Chrome nails have recently become popularized amongst celebrities like Zendaya, Beyonce, and Rihanna. When the effect first became available it was scarce and expensive. Now that chrome powders are lower in price and readily available, the trend has made its way to the general public.

Metallic nails are achieved by using deeply pearlized metallic paints. Think of the pearly fine glittery effect of a classic gold, silver, or bronze color paint. Pearly metallic finishes are available in any and every color.

A Holographic finish offers less shine than chrome but is known for its signature rainbow ombre color effect.

Chrome is generally monochromatic and offers a high-shine mirror finish. The final result is uniform molten metal-like, without visible glitter, foil, or pearlized particles.

Apply gel color as usual, curing under LED light between coats. Rub chrome powder into each nail BEFORE applying the gel top coat to seal in the high gloss. Cure nails under LED one final time.  Holographic nails require the same process, except with holo powder instead of chrome powder.

No. Chrome powders are made up of fine particles of glass, metal, and colored pigment. Silver, not chrome, is encased between two layers of gel polish to create a tiny little mirror on your fingertip. This process “mirrors” the science behind every other mirror you’ve seen.

Chrome powder application will come with an additional charge added to the base cost of your nail service. Expect to pay between $3 to $20 additional, depending on the nail tech and where you live.

Chrome gel color lasts as long as a standard gel color manicure, from 1-2 weeks.

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Transform your monochromatic black stiletto nails with a quick dusting of chameleon color mirror powder. Dark gel polish helps to create the most dramatic background for the holographic chrome effect

Here a blue base softens the holographic effect.

These rose gold stiletto nails are both subtle and stunning. The chrome powder magnifies the metallic polish to a mirror shine

Holo pigment unicorn powder is applied over dark gel polish of any shade to achieve a similar look. Here a dark blue base creates a multi-faceted shine that changes color with different angles

Any color can achieve new chromatic levels with the application of chrome powder before applying your top coat.

These pearly white chromed-out nails catch the light in blindingly new ways. Coordinate with your makeup, jewelry, or some holographic shoes.

Deep lilac paint is elevated with a holo powder mirror effect.

Soft baby powder pink is an unexpected color choice for a metallic effect.  The mirror effect is less dramatic but just as shiny as with darker bases.

These rosegold chrome nails are begging for some coordinating accessories. Both the polish and matching sweater highlight the beauty of mahogany brown skin.

Here metallic polish compliments a rose gold ring and warm bronze undertones on the skin. Metallic polishes contain pearly glittery particles but no mirror shine.

pink and blue ombre paint application is brought to a high shine with chrome powder

Art and style collide in this luxurious chrome-on-black combination style. Rich black high gloss gel lacquer contrast dramatically with the liquid silver chrome finish on the index fingers. The black base makes for the most dramatic mirror effect.

The visible gold particles are tell-tale of gold metallic polish as opposed to a gold chrome finish. This modern take on a french manicure is edgy and precise with the help of stencils.

A blue-black gel color base provides the perfect backdrop for icy blue silver chrome nails.

Shiny silver bands pair perfectly with this delicate white pearl iridescent finish. The final look is simple, clean, and feminine.

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These royal chrome nails are serving up blue steel! This electric blue color is futuristic and fun

playing around with holographic powders can achieve a whole range of colors against the same base color. Here yellow metallic polish is brought to a chrome-level high shine on the middle nail and treated with a green holo powder ombre effect for a lemon-lime effect throughout the rest of the hand.

This deep hunter green paint is treated to glitter effects at various particle sizes. Larger microns of glitter is visible to the naked eye. The high gloss mirror-like shine is achieved by smaller particle chrome powder. Nail gems and a stunning statement ring help to complete the look

Deep indigo polish shines with galaxy purple-blue brilliance.

This lime-green fuchsia combo is tropical vacation ready. The matte hand-painted design is a shocking contrast to the chrome shine finish applied to the same paint palette on a pair of accent nails. A dash of glitter against the matte finish is the final dramatic finishing touch.

A chromatic variation on a classic design. Tape or stencils will help to keep the lines sharp, clean, and precise.

Nail foils are a tried and true way to add metal finishes to nail designs. Here black matte polish, combine with gold foil appliques and solid gold metallic paint on the opposite hand

Powder blue takes on a daring new edge with the addition of a high-shine chrome powder. This understated chrome effect is the perfect “something blue,” for the walk down the aisle. This look says bridal but can easily transition to a cold-weather honeymoon immediately after the nuptials. Bunny slope anyone?

Simple metallic polish is made special by an ombre application alternating with a solid application. The pearlescence is shiny without a mirror reflection.

Gold chrome nails for the 24-carat Black Girl Magic win.

Holo powder applied to various color nails achieve different degrees of drama. The bubblegum pink polish casts a slight green-gold holographic shimmer, while the blue-black base polish highlights the full rainbow glitter hologram effect.

This rosegold application shines like a brand-new penny. The mirror shine is clear enough to check your lipstick in!

Classic chrome powder on black nails! The sharp stiletto tips, blinding high shine and perfect polish application is dangerously sexy! These chrome stiletto nails look like they could draw blood, approach her with caution!

Here the chrome is not the star of the show. A green chrome finish is a backdrop to hand-painted accent designs and gold-tone nail charms. Chrome french tips alternate with full coverage polish application for an unexpected twist.

Holo powder is applied along the full length of the nail, and later in an ombre effect along the tip of a single nail. Clear pearls and rhinestones adorn the remaining nails adding a little extra flavor to this Saturday night, to Sunday morning design.

Mirror mirror on my nails! These perfectly polished red chrome nails are deliciously bright! The shiny red is candy apple chic, and Christmas morning sweet. Wear these beauties from Halloween through the winter holidays!

These chrome nails cast a green-gray color. The high mirror shine makes it nearly impossible to guess the base color. Pewter? Gray? Gold? Is it the polish or the light in the room? Trial and error will earn you the perfect shade.

These sexy red nails are made sweet with bows and rhinestone designs. This winter-ready look is giving Christmas eve and Valentine’s day.