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Now that the weather’s warming up, nails are getting glossier, and mirror chrome nails are the season’s hottest—and shiniest—manicure trend. Partially inspired by the viral glazed donut mani, the ultraglossy mirrorlike look is everywhere, with everyone from Zendaya to Lizzo to Megan Fox rocking variations on the high-shine aesthetic.
“Chrome had a major moment in 2017 and 2018—a lot of nail techs have joked that we’ve had to ‘blow the dust off’ our chrome powders now that they are back in such a major way,” Kate Proulx, nail artist and owner at Sick Nails in New Haven, Connecticut, tells Glamour. As for the trend’s recent resurgence? It can be attributed to a few things, she says: Hailey Beiber’s ‘glazed donut nail’ trend is a subtle way to elevate a classic nude mani, tons of designers had chrome and metallic nails on the spring 2023 runways, and celebrities of all gender identities have been rocking chrome nails in the past few years.
Nail artist Karolina Zuk also points to that Hailey Bieber mani as prime inspiration. “This It moment for chrome manicure was when Hailey Bieber shared her signature manicure last summer on social media,” she recalls. “Immediately after, it became the most asked-for manicure until today. My social media post with this manicure reached more than 10 million accounts.”
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It also doesn’t hurt that chrome pairs so well with Y2K-inspired style. “Chrome is popular due to the fashion trends currently,” says San Diego nail artist Antajah Moran, pointing to the “chic grunge, early ’00s” chunky metal aesthetic in particular, though several new takes on the trend similarly compliment the preppy clean-girl aesthetic.
But the best—and most convenient—part of chrome nails? Chrome tends to keep appointments shorter in length and less expensive, according to Proulx. “This is great for my busy clients or clients who are budgeting more now due to inflation, and chrome powders offer a big impact designwise,” she says.
“Chrome effect creates this amazing silvery shine and tones down every color, while at the same time enhancing the shine to maximum level,” Zuk says. “My clients adore nude shades, and chrome creates the most beautiful combo with it.”
Feeling inspired? Request chrome finish atop your go-to mani, or you can easily DIY the look with press-ons or regular chrome polish. You can also try to paint your nails the professional way, assuming you’re fairly experienced in working with gel. “To achieve a chrome-finish nail, it must be with gel products,” says Morgan. “After curing a gel color, apply a small amount of chrome powder with any small sponge applicator, like an eye shadow brush applicator, and rub it until it gives off a mirror smooth finish and the tackiness is no more. Top it off with your favorite gel nonwipe top coat and you’re all set!”
Just be sure not to beat yourself up if you don’t master DIY gel chrome immediately. “Chrome nails are notoriously finicky to master as a nail artist; they’re hard to apply and hard to ensure they last two to three weeks without chipping, especially at the edges.” Proulx explains. “The key to a good at-home DIY is making sure your base coat and color application is supersmooth—chrome will highlight even the slightest imperfections in the manicure.
“A no-wipe top gel is key to being able to burnish in chrome powder, but they all offer different results,” Proulx continues. “Two that I’ve found success with are Powder Top Gel by IceGel and Presto’s No Wipe Top Gel.” If all of this sounds too complicated, don’t fret: That’s why press-ons and stickers exist, after all. “I remember Minx nail wraps were the OG way to get a great chrome manicure at home, and they’re still available now!” says Proulx.
Shop everything you need to DIY your mirror chrome mani below.
Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.
