12 Chrome Nail Designs You Can Do at Home

TRENDS

5/23/20255 min read

Chrome nails have been around for a bit, but they really took off when Hailey Bieber showed off her glazed donut nails online. After that, #NailTok exploded, with people copying the trend and adding their own twist. Now, there's a ton of different chrome nail art ideas out there. Whether you like simple chrome French tips, low-key chrome designs, or wild 3D chrome looks with bright colors, there’s definitely a style for everyone.

If you skip the prep work, your chrome nails won't last long, no matter how fancy the polish is. Nail prep is like skincare before a manicure; it’s super important to make sure your chrome look stays fresh and doesn’t chip the next day. Every pro knows that a clean, smooth base is the secret.

So, how exactly do you prep your nails?

Here’s how to prep your nails right:

Shape & file: Use a fine-grit nail file to get smooth edges. You can go for any shape you like.
Buff: Lightly buff your nails to get rid of bumps and shine. Don’t overdo it, though; if your nails are too delicate, they’ll break.
Cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles with a pusher or an orangewood stick. Only trim if you know what you’re doing; nobody wants snags or infections.
Sanitize tools: Always disinfect your files and pushers before using them.
Clean: Wipe your nails with alcohol, acetone, or a nail prep pad to remove oils and dust. Chrome won’t stick if there’s any residue.

Your DIY Chrome Steps:

1. Base color: Start with the right base.

Black gel gives a deep, shiny, almost mirror finish. A white or pale pink gives that trendy “glazed donut” look that’s in style for 2025. You can also use pastel or bright colors, using chrome powder will change the look, so think about butter yellow or cherry red for a fun twist.

Make sure to cure each layer of gel polish for 30-60 seconds. If you're using regular polish, let each coat dry completely; you don't have to rush!

2. Don’t forget about the no-wipe top coat!

A no-wipe gel top coat is super important. Cure it, but don’t wipe off any sticky stuff, most no-wipe coats don’t leave any tackiness, which is perfect for chrome powder to stick without getting messy.

Why this matters: Chrome powder works best on smooth, non-sticky nails. Any leftover residue can mess up the look.

3. Applying chrome: Be gentle

Lightly tap a little bit of chrome powder onto your nail. Use a silicone applicator, a sponge, or even a clean finger to buff it in with soft circular motions until you get that shiny effect. Pushing too hard can cause bald spots or unevenness.

Pro tip: Work in small sections and don’t use too much powder, using less is better for a smooth finish.

4. Clean up: Powder patrol

Get rid of any extra powder by brushing it off. Take your time to file the edges to help the top coat stick better and stop any flaking. A soft brush, like an eyeshadow brush, works great to sweep away any loose chrome powder. Check the edges for leftover powder and gently file any rough spots. This helps seal everything with the top coat and keeps your manicure looking nice.

5. Seal the deal: Top coat round 2

Put on a good layer of no-wipe top coat over the nail. The trick is to float the brush on the nail without dragging it to avoid smudging the chrome. Cure the top coat for 60 seconds. Before dipping the brush again, wipe it on a paper towel to keep chrome out of your top coat nail polish.

6. Final touches

Clean up any extra powder or top coat around your nails with a clean brush dipped in acetone. Finish off by moisturizing your cuticles with oil, this is key for that polished, Instagram-ready look.

Tom Bachik shared an easy chrome application tutorial on Instagram. He used his Click Colors gel pens along with Cosmic Chrome Powders. You don’t need a separate top coat before the powder, just polish, cure, buff, and you’re done. His pens dry to a perfect chrome finish.

He wrapped up the look with his CC-01 Super Clear gel top coat for extra durability. As long as your gel polish is no-wipe and smooth, you're set.

Fun fact: for J.Lo’s nails, he put CND’s Frostbite under silver chrome. The main point? You can mix different brands, the technique is what really counts.

Regardless of the balance in your bank account, there exists a chrome setup suitable for you.

Budget-friendly options:

Polish: Consider using Beetles gel kits or the metallics from Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel.

Powder: The mirror powder from Born Pretty Store is a $2 alternative that performs just as effectively as the more expensive options.

Mid-range selections:

Polish: OPI’s Go Big or Go Chrome is a popular choice. Their chrome effects powders initiated the entire Tin Man Can trend (also known as the Hailey Bieber nails).

Powder: Kiara Sky and Whats Up Nails offer impressive chrome pigment lines in enchanting shades.

Luxury options:

Polish: Chanel’s Canotier is a dream in gold chrome.

Powder: Daily Charme powders are endorsed by nail technicians and provide an ultra-smooth, reflective finish.

Celebrity endorsement: Tom Bachik’s Cosmic Chrome Powders are iridescent perfection, particularly the shades Aurora and Ethereal.

Shine On, You Chrome Genius

You possess the necessary tools, now it is your opportunity to shine. Layer sheer chrome over a soft white base for a glazed effect, or opt for black to achieve a dramatic mirror finish. Even budget powders can produce a significant glow when applied correctly.

Scroll down to explore chrome nail designs that impress, and once your nails are shining, be sure to tag us. We are eager to see the final result.