Chrome French Manicures Are All the Rage—10 Stylish Variations to Send to Your Nail Technician

      At this stage, we are all aware of how much the glazed donut manicure has evolved to incorporate various seasons and colors, drawing inspiration from an array of foods, beverages, and sweet treats. (We're specifically referencing candy cane glazed nails.) Recently, a new version has emerged: the chrome French manicure. With this nail trend appearing frequently on our For You and Explore pages, we’re taking an in-depth look into it with insights from two talented nail artists who excel in this style. To discover everything you should know about chrome French manicures prior to scheduling your next appointment, keep scrolling to view our top 10 favorite nail designs along with expert tips and tricks on how to achieve them.

      What exactly is a chrome French manicure? Nail artist and educator Valeriia Telemaniuk attributes the rise of the chrome manicure trend to Hailey Bieber's striking glazed donut nails, which have captivated our attention over the last couple of years. "From that moment, chrome has exploded within the nail industry," Telemaniuk tells Who What Wear. "It resembles the icing on a cake—a soft, glowing finish that unifies the overall design and gives it a complete appearance." She elaborates further, noting that chrome nails embody "delicacy, airiness, elegance, and a touch of luxury," which has made them popular for weddings and among clients desiring nails with a clean, polished, and understated gleam. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur concurs, suggesting that chrome French manicures offer a fresh, contemporary twist on the classic white-tip design. "The base and tips are crafted like a traditional French manicure, but the unique factor is the delicate layer of pearl chrome powder applied over the entire nail," explains Mazur. The end result is nails that boast a glazed, light-reflective finish, providing an eye-catching depth. "The trend toward elegance and 'soft luxury' continues to grow, and clients consistently select this elevated, modern shine," Telemaniuk adds.

      What has caused chrome French nails to become popular? Beyond Bieber's influence on the chrome manicure trend (brought to life by the skilled Zola Ganzorigt), Mazur indicates that chrome French nails are trending because they provide a modern and adaptable update to the classic French design. "Instead of altering the traditional base and white tip, nail artists now complete the set with a sheer coat of pearl or chrome powder," notes Mazur. "It maintains the clean, minimalist aesthetic typical of a French manicure while adding a soft sheen that has captivated the beauty world." Mazur also points out the versatility of chrome French manicures, as they look fantastic on every nail shape and skin tone, effortlessly transitioning "from subtle to high glam" with various chrome shades. When selecting a chrome color, Mazur advises that soft, pearly hues appear elegant and bridal, while golden and pink chrome often convey a more fashion-forward, editorial feel. "It's a straightforward way to enhance a natural look without being excessive," she adds. Moreover, this trend aligns with the clean girl aesthetic and glazed nail look, both of which are currently popular.

      How are chrome French manicures made? According to the experts, achieving the ideal chrome French manicure is straightforward as long as you have the correct steps. To create this style, Mazur mentions that nail technicians begin with a French base, cure it, and then apply a thin layer of chrome across the entire surface. "A topcoat seals it in, generating that milky, glossy sheen that is currently so desirable. Don't forget to seal the chrome with an additional layer of topcoat," Mazur advises. For this, Telemaniuk utilizes a traditional French smile line on a milky-white or soft-pink foundation before meticulously rubbing in the chrome powder. "The chrome smoothly integrates into the surface, adding a pearlescent glow and transforming the classic French into something more luminous, contemporary, and graceful," she explains. Another version of the chrome French manicure that Telemaniuk enjoys creating is a modern, accent-focused design that emphasizes the smile line. "In this method, I first apply chrome to the entire nail. After that, I draw the smile line using a clear topcoat, and once cured, excess chrome is wiped away," she notes. This results in a clean, crisp metallic smile line that feels bold, futuristic, and highly chic.

      What is the best method for applying chrome? If you’re curious about how to apply the light-reflecting chrome that makes this French manicure stand out, Telemaniuk is detailing the steps. To obtain a chrome French manicure that endures up to four weeks without chipping, she adheres to the precise application order: "I start with a layer of topcoat and cure it in an LED lamp for 30 seconds—just enough to warm the surface. While the topcoat remains warm, I gently rub in the chrome powder. It almost melts into the surface, allowing for better adherence." Next,