Need something fun to spice up your nails, but don't know what? Chrome nails might be just the thing you've been looking for.
Chromatic nails are a type of manicure that gives your nails a shiny and mirror-like finish. The shiny effect makes your nails appear reflective and often alters the color's appearance in different lighting conditions. This is what ultimately creates the beautiful holographic look everyone knows and loves.
Chrome nails emerged in the manicure spotlight during the late 1990s and early 2000s during the Y2K fashion era. The nail trend re-emerged in 2020 when the glazed donut nail began trending. Since then, it-girls and celebrities such as Dua Lipa and Zendaya have been rocking the chromatic nail, and we think you can too!
There are many different options to choose from when figuring out what kind of chromatic nails you want. You could ask for a solid color, a mix of colors, or even just the tips of your nails to be chrome. All of these styles can be achieved by polish, gel, or dip powder. If you don't have the time or the money to get your nails done, there are chromatic press-ons that you can apply in a matter of minutes. Regardless of which route you take, your nails will be glimmering like no other this August.
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Silver
Silver is the OG chrome color that we have been loving on nails this summer. It is bold and flashy, but it will look amazing in the hot summer sun this August. If you are painting your own silver nails, we recommend starting with a black base so that the silver chrome really shines.
Cherry Red
Cherry red has been one of the top nail colors for years. Now it's being elevated with a chrome finish. If you love cherry red on your nails but you're tired of getting a basic, solid color, maybe ask for cherry chrome the next time you're at the salon.
Pink
A fan favorite summer nail color has and always will be pink. Whether it's hot pink, bubble gum pink or even blush, it will always make for a fun and summery pop of color. Adding a chrome finish to your favorite pink nail polish, or getting a pink chrome polish altogether, will have your nails looking hot this summer.
Blue
Blue is another color that always turns heads in the summertime. Blue is an easy color to paint your nails, especially because there are so many different variations. Turquoise, sky blue, or cobalt, these colors all look amazing in the hot summer heat. We have been loving turquoise chrome on nails because it matches the beautiful pool and ocean waters that we long to be in as summer comes to an end.
Brown
Brown chrome nails look great in the summer, but will also make for a great transition color when August turns to September. With Mocha being the Pantone color of 2025, it is no surprise that some people are now getting brown chromatic manicures. This color looks amazing on all nails and will surely make a statement this summer.
Orange
Orange has always been a great nail color for the summer. It is bright and flashy and makes a bold statement when worn on anyone's fingers. Orange chrome nails look fantastic in the summer, especially against the bright blue waters of the ocean or pool. We find that orange nails look especially good with a nice tan. Chromatic orange nails will add the extra oomph that you've been missing with your classic orange nail.
French Tip
We believe that a chromatic French tip is to die for. If you are scared that your nails may be too much if you get a full chrome manicure, getting chrome tips might be the perfect solution. French tips are a classic and timeless manicure staple that can be elevated with any chromatic color. If chromatic French tips are up your alley but you're not sure what colors to get, maybe get one of the colors listed above so your nails can look fab and be on trend this August.
Ombre
Chromatic ombre nails have been trending for quite some time, yet they are still a fan favorite. The chromatic ombre nail typically begins darker and more reflective at the tip and then fades out as you get closer to the cuticle.
This style came into trend with the glazed donut nails and never really left. Spice up this gorgeous chromatic ombre look with any color of your choosing.
Aura
Chromatic aura nails are gorgeous and turn heads anytime this style is on anyone's nails. The simple yet striking design of all of the colors subtly fading into one another is what makes this nail look special. A basic aura nail design is ethereal as is, but with chrome added in the mix, they become whimsical. This nail look is fun and will surely have people saying you have the best nails they've seen all summer.
We went through and hand-picked our favorite chrome nail products so that you don't have to stress. These are our favorite not just because of their looks but also for their price. Here is a wide variety of our favorite colors, press-ons, dips and polishes that we think you will love!
