If you want to stay on top of the latest fashion and beauty trends, TikTok is definitely the place to find it all. Recently, users have been going crazy over its most recent obsession: chrome nails. And after seeing pictures of the new manicure circulating on the app, we totally understand why.
What Are Chrome Nails?
Hailey Beiber is a popular model and social media influencer. Her style influence on TikTok is unmatched, with many of her beauty and fashion moments going viral on the app. And when she debuted her shiny, new set at the 2022 Met Gala, she set off yet ANOTHER trend that has fans rushing to the nail salon.
Chrome nails, also called “glazed donut” or #haileybeibernails, refer to the luminous, metallic finish on a nail set that resembles chrome. Even though the metal typically comes in a silver or gold finish, you can choose from a wide selection of colors when it comes to chrome nails. For example, Hailey Beiber debuted a pearly, white chrome nail set. And later, reality TV star Kylie Jenner took to Instagram to show off her chrome nails in a pretty lilac color.
How To Get Chrome Nails
The nail trend may seem complicated, but they’re actually pretty easy to achieve. You can even find a number of online tutorials on how to get the look at home. Whether you prefer a dark and vampy set or a light and pearly finish, the chrome nail trend is definitely worth a try. Here’s how you can get the look in five simple steps:
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Chrome Nails Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Of course, you can always request chrome nails at your local salon. Or, a more affordable option would be to do them yourself.
To start, focus on creating a healthy base for your chrome nails. Cut and file your nails according to your desired length and shape. You can also use a cuticle remover to cut down your cuticles before pushing them back for a more lengthened nail base.
Then, using a buffing tool, gently buff your nails to create a smooth and shiny surface.
Finally, use a quality base coat like this one from AIMEILI to prep your nails for the next step.
Chrome Nails Step 2: Apply Your Nail Polish
After prepping your nails, it’s time for the next step. Apply a coat of your favorite nail polish to your nails. For a more sheer, pearly finish similar to Hailey Beiber’s, apply a single coat to your nails. However, try two or more coats if you want a solid, metallic finish.
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Hailey Beiber used “Funny Bunny” polish, a popular white shade by OPI. But you can use any color of polish you like, including this pale pink shade called “Worthy” by Black-owned beauty company Mischo Beauty.
You can dip a Q-tip into a bit of nail polish remover to clean around the edges of your nails for a more polished look.
Chrome Nails Step 3: Apply a Shiny Base Coat
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After your nails have completely dried, you can move on to the third step by applying another layer of base coat to your nails.
Zola Ganzorigt is the nail artist who created the viral nail design for Hailey Beiber. She recommends using the OPI “Infinite Shine 1” base coat; however, you can use any shiny base coat to get the look.
After applying a single layer to your nails, let the polish dry for JUST one minute because it needs to remain tacky for the fourth step. And don’t forget to remove any excess polish from around your cuticles with a Q-tip soaked in acetone.
Chrome Nails Step 4: Add Some Shimmery Eyeshadow
Step four is a fun one, but it can get a little messy.
First, grab your favorite white shadow with a pearl finish. You can use the “Ismine Single Eyeshadow Powder Palette Shimmer Pearl White” as Hailey Beiber did. OR, you can try the talc and paraben-free eyeshadow pot by Pure Ziva in the color “white satin snowflake.”
Next, use an eyeshadow brush or sponge to apply a liberal amount of the eyeshadow onto your nails. Your base coat polish should only be partially dried so the eyeshadow can stick onto the nail more easily.
To avoid smudging, lightly dust the powder over your nails instead of pressing it into the nail bed.
Chrome Nails Step 5: Finish with a Top Coat
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Finally, we’ve come to the last step before achieving chrome nails! To complete the look, grab a quality top coat to apply over your nails.
Of course, you can always use any top coat that you prefer. However, Ganzorigt suggests using the OPI “Infinite Shine ProStay Primer and Gloss.” This powerful gloss locks in shine for up to 11 days, so you can wear it for your next summer getaway.
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You can also try this classic, shiny base and top coat set from Pear Nova, a Black-owned beauty company.
And that’s it! After your nails have finished drying, you can show off your new manicure by tagging 21Ninety on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok!