If you’ve ever been hypnotized by a super-shiny manicure, chances are it was chrome nails. Known for their reflective, mirrorlike finish, chrome nails have become one of the biggest nail trends in recent memory. The look is a go-to for celebrities like Hailey Bieber (glazed donut nails, anyone?), Kate Hudson, and Selena Gomez, due to its versatility and eye-catching shine. The best part? Chrome manicures are available in most nail salons and possible to do yourself at home.
From chrome French tips to 3D nail art, the options are truly endless, making this mani fitting for everyday or the social event on your calendar. Not into having shine allover? According to editorial manicurist Miss Pop, adding a chrome accent is one of the best ways to elevate your manicure. “I love adding chrome silver and gold elements to nails because they look like a custom piece of jewelry,” she says.
Ahead, Miss Pop shares everything you need to know about chrome nails, including maintenance, the best colors to wear with chrome, how to DIY the look, and more.
What are chrome nails?
Did you know there are actually two types of chrome nails? According to Miss Pop, you can choose from two finishes. “The first kind of chrome lives up to its name and makes your nails look like metal,” she says. “Metal-like chrome comes in silver, of course, and every shade of the rainbow including gold. The second kind of chrome offers an iridescent finish that gives any shade a supernatural pearly look.”
The chrome look you’re probably most familiar with is the metal-like chrome finish, which is achieved by rubbing metallic particles, typically mica or synthetic mica, onto nails. This is what gives the nails that mirror-like appearance.
Are chrome nails gel only?
According to Miss Pop, both types of chrome nails can be achieved with gel polish or traditional lacquer, but she highly recommends gel nails. “Gel definitely dials these finishes up,” she says.
If you want to use regular nail polish, there are some that offer the same shiny look. “Chrome is applied with powder over gel polish, or there are nail lacquers that offer that chrome finish,” she says. She recommends the Salon Perfect Glazing Powder Pen + No Cleanse Top Coat in Pearl, Zoya nail polish in Leia or Apple, and Essie’s No Place Like Chrome or Good as Gold for ways to achieve chrome nails at home.
What colors look best with chrome?
Although neutral shades like beige, nude, and pink, are popular, chrome works with any color of the rainbow. “Chrome is where the heart is,” says Miss Pop. “I have yet to see a color not become more fabulous with chrome.” Some of her favorites include “chrome Granny Smith apple green, Barbie pink, butter yellow, black, and every shade of nude.”
“I used a mocha mousse brown shade for the Theophilio spring-summer 2025 runway show at New York Fashion Week, and right after I gave it to the models, I put it on myself,” says Miss Pop. “It was as if my favorite desert suddenly got covered in diamond-like rainbow sparkle.”
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Do chrome nails rub off?
Yes, your chrome finish can rub off, which makes proper application and maintenance important. “Chrome powder on gel can rub off if not properly sealed in no-wipe gel topcoat,” says Miss Pop. As with any manicure, be careful using your hands, and wear gloves when doing chores like cleaning and washing the dishes.
How to DIY chrome nails
There are two very easy ways to get chrome nails at home. “One way to get chrome, no
matter what formula of nail product you use, is nail art stickers, such as iridescent silver
chrome Salon Perfect Y2K Butterflies or old chrome Salon Perfect Celestial Charms nail art stickers,” says Miss Pop.
The second (and perhaps the easiest) way to get chrome nails is to stick on chrome press-ons. “Salon Perfect has pure silver Heavy Metal Press-Ons and Glazed French Mani Press-Ons, and we used both right out of the box for the most recent Alice + Olivia runway show,” she says.
If you are skilled at applying gel nails yourself, pick up a chrome finish powder (there are plenty of colors available on Amazon) and rub it onto cured nails with your finger or a small sponge applicator. Apply top coat, and cure again to seal in the finish.
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Ready to try the look yourself? Here are some of our favorite chrome nail ideas below.
