24 Chrome Nail Ideas We're Loving, From Futuristic Titanium to Strawberry Glaze

f you spent any time on NailTok in the past few months, you’re bound to know what chrome nails are. Even if you’re not on TikTok and still prefer the comfort of Instagram, the high-shine nail art idea has undoubtedly popped up in your feed.

Chrome nails feature a shimmery sheen, often overtop a base color. True chrome nails are achieved by dusting chrome powder on top of lacquer, which is then sealed with a top coat. That said, thanks to the popularity of chrome nails, many nail polish brands have released high-shine shades to mimic the look. (Another option: You can use eyeshadow for DIY chrome nails.)

Regardless of how you achieve the chrome finish on your nails, there are a few ways to customize the look. Where lighter, sheer base colors, like pale pink, cream, and nude make for subtle, iridescent chrome nails (think: Haley Bieber’s various glazed donut manis), darker, more opaque hues help achieve a bolder, more futuristic finish.

Whichever end look you’re craving, there are many ways to embrace this nail trend. Ahead, check out some of our favorite takes on chrome nails.

01of 24Glazed Donut Nails

@NAILSBYZOLA

Here, we have classic glazed donut nails by Hailey Bieber’s manicurist, Zola Ganzorigt. To achieve the look, she used OPI’s Funny Bunny Nail Polish ($14) and Tin Man Can Chrome Powder.

02of 24Rose Chrome Nails

@CNDWORLD

These rosy chrome nails offer a warmer take on the trend. They were created using CND’s Liquid & Powder in Warm Pink ($23), SHELLAC No Wipe Top Coat ($16), and Over the Top Effects Nail Pigment ($11) in Off the Chain. For this layered look, a trip to the salon will be in order. But hey, for results like this: It’s worth it.

03of 24Checkered Chrome Nails

@PAINTBOXNAILS

Another very popular look in 2023? Checkered nails. Combine the two for a wholly unique take on both trends.

04of 24Chocolate Glazed Donut Nails

@NAILSBYZOLA

Allow us to introduce you to chocolate-glazed donut nails. Another Ganzorigt creation, this mani was crafted with OPI’s Stay Strong Gel Base Coat ($19), DND Gel Polish ($10) in Coffee Bean and Spiced Brown, OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can, and OPI’s Stay Shiny Gel Top Coat ($20).

05of 24White Chrome Nails

@HOUSEOFNAILSBYELSY

For a more opaque white chrome look—like the one here—you’ll want to start with a solid white base coat. Lights Lacquer in Paper Snow ($11) should do the trick.

06of 24Magenta Chrome Nails

@NAILS_OF_LA

Here’s another example of how using an opaque base color will make your chrome nails look more futuristically bold, as opposed to the minimalist vibe of glazed donut nails. We’re obsessed with this magenta chrome mani.

07of 24Chrome-Like Shimmer

@LOLO.NAILEDIT

If you don’t have access to chrome nail powder and none of your eyeshadows work to recreate the look, you can achieve a similar finish with an ultra-fine glitter nail polish, like the OPI shade used here. While the artist didn’t share the exact polish, OPI’s Infinite Shine2 Long-Wear Lacquer ($14) in Throw Me A Kiss should do the trick.

08of 24Lavender Chrome French Tips

@NAILS_OF_LA

Just because you opt for a sheer glazed donut take on chrome nails doesn’t mean you can’t do so in bolder colors. Case in point: This lilac-tinted chrome nail look.

09of 24Titanium Chrome Nails

@NAILSBYZOLA

Going extra chrome, Ganzorigt used the Dashing Diva Glaze Gel Nail Strips ($16) in Titanium Glaze to achieve this eye-catching manicure.

10of 24Chrome Blob Nails

@NAILS_OF_LA

Excuse us while we swoon over these globbed-up chrome nails by celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce, who works with Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian, among other A-listers.

11of 24Chrome Foil Nails

@PAINTBOXNAILS

Part chrome, part foil, part negative space: These pastel set serves it all.

12of 24Emoji Chrome Ombré Nails

@NAILS_OF_LA

Another way to wear chrome nails? Opt for an ombré fade topped off with metallic nail stickers in an ever-so-slightly darker shade, as Boyce did here.

13of 24Strawberry Glazed Donut Nails

@NAILSBYZOLA

First, there were glazed donut nails. Then there were chocolate-glazed donut nails. It was only a matter of time before Ganzorigt dreamt up strawberry-glazed donut nails—and we’re just as smitten with this look as we are with the others.

14of 24Gold Chrome Tips

@CHAUNLEGEND

Love a French mani? Opt for gold chrome tips like celebrity manicurist Chaun Legend did here for celebrity wardrobe stylist Maeve Reilly.

15of 24Gold Chrome Accents

@YO_KESHH

We love how this set makes use of chrome—with subtle, minimalist, and abstract gilded tips.

16of 24Rainbow Chrome Ombré Nails

@MYPRETTYSET

Multicolor ombre chrome? We’re screaming. Of course, to achieve such an intricate star-studded rainbow nail look, you’ll almost certainly need to enlist the help of a pro. But for nails that look like this? Worth it.

17of 24Chrome Crystal Cloud Nails

@NAILDITBYALYSSA

For all the crystal girlies out there, these cloud-like aura chrome nails are giving off all the majestic vibes.

18of 24Opal Chrome

@THENAILBOXXCHI

For a more subtle chrome-y finish, consider a sheer polish topped off with holographic chrome powder.

19of 24Cool Pale Pink Chrome Nails

@NATALIEPNAILS

For the most natural take on the chrome nail trend, use a chrome powder on a clear base. The mani above, however, was actually created without any powder: To get the look, book a mani and ask for GELCARE in Lavender Water and South Sea Pearl.

20of 24Rainbow Chrome Tips

@BETINA_GOLDSTEIN

You don’t have to cover your entire nail to partake in the chrome nails trend. Here, celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein opted for a rainbow of mini chrome French tips.

21of 24Yellow Chrome Nails

@YO_KESHH

Add a little sunshine to your life with a bright yellow chrome mani like the one above.

22of 24Unicorn Chrome Nails

@SWAKNAILS

These beautiful glazed donut nails were created using the Nails-Luxe Iridescent Chrome Palette, which, unfortunately, is only available in the UK. Next time you’re in London, you’ll want to scoop this palette (and the brand’s other offerings).

23of 24Holographic Chrome

@THENAILBOXXCHI

When considering a bold nail trend like chrome nails, consider switching up your nail shape, too. Here, you can see how stunning a chrome mani looks on stiletto-shaped nails.

24of 24Baby Pink Chrome Stiletto Nails