Chrome Nails Are the Ultimate Y2K Beauty Trend — See Photos

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chrome nail inspiration pink chrome nails chrome design glazed donut nails Source images: Courtesy of @nailmorphosisbylex, @overglowedit, and @manicuresbymoSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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Futuristic chrome was everywhere in the late ’90s and early ’00s, from Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson’s “What’s It Gonna Be” music video to Britney Spears’s Teen People photo shoot. Maybe it was the excitement of a new millennium approaching. Perhaps it was all the nifty tech that was coming out. (Did we mention that Britney was posing with a robotic dog?) And our nails weren't spared from the shiny, silvery trend.

My obsession with chrome nails started when I saw the poker scene in The Parent Trap. It was Annie (Lindsay Lohan) vs. Hallie (also Lohan), and the latter had blue lacquer with a chrome finish painted on her nails. To quote another Lohan masterpiece (Mean Girls), I was a woman possessed. I spent about 80% of my time trying to hunt down that exact Hard Candy polish in my small hometown of Greenville, Mississippi, and the other 20% of the time I was praying for someone to bottle the exact effect held by the foil on the back of the Dentyne Ice gum packet.

Brands like Sally Hansen launched Chrome Nail Makeup lacquers—which had that true molten metal finish—reserved for salon techniques and red-carpet events. “Chrome nails have a very editorial feel, like liquid metal on your fingertips,” says Jin Soon Choi, manicurist and founder of JinSoon. “This look is all about that ultra-reflective, mirror-like finish that feels futuristic but still chic, and it works beautifully for anyone.”

By 2011, Minx Nail Wraps, worn by Beyoncé in her 2013 “Drunk In Love” video, scratched that chrome itch I couldn’t shake. But left to my own devices—a hair dryer, nail file, and an orange wood stick—the result was rarely as polished as when I’d have a set applied by a pro. Over a decade later, chrome nails are so back, and my nostalgic heart is singing to the tune of the Y2K playlist I keep on repeat.

While Hailey Bieber may have provided the gateway into molten metal territory by popularizing glazed donut nails in 2022, celebrities like Addison Rae and Lisa have been working chrome accents, and DIY methods continue to flood #NailTok. “Back then, you had the classic silver chrome or gold, but now there are a variety of chrome powder shades to choose from,” says Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue. "And it was only applied to the entire surface of the nail. Now, chrome powder is used at the tips of your nails for a shiny French, on top of 3D art, and as an ombré.”

Meet the experts:

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Jin Soon Choi is a manicurist and the founder of JinSoon.
Sarah Chue is a nail artist based in Los Angeles.
Galinda Jimenez is a nail artist based in Oceanside, California, and OPI’s global education manager for trend and always-on content creation.
Sojin Oh is a 3D nail artist based in Los Angeles and creative consultant to Kijibae.
Erica De Los Santos is a nail artist and founder of the Nail’d It Beauty Lounge in Kenvil, New Jersey.
Mazz Hanna is a Los Angeles-based manicurist and CEO of the Nailing Hollywood Agency.
Aja Walton is a Brooklyn-based manicurist and Essie ambassador.

Today’s chrome nails are also much easier to maintain than those in 2000. “When chrome first came out, it was a challenge for some nail techs to prevent it from chipping,” says Galinda Jimenez, manicurist and OPI global education manager. “Because of this, a lot of techs shied away from using it. It was frustrating to have unsatisfied clients come back with chipped chrome.” But thanks to improvements in polish and topcoat formulas, it’s easier than ever to jump onto the trend. We’ve come a long way, baby.

What colors should you choose for your chrome manicure?

Chrome is the nail equivalent of a plain white tee: It’s flattering when paired with most colors. “Even something like butter yellow or bright orange can look unexpected and fun,” says Sojin Oh, a 3D nail artist based in Los Angeles. “Chrome just has a way of transforming color into something dimensional and striking.”

Erica De Los Santos, nail artist and founder of Nail’d It Beauty Lounge, notes that a black base color is ideal if you want a true, mirror chrome effect, as the deep hue really makes the effect stand out. However, don’t knock those summer pastels or beachy neons just yet. Your manicurist likely has a chrome powder on hand to elevate any shade on the ROYGBIV spectrum. “One of the best things about chrome is how versatile it is,” De Los Santos says. “Whether you’re into bright neons, soft pastels, deep jewel tones, or classic nudes, chrome adds a unique reflective layer that enhances the base color and gives your manicure a playful, high-fashion twist.”

Before heading to a salon, determine the look you’re after and make sure to bring inspiration photos if you have any. “You can ask to see the chrome powder options your salon offers, which can vary in color and finish,” says De Los Santos. “Be sure to communicate the exact effect you’re looking for—whether you prefer a bold, high-shine metallic look or a softer, pearlescent shimmer—so your technician can guide you to the right powder and base combination.”

The only color combination we’d avoid is pairing white polish with a powder that has a white and silver shift. That’s what senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor chose for her first attempt at glazed donut nails. She called me to say that her manicure looked like a set of bad veneers. I saw them, and they sure did.

How to get chrome nails at home

While a gel manicure gives chrome some extra staying power, you can totally achieve the look using traditional lacquers and chrome powder. “There is a small window of opportunity about two to three minutes after the second coat of your base shade is applied,” Jimenez says. “Rub the chrome onto the lacquer while it is dry enough to grip the powder. If it is too dry, you won’t be able to rub it in, but if it’s not dry enough, you can cause smudges.”

One thing to consider: Chromes aren’t exactly forgiving when it comes to any ridges or uneven texture on your nails, so make sure to clean up your cuticles, buff out your nail bed, and pay extra attention to your nail shape when trying your hand at the technique. “Chrome tends to highlight every bump or imperfection in the nail,” says Mazz Hanna, manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “If you're doing it yourself, make sure the nail surface is buffed and your base coat is even.” For the most seamless look, Aja Walton, Brooklyn-based manicurist and Essie ambassador, recommends filing your nails right after you’ve applied the powder, but before you seal it with a topcoat.

Need some inspiration? We’ve got you. Keep scrolling to explore chrome looks that fit every aesthetic, whether you’re a glazed donut girlie, want to go full molten metal, or are into futuristic 3D chrome accents.

Chrome nail inspiration

Glazed donut nails Shimmery pearly nails on a min green Rhode phone case. Courtesy of @manicuresbymo Nudecolored shimmery nails on hands clasped together. Courtesy of @nailsby.prachi Hands facedown and flat showing long pearly nails. Courtesy of @paintedbyloz Hands with fingers curling upwards showing long brown nails. Courtesy of @setsbysenia3D chrome nails Hands facedown and flat showcasing very long wavy and metallic nails. Courtesy of @KellyKoutur Thumbs pointed out each nude nail featuring one side of a split gold broken heart. Courtesy of @overglowedit One hand cupping the other hand with nails curved up to show swirly shimmery designs. Courtesy of @janetznails A closeup of fingers laying flat featuring silver puffy icons on nude nails. Courtesy of @KellyKouturMolten metals Nails straight up in the air with a gray metallic base a pink French tip and jewel in the middle. Courtesy of @freakynails_ Hand coming out from a white sleeve featuring rings and yellow metallic nails. Courtesy of @nailsby.prachi Relaxed hands facing forward with gold shimmery hue. Courtesy of @beamstudiouk y2k nails chrome on short nails Courtesy of @chuenailsCandy-colored chromes Hand layered on the other hand featuring pink pointy metallic nails. Courtesy of @nailmorphosisbylex Hand coming out of a white sleeve with a ring and alternating pink yellow and orange metallic nails. Courtesy of @beautyspace_charlotte Four ombre pink purple orange and white shimmery nails. Courtesy of @overgloweditChrome French tips Six glossy and shimmery nails with a silver string design. Courtesy of @beautyspace_charlotte Nude nails laid flat with silver ornate French tips that swirl down towards the nail base. Courtesy of @perinnevtlnailsIcy chromes Turquoise nails with large silver balls at the base clutching a pearly nail polish bottle. Courtesy of @sojinails Charcoalcolored metallic nails displayed upwards. Courtesy of @nailsby.prachi Baby blue squarecut metallic nails. Courtesy of @beautyspace_charlotte chrome ombre french tips by sarah chue Courtesy of @chuenailsMismatched chrome nails Hand with fingers curled in showing a pinky ombre base with silver line details. Courtesy of @overglowedit Layered hands showing assorted nails pink and white with silver details cheetah print snakeprint French tip and silver... Courtesy of @nailsbyxojess Two hands with nails curled upwards showing on the left olivestyled nails and metallic light gold nails on the right. Courtesy of @overglowedit