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 the past few years—milk nails, vinyl nails, and checkered nails were just a few—only one has truly risen to cult status. If you thought chrome nails were dated, allow me to convince you otherwise and show you why they definitely still deserve space on your nail inspo board as we head into 2026.
What Are Chrome Nails?
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 doughnut 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 still 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 still one of the most popular nail looks.
"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."
So, if you're thinking of requesting chrome nails at your next nail appointment, scroll down for inspiration.
The Best Chrome Nail Inspiration
1. Not Quite Nude
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.
2. Copper Chrome
Copper nails are huge for winter 2025 and with a chrome top coat, they really shine.
3. Pretty in Pastels
Opt for soft, delicate shades with a chrome finish and a high shine top coat to really make your mani all about the texture.
4. Hot Chocolate
Brown nails with a chrome top coat? Yes please.
5. Ice Queen
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.
6. Lemon Zest
This lemon yellow chrome feels fresh and interesting.
7. Soft Shimmer
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.
8. Classic Chrome
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.
9. Two-Toned
To make chrome really stand out, pair it with a matte finish in a simple, geometric nail art design like this one.
10. Statement Silver
Chrome is the perfect way to lean into designs with a futuristic, spacey vibe—which is so big in nail art right now.
11. Go Dotty
The nail artist behind Hailey's original chrome nails, Zola Ganzorigt is always putting new twists on the trend like this cute chrome polka-dot manicure.
12. High Shine
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.
13. Golden Girl
Feeling festive? These gold chrome French tips are perfect for party season.
14. Blue Hues
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.
15. Pearly Details
How pretty are these pearl embellished nails?
16. Blurred Tips
Another incredible chrome manicure by Zola.
17. Short and Sweet
Proof chrome looks great on all nail lengths.
The Best Chrome Nail Products
If you ask for a chrome manicure in-salon, your nail tech will use chrome powders to create the perfect finish. This one from Manucurist will allow you to recreate the effect at home.
This is probably the truest chrome finish we've found without using chrome powders. Seriously impressive.
For a more statement shade, this is a great option.
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.