Chrome nails are the moment right now. Scroll your feed and you’ll see them everywhere—from red carpet shots to latte-grabbing TikToks. That futuristic, mirror-shine mani isn’t just for celebs anymore.
And the best part? You don’t need a studio appointment or a $100 nail tech to get them. With the right polish, a little patience, and some chrome powder magic, you can totally nail this trend from home.
Let’s break it all down—from prepping your nails to getting that Hailey Bieber-worthy glazed finish. And yes, we’re bringing in tips straight from celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik (a.k.a. the guy behind J.Lo’s chrome nails).
Nail Prep: The Underrated Hero
If you skip prep, your chrome is doomed—no matter how fancy your powder is. Nail prep is the skincare before the mani: it’s what makes chrome last instead of chipping off in a day. Every pro knows the secret is a clean, smooth canvas.
How to actually prep:
- Shape & file: Use a fine-grit file for a smooth edge—any shape works.
- Buff: Lightly buff just to remove ridges and shine. Don’t overdo it; thin nails snap.
- Cuticles: Gently push back cuticles with a pusher or orangewood stick. Only trim if you know how—snags and infections aren’t cute.
- Sanitize tools: Always clean your files and pushers before use.
- Cleanse: Wipe nails with alcohol, acetone, or a nail prep pad to zap oils and dust—chrome will not stick if there’s residue.
Step-by-Step: Your DIY Chrome Guide
1. Base color: Set the tone
Black gel = intense, reflective, almost mirror-like. White or pale pink for or that “glazed donut”/Hailey Bieber finish. Super trendy for 2025. Any pastel or bold color: Chrome powder transforms the tone underneath—try butter yellow or cherry red for a trending twist.
Cure each layer of gel polish for 30-60 seconds. For regular polish, let each coat dry fully—no shortcuts.
2. No-wipe top coat = Don’t skip!
A no-wipe gel top coat is the secret sauce. Cure it, but do not wipe off any sticky layer—most no-wipe coats have zero tackiness, giving chrome powder the perfect surface to stick to without getting gummy or streaky.
Why this matters: Chrome powder bonds to smooth, non-tacky surfaces. Any residue = patchy payoff.
3. Chrome application: Go gentle, not aggressive
Tap a tiny bit of chrome powder onto the nail. Using a silicone applicator, sponge, or even a clean fingertip, buff the powder in gentle circles until the mirror effect appears. Too much pressure = bald spots or texture.
Pro tip: Work in small sections and don’t overload the powder—less is more for an even finish.
4. Clean up: Powder patrol
Brush off excess powder. Gently file the edges so your top coat sticks better and you don’t get flaking.Brush away any loose chrome powder with a soft brush (eyeshadow brushes work great). Check the edges and free edge for excess powder and gently file if you see any rough spots. This helps the top coat seal everything in and keeps your mani from flaking.
5. Seal the deal: Top coat round 2
Float a generous layer of no-wipe top coat over the nail. “Float” means barely touching the nail—don’t drag the brush or you’ll smudge the chrome. Cure it for 60 seconds. Wipe the brush on a paper towel before dipping again—chrome in your top coat bottle = not cute.
6. Final touches
Wipe off any stray powder or top coat around your nails with a clean-up brush dipped in acetone. Finish by hydrating your cuticles with oil—this step is non-negotiable for that pro-level, Instagram-worthy shot.
Tom Bachik’s Chrome Hack
On Instagram, Tom Bachik dropped a tutorial that simplifies chrome like never before. He used his Click Colors gel pens (yes, pens) with Cosmic Chrome Powders. No extra top coat before the powder—just polish, cure, buff, done. That’s because his pens dry down to the ideal chrome-ready finish.
He sealed the look with his CC-01 Super Clear gel top coat for a long-lasting finish. Basically, if your gel polish is no-wipe and smooth, you’re golden.
Fun fact: for J.Lo’s nails, he used CND’s Frostbite under silver chrome. The lesson? You can mix and match brands—technique matters more than the label.
Best Chrome Nail Products for Every Budget
No matter what’s in your bank account, there’s a chrome setup for you.
Budget-friendly:
- Polish: Try Beetles gel kits or Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel metallics.
- Powder: Born Pretty Store’s mirror powder is a $2 dupe that hits just as hard as the pricier stuff.
Mid-range vibes:
- Polish: OPI’s Go Big or Go Chrome is a fave. Their chrome effects powders are what started the whole Tin Man Can craze (aka the Hailey Bieber nails).
- Powder: Kiara Sky and Whats Up Nails have solid chrome pigment lines in dreamy shades.
Luxe level:
- Polish: Chanel’s Canotier is gold chrome heaven.
- Powder: Daily Charme powders are nail tech-approved and give you that ultra-slick, reflective finish.
- Celebrity status: Tom Bachik’s own Cosmic Chrome Powders are iridescent perfection—especially Aurora and Ethereal.
Shine On, You Chrome Genius
You’ve got the tools—now it’s your turn to shine. Layer sheer chrome over soft white for a glazed finish, or go black for full-on mirror drama. Even budget powders can deliver a serious glow when applied right.
Scroll down for chrome nail designs that hit, and once your nails are gleaming—don’t forget to tag us. We want to see the final look. ✨
SEE ALSO:
- Spring Chrome Nails You’ll Want to Screenshot Immediately
- Baby Chrome Nail Trend: Must-Try Designs
- Pink Chrome Nail Ideas That Are Next-Level Gorgeous
