Taraji P. Henson metallic 3D nails moment at the 2025 BET Awards wasn’t just camera-ready—it set a clear direction for summer nail trends. Designed by celebrity manicurist Temeka Jackson, it was technical, on-trend, and visibly built for the spotlight.
Why This Design Hit at the Right Time
Nails have become a headline element at major events, and Henson’s were built to stand out. The matte base gave the design a clean starting point, while the raised chrome detailing added controlled drama. It wasn’t overloaded—just well-balanced and precise.
This look arrives as chrome nails continue trending across platforms, but what made it different was the structure. Unlike soft glazed finishes or glitter overlays, Jackson used 4D gel to hand-paint sculpted swirls, creating actual depth. The result read high-end without relying on crystals or add-ons.
Under the BET Awards lighting—and during Henson’s aerial performance—the nails caught movement and flash, proving how design and stage direction can align. It’s the kind of manicure that works for both editorial shoots and night-out photos, which explains why it’s already gaining traction across nail tech accounts and moodboards.
How to DIY
Temeka Jackson used long stiletto Aprés Nail press-ons, which she prepped and shaped before painting. She applied two to three coats of Spring Sigh gel polish from the Light & Shadow collection, curing each layer for 30 seconds.
Once the base was dry, she applied Non-Wipe Matte Top Gelcoat and cured it again for 30 seconds to achieve a clean matte finish.
To create the 3D swirl effect, Jackson used Chrome 4D Gel and a fine liner brush to paint the silver designs directly onto the matte surface. Each nail was flash-cured for 10 seconds.
After finishing all the swirl designs, she did a full cure for 45 seconds. Chrome pigment was applied to the raised swirls only, using a makeup sponge. Then she sealed the design with a chrome sealant and finished with Non-Wipe Glossy Topcoat. The final step was a 60-second full cure.
The Taraji P. Henson metallic 3D nail design shows how much you can do with strong shaping and the right texture contrast. No decals, no distractions—just smart product use and solid technique.
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