Recently, TikTok timelines have been flooded with one of the newest beauty and fashion trends: chrome nails. Chrome nails, also commonly referred to as “glazed donut nails,” take your typical manicure and add a metallic finish to appear chrome-like. 

“Glazed donut nails” can be grouped into the Y2K-era styling category, just with a slightly more elevated twist. Cream and dewy textures were highly regarded during the 2000s, but now individuals are gravitating to specific effects of color, like chrome, pearl and foil.

#HaileyBieberNails

Hailey Bieber, a well-known model, influencer and creator of Rhode skincare products, was the first to take to the popular Gen-Z app TikTok and debut this new nail trend for her millions of followers. She shared her new set, done by nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, that she wore to the 2022 Met Gala. And boy did they eat it up…creating the hashtag #HaileyBieberNails, which now has over 270 million views.

The audience on TikTok loved that Bieber is not a gatekeeper, instead she shared with her followers new chrome looks and the process behind achieving the look. The comment section on her videos include statements such as, “ready for everyone to have these nails,” “we love a girl that doesn’t gatekeep” and “new chrome nails unlocked.” 

To the Salon 

This past summer, it’s safe to say that the Hailey Bieber pearly chrome nails were by far the most requested manicure. That being said, salons in New York and LA have put together bundles to create Hailey Bieber’s chrome look efficiently upon request, especially when they are completing 10 plus chrome looks a day, Byrdie reported. 

Don’t worry though, spending money to go to a nail salon is not particularly necessary when trying out the chrome nail trend. In fact, many individuals are partaking in the trend right from the comfort of their own homes! 

For instance, on TikTok, there are now video tutorials on how to get the #HaileyBieberNails at home. Individuals are documenting and duplicating Bieber’s chrome nails as well as showing easy steps to do the trend by yourself at home. 

Four easy steps to get the chrome nail look:

• Step 1: File, cut and shape your nails. (Clean up those cuticles.) 
• Step 2: Apply a single coat of your favorite nail polish for a sheer, pearly shine, similar to Hailey Bieber’s or two or more coats for a more solid, metallic look. 
• Step 3: Once dried, reapply another base coat. 
• Step 4: Let the base coat dry for a minute, then apply a chrome nail powder. 
• Step 5: Finish it off with a top coat. 

Chrome Nail Color Variety 

The metallic finish of chrome nails can come in many different colors, not just your typical gold or silver. Hailey Bieber’s viral set had a pearly white finish, but when Kylie Jenner hopped on the trend she showcased her chrome nails on Instagram with a lilac sheen. 

Artists, Actors, Influencers…Everyone Wants in on the Chrome Look

Other stars and influencers have also joined in on the trend, such as Dua Lipa who also took to her Instagram with a set and Zendaya who matched her silver outfit at the Oscars to a silver chrome set of nails. Even designer Tommy Hilfiger used the futuristic nail look during his fall 2022 runway show. 

The rise of the chrome nail look may have started this past summer, but the trend isn’t going anywhere as social media continues to talk about the look, implementing new ways of styling and colors of chrome. 

Take this as your sign to jump on the trend and go get yourself a pair of fall chrome nails today, whether you head to the salon or try it out yourself, one thing is for sure…it will make you shine.

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Hi! I’m Catie Pusateri, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.