How To: ‘Sleigh’ Your Holiday Glam With Chrome Nails

The holiday season is almost here and it’s the perfect time to switch up your style to fit the fun and festivities of the holidays — even your nails! ! If you’ve been surfing through #NailTok (nail trends on TikTok) recently, you would’ve noticed chrome nails making a big comeback.

ICYMI, chrome nails are like the edgier, older sister of soft glazed doughnut nails. Basically, a glossy and shimmery metallic manicure.

If you want a more polished manicure, we’ve rounded up three trending chrome nail designs you can show your manicurist at your next salon visit. You can also DIY if you’re feeling creative, ‘cause we’ve got the step-by-step tutorials sorted for you as well.

Left - Rihanna rocking bronze chrome nails for  the Diesel x Savage x Fenty collab. (Photo from: @savagexfenty) Right - Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey created an orange and yellow CHROMBRÉ look for Sonam A Kapoor. (Photo from: @nailsbymh)

1. Cherry chrome nails

TikTok user @chloemillinsonn gives her nails a sultry cherry red chrome look. Her video has amassed over 15.9 million views to date.

Cherry chrome nails have a growing popularity on TikTok and it’s no surprise why. The dark cherry colour is the perfect shade if you want to add a bold and glam touch to your simple looks. Giving it that ‘oomph’ of style. It’s also called ‘Coca-Cola Nails’ because of its rich cherry red tones. Plus, burgundy is a popular nail colour these days, with Jenna Ortega rocking a burgundy manicure during her Beetlejuice Beetlejuice press tour.

How to nail this trending look

First is getting the perfect shade of red.  A classic burgundy is perfect since it resembles the exact colour of cherries to give you the signature cherry nail look. Make sure that you opt for  gel nail polish so you can capture the sleek, glazed effect. Then, just like TikTok user @chloemillinsonn, add some chrome powder and a top coat to make your nails shine.

2. Icy blue chrome nails

These cute icy blue nails from @heygreatnails are giving winter wonderland vibes and we love it! Her video has 3.7 million views on TikTok.

These icy blue nails are a cool fusion of two nail trends: sleek chrome nails and the dreamy vibes of aura nails. If you're new to aura nails, they’re all about vibrant colours and smooth gradients that mimic the glow of your energy colour fields. That’s why they’re called aura — it’s literally your vibe.

With these icy blue chrome nails, you can serve cool winter vibes with frosty blue gradients and a shimmering chrome finish. The adorable 3D flowers add a playful twist to your festive manicure. 

How to nail this trending look

Nail art influencer Aistė Haas, who goes by @heygreatnails on TikTok, starts off by applying a milky white gel polish. Once dry, dab blue eyeshadow powder onto the nails to create the aura gradient effect. Then, apply a coat of clear polish and buff it with silver chrome powder. Don’t forget to add a top coat for extra shine. For the 3D florals, use rhinestone glue to place small drops on the nails before shaping them into flowers with a wooden cuticle pusher.

3. Kylie Jenner’s holographic chrome nails

Kylie's go-to manicurist, Zola Ganzorigt created this mesmerising chrome look. Follow her simple tutorial to recreate it.

We're obsessed with these colourful and opalescent holographic chrome nails. It’s no wonder Zola Ganzorigt is Kylie’s go-to nail artist — only a true pro can create such a glimmering, colour-shifting aesthetic. Zola was also the genius behind Sabrina Caprenter’s frosty blue nails during this year’s MET Gala. It’s no wonder she’s booked and busy.  

How to nail this trending look

Zola played a lot with colour by using a different coat of base colour on every nail. You don't have to follow the exact shades as seen on the video, you could easily customise it with your favourite shades.

Just like Zola, begin by applying a frosty colour of your choice to the nails. Use a magnetic tool to create a prismatic finish. Once set, apply chrome powder, wipe off the excess, and seal with a top coat. 

For more chrome nails inspiration, Hailey Bieber is the manicure icon you need to check out

Left - Hailey Bieber wearing burgundy nails. (Photos from: @haileybieber) Right - Hailey’s glazed donut nails by celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt. (Photo from: @nailsbyzola)

If the hues recommended above are too ‘bold’ and you want something simple yet shimmery, you can always take a look at Hailey Bieber’s variety of nail looks. From her Barbie-pink glossy nails to her lip gloss nails, the chrome nail look is a Hailey Bieber signature at this point. She has solidified her status as a manicure icon. So, if you want simple without sacrificing style just scroll through Hailey’s IG feed for inspiration.

So, are you now tempted to get yourself chrome nails for the upcoming holiday season?

(Cover photos from: @haileybieber and @nailsbyzola)

First published on: 24 November 2023. Last updated: 23 October 2024. 

Check out our guide to the best beauty finds for the holiday season here.