I’ll admit it, I’ve had a slow and steady obsession with chrome nails ever since Zendaya rocked a silver-chrome mani on the Oscars 2022 red carpet. Of all the nail trends our there, when it comes to spring/summer nail designs, it’s chrome nails that speak to me the most. In fact, I have over 100 different chrome nail designs currently in my Instagram saved folder—and I’m not gatekeeping.
Chrome nails, might I add, are not to be confused with doughnut-glazed nails (which are Hailey Bieber’s go-to, FYI). “Chrome nails are punchier than their glazed-doughnut nail counterpart. Chrome has more of a highly-pigmented mirror effect, while glazed-doughnut nails are softly iridescent. However, they are both similar in that they beautifully catch the light,” says celebrity manicurist and Mylee ambassador, Tinu Bello.
It’s also worth noting that chrome nails can work on gel nails, BIAB or polygel nails. The best bit? Chrome can be incorporated into any type of design—it can be used all-over as a classic manicure, added as a micro-French tip or even worked into your favourite nail art.
How to do chrome nails at home
If you don’t want to head to the salon, you can do chrome nails yourself at home. Here is Tinu’s step-by-step:
- Prep your nails, as normal, with a base coat.
- Trying using a black polish before applying the chrome as it makes the chrome colour pop.
- Layer the chrome slowly and evenly for full coverage.
- Apply a no wipe top coat and cure.
- Buff in the chrome to the top coat.
- Add an extra top coat to really seal the chrome in,
Tinu’s top tips
- “The key, as with any long-lasting manicure, is ensuring your nails are free of lint/dirt so you are working with a good surface.”
- “Work on one nail at a time—the chrome buffs in easier when the nail is warm straight from the lamp.”
- “Try a Mylee Cushion Powder Pen.”
“The pens come with a cushion applicator and a pressed-pigment powder in the lid. Once the pen is dipped into the lid it will pick up the chrome-effect pigment on the cushion tip, giving you complete control and precision over the design. The cushion powder can be applied directly onto your nails, or you can get super creative by using a nail art brush to come up with some nail art designs.”
18 chrome nail design ideas
1. Pink chrome tips
Imagine this design glistening in the summer sun. The silver stars are just perfection.
2. Chrome skinny French
The skinny French manicure still reigns supreme for Spring/Summer 2023, and this chrome design is top of team MC’s hit list.
3. Chrome wavy French
The colour combination on this reinvented French manicure is exquisite, and we’re head over heels for the wavy design.
4. Rainbow chrome tips
Chrome nails don’t just have to come in one colour. If you can’t decide on a shade why not go for them all?
5. Stiletto chrome stars
We’re keeping this super-sharp mani design saved for any upcoming summer festivals.
6. Molten chrome
This design is definitely one to save for when you’re seeing an expert nail artist, but if they can nail it (excuse the pun) the results will be worth it.
7. Celestial chrome accents
Thought chrome nail art couldn’t be chic? This star design might make you think again.
8. Fiery chrome
Fire-themed nail art is having a moment right now, and this pink chrome design is leading the way.
9. 3D chrome
When created with polygel, 3D chrome nails have team Fashion’s Digest’s hearts.
Yet another design to save down for any festivals you might have coming up this summer.
11. Clear-tipped chrome
This chrome blue manicure would be good enough if left alone, but when clear extensions are added it’s even better.
12. Minimalist chrome
If you’re not the sort of person who loves loud manicures, that’s not to say you have to skip on chrome entirely. This understated design is perfect for those who like a more refined look.
13. Super-fine chrome accents
Blink and you’ll miss it. This design masters the art of super-fine chrome designs.
14. Black chrome
Yes, black chrome nails exist. The chrome finish delivers a wet-look result that’s next-level glossy.
15. Golden chrome
Dua Lipa’s golden chrome nails are the stuff that summer nail dreams are made of.
16. Green chrome
This is a classic example of how chrome can work on literally every colour. While the idea of a green nail in this shade might not appeal to you, the chrome finish makes it almost impossible to dislike.
17. Barbiecore chrome
A pink set of chrome nails that both Barbie and Margot would no doubt be proud of.
18. Vanilla chrome
Vanilla chrome nails are having a moment, and this stunning manicure showcases the best of the best. We also love the vanilla chrome French tip designs we’re seeing of late.
Shop nail products for chrome nails
A high shine silver with itss own application brush for ease that’s less than a fiver? Count me in.
Mylee Cushion Powder Pen in Magic Potion
Remember to use a black coat before using these, as per Tinu’s tips above.
Mylee Iridescent No Wipe Top Coat
If you don’t want to go full-out chrome just yet, this top coat gives a subtle but gorgeous glimmer.
lottie x KimKim stay press’d in groovy chrome
If you’re not ready to fully commit to the chrome look just yet, try these press-on nails to start with.