If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time as a beauty editor, it’s that when it comes to nail trends, most come and go in the blink of an eye, and very few stick around long enough to make a lasting impact or eventually become a classic in their own right. Of the many nail trends to feature in 2023—milk nails, velvet nails, and flower nails were just a few—only one has come to really define the past year, and I’m certain it will stick around into 2024, too.
Not to be confused with metallic nails, the chrome nail polish trend is essentially a subtly shimmery, high-shine, almost pearlescent finish. It initially took off when Hailey Bieber debuted her viral glazed donut manicure in summer 2022, and ever since then, chrome nails have been a popular request in salons according to professional nail artist Ashleigh Bamber. “After the pandemic, with people having spent months with bare nails, I noticed a huge increase in requests for statement nails—whether that was creative nail art, bright colours, or eye-catching finishes—people were far more open to trying something new and embracing the trends,” she explains. “I think especially for people who are daunted by nail art or who don’t want to spend a lot on their manicure, a chrome finish can be a really easy way to mix things up a little bit. It feels different, but isn’t too experimental, time consuming, or expensive.”
This totally makes sense, and I can see why people are leaning more towards designs that are less about design and more about finish and texture, because we’ve seen the same trend within makeup and skincare. Glass skin, dolphin skin, glazed skin, call it what you will, the fact of the matter is that glowing, radiant skin is in, and matte is very firmly out. These days, serums, moisturisers, foundations, and primers all promise a dewy, shiny finish, and the same can be said of nails, where a chrome finish is fast becoming the most popular requested.
“A chrome finish is really versatile and wearable,” Bamber adds. “It’s pretty but not too bold, it can be applied over any colour, it can be paired with nail art, it can be incorporated into a French tip, and if worn over a nude shade, it doesn’t look obvious as it grows out.”
If you’re thinking of requesting chrome nails at your next nail appointment, scroll down for inspiration.
Lilac is a trending nail colour for 2023, but alone it can feel a little too spring-like. Add a chrome finish to give it a cool, modern twist.
Opt for soft, delicate shades with a chrome finish and a high shine top coat to really make your mani all about the texture.
Natural-looking nails really hit the trends this year—adding a chrome finish to a nude base is a perfect way to elevate a minimal mani.
Why opt for one colour when you could have five? And throw a chrome finish into the mix to jazz it up even more, because more is more, right?
Definitely one to take to the salon rather than attempting to recreate at home. The cool-toned chrome finish and elaborate embellishments work so well together.
This moody purple mani proves that a chrome finish looks just as good when layered over a darker shade as it does a light one.
Now this one is easy enough to DIY at home. A cool and delicate pink with a chrome finish is simple, beautiful, and works for every skin tone.
If you decide to experiment with chrome powders, you’ll discover that they’re available in a wide range of shades. This one has a peachy shift which looks so pretty over a BIAB base.
To make chrome really stand out, pair it with a matte finish in a simple, geometric nail art design like this one.
A coloured French tip may be one way to jazz up this classic manicure design, but adding a chrome finish to the tip is even prettier.
Chrome is the perfect way to lean into designs with a futuristic, spacey vibe—which is so big in nail art right now.
Flower nail art designs aren’t going anywhere—as this design (a perfect blend of the two trends) proves.
With the right product and plenty of tactful layering (we’d recommend a silver base), you can create a truly holographic chrome finish. We’re obsessed.
Feeling festive already? These gold chrome French tips are perfect for party season.
Icy blue nail polish with a chrome finish really is a match made in heaven. This look may be simple, but it simply oozes cool.
These golden hour-inspired nails are exactly the kind of design we’ll be bookmarking for our next pre-holiday manicure.
If you ask for a chrome manicure in-salon, your nail tech will use chrome powders to create the perfect finish. Most are only available for purchase from professionals, but you’ll find some good dupes on Amazon.
This is probably the truest chrome finish we’ve found without using chrome powders. Seriously impressive.
It’s maybe a little more shimmery than true chrome, but this polish is a great way to experiment with the trend.
Although it’s super subtle, this top coat adds a really pretty chrome-like sheen.
For those who love to get crafty, Bamber recommends experimenting with eyeshadow to create a chrome finish at home. “Blend it on with a small brush and then apply a topcoat to seal it in,” she advises.
Whether worn alone or layered over another shade, this adds a warm, pearlescent sheen to nails.
