect cherry on top of an already gorgeous look.

18of 25

Liquid Metal Chrome

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What makes this mani so cool? It emulates the liquid form that metal takes when heated. The silver chrome polish looks like it was melted on, and the addition of silver and white pearls makes it extra impactful.

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Chrome Petals

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The shade Forget Mia Not from Magpie Beauty serves as the perfect neutral base for this manicure. The brand's Queenie Chrome Dust is used on petals to create a super regal and delicate look.

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Feelin' Peachy

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Jimenez created this look with two coats of #VirgoGoals from OPI. It's a bronzy pearl shade that features small flecks of green glitter that stuns with simplicity.

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Midnight

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For this look, Jimenez layered Feelin’ Capricorn-y over Black Onyx. It emulates the dark and dreamy look of a midnight sky full of stars.

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Light as a Feather

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The chrome finish on this nude polish takes a simple look to the next level. And the addition of the gold feather decal adds a gorgeous gilded touch.

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Chrome Swirls

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This design uses two chrome shades — Close Call and Lost Treasure — from OPI's Great Escape Collection. Close Call is the primary shade used on three nails, and then it's swirled with Lost Treasure on a neutral base as an accent on two fingers.

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Sage Shimmer

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Jimenez created this manicure using OPI's Feelin’ Capricorn-y, a sage green shimmer. The hue is enhanced with flecks of pink and blue, giving this a super dimensional look.

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Pastel Rainbow

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Painting a different color on every nail is a super easy way to achieve a fun design. This manicure uses six shades from Magpie Beauty — Hono Lulu, Apple Sour, a blend of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Iced Gem, Summer Loving, and Bell-ini — all topped with the Bride Chrome Dust.

25 Chrome Nail Designs to Help You Shine Bright (2024)

FAQs

How do you make chrome nails shiny? ›

✨ Some Key Steps: ⭐ Apply chrome over Chrome Effect Gel or a no wipe gel top coat (applying over a tacky layer will result in a shimmery finish) ⭐ Fully cure the Chrome Effect Gel for 60 seconds ⭐ Make sure the applicator (such as a silicone tool) has enough chrome powder ⭐ Gently apply the chrome powder (too much ...

What nail colors look good with chrome? ›

Pretty much any color can be turned chrome, but light and bright colors usually work best. Something important to note: Chrome does change the color of the polish, usually making it a little brighter.

How do you make chrome nails not glittery? ›

Apply another layer of no wipe top coat and cure for the full 60. Cure top coat for 45 seconds, apply chrome, cure for 15 more seconds. Apply another layer of no wipe top coat and cure for the full 60. Cure top coat for 50 seconds, apply chrome, cure for 10 more seconds to lock in the chrome.

Why does my chrome look glittery? ›

If the chrome powder goes on too thick, it will leave sparkly particles. This excess product can prevent a thorough cure, which can be why it chips or peels. Use a soft fluffy brush, such as a make-up brush to dust off any excess.

Are chrome nails still in 2024? ›

Chrome and metallic finishes are going strong.

Chrome and metallic nails will continue to trend in 2024, according to Tan Tran, owner and lead nail technician of VIP Nails & Spa. "Our clients are going for more bold and futuristic looks, taking the iridescent nail trend to the next level," he told BI.

What to ask for if you want chrome nails? ›

Ask for a pearlescent chrome gel manicure, or show your nail tech a photo. With the popularity of Hailey Bieber's chrome manicure, your local salon probably knows what nails you're requesting if you just mention the “glazed donut” look.

Are chrome nails still in style? ›

Classic styles, like the French manicure, got a modern update with chrome detailing and silver chrome nails, which are currently trending for fall/winter '23 (you can thank Beyoncé and the Renaissance Tour) and will continue to trend into the new year.

Do you top coat chrome? ›

Use the chrome powder of your choice and apply with the applicator or sponge and rub it over the entire nail. Use only a little chrome powder, otherwise, you will not see the background color below the chrome effect. Make sure that the nail is covered evenly. Apply the top coat again to seal the effect and cure.

Do you need gel polish for chrome nails? ›

Until just recently, it was thought that gel polish was a necessity for chrome nails. However, that is no longer the case, and you can apply the powder onto regular nail polish just fine.

How do you ask for chrome nails at a salon? ›

As for what to call the style when you're sitting at the salon, say you'd like a "pearlescent chrome nail." To make sure it's an authentic replica, here's exactly how to ask for Hailey Bieber's glazed donut nails: Manicure style: Gel, acrylic or clear gel X, if using extensions. Shape: Narrow oval or almond.

What are glazed donut nails? ›

Glazed donut nails are usually a light nude or white colour with a pearlescent or shimmery finish.

Do most nail salons have chrome powder? ›

You can find it pretty much anywhere nail products are sold, including most nail salons." While you can get virtually any color in a chrome finish, Kandalec says the most popular shades among her clients are more traditional hues.

How do you make fake nails shiny? ›

I suggest using a gel top coat, and I recommend Young Nails' Finish Gel. It cures in 90 seconds and guarantees a two-week shine. Lamp and bulbs also make a difference in final shine. I recommend using 9-watt bulbs and four bulbs in a lamp as ideal.

Do you put top coat over chrome powder? ›

Use the chrome powder of your choice and apply with the applicator or sponge and rub it over the entire nail. Use only a little chrome powder, otherwise, you will not see the background color below the chrome effect. Make sure that the nail is covered evenly. Apply the top coat again to seal the effect and cure.

Can you put chrome powder on regular nail polish? ›

SO many people have asked me if it's possible to do chrome nails only using regular nail polish and now i can confidently say.. YES, IT IS!

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