“Chrome nails” put a futuristic yet Y2K twist on the classic manicure

We may sound like a broken record when we say we will never get tired of nail trends, but it really is the truth. The next one we’re obsessed with? “Chrome nails”.

“Chrome nails” have a certain edge and flair to them that reminds us of the Y2K style. It’s all about shiny nail polish with a metallic finish, so they’ll give your nails a nice futuristic and retro look.

Read on to discover the different nail looks to get you inspired and find out where you can get them done.

“Chrome nails” inspiration

Classic “chrome nails”

Simple, sleek, and elegant. Painting the whole nail with a single-colour chrome polish makes it look like your nails have been dipped in liquid metal.

We love the rose gold hue that was chosen for this classic look but you can play around with other colours like your classic gold and silver for a different vibe.

Pick rose gold for more feminine energy, gold for an elegant look, or silver for a youthful and edgy vibe.

Butterfly “chrome nails”

Intricate lines of metallic polish make up the wings of the butterfly in this look.

By separating the butterfly in half and painting each side on one finger, you’ll be creating an edgy and cool design that’ll break the ice.

Reverse “chrome nails”

For most designs, the “chrome” polish is typically used to paint on the details while a normal polish is used as the base.

However, for this manicure, we’ll be using the metallic one as the base and an opaque one to adorn it.

Follow this Xiao Hong Shu user and use a white polish for a neutral look.

Alternatively, you can unleash your creativity and paint the swirls with a more vibrant-coloured polish for some variety.

Aurora borealis “chrome nails”

Remember “aura nails”? This style combines that trend with “chrome nails” to give us a look that reminds us of the northern lights.

For those who need a little refresh, “aura nails” are classified by their circular gradient that blooms from the centre outwards.

So while the base of the manicure sports “aura nails” the design uses metallic polish to give the aurora borealis-like base an edgy look.

Heavy metal “chrome nails”

For an extremely edgy look, try this manicure that reminds us of the stylish metal chains heavy metal rock stars often wear.

Paint metallic polish around opaque black nails to make them look like liquid metal. You can even bedazzle them with jewels to up the wow factor.

French tip “chrome nails”

We typically use white polish to paint on French tips, but here, we’re replacing it with “chrome” polish to make the manicure look even more sleek and sharp.

Grape jelly with French tip “chrome nails”

Combining three different trends into one may seem like an overload but this is certainly not the case for this manicure.

“Grape jelly” nails involve the use of a sheer purple polish to create a candy-like “jelly” appearance, which lends a vampy vibe to a manicure that’s accentuated by “chrome” French tips.

Matte “chrome nails”

Some may be worried that matte polishes would dull down the entire nail look, but we’re here to change your mind with this nail look.

The neon colours of the matte base pair so well with the “chrome” finish of the polish that goes on the nail, and draws all the attention to the silvery slivers.

Blush “chrome nails”

Another nail trend that we have previously covered and have grown fond of would be “blush nails”.

Similarly to the “jelly nails”, “blush nails” also takes on a sheer appearance. However, they feature light pink hues that remind us of the natural flush we get on our rosy cheeks.

The designs drawn on top of the “blush” bases give an edge to this sweet look. We especially love how the heart shapes perfectly surround the darker pink hues.

Odd-one-out “chrome nails”

Spice up a simple “chrome” manicure with a pop of colour.

All you need to do is paint every nail with a metallic polish and one with a normal opaque polish.

Galaxy “chrome nails”

The combination of star-shaped designs and gradient patterns reminds us of a starry galaxy. Don’t the added swirls and dots of “chrome” polish remind you of a spaceship zooming across the great nebula?

You don’t necessarily need to follow this exact colour scheme but we recommend using darker shades of the colours you pick.

Whether you decide on a warm or cool colour scheme, just make sure you pair the swirls and stars with the darker shades.

Liquid metal “chrome nails”

Bejewelled manicure looks are always a pleasant sight and this one looks incredibly detailed and striking.

With the nail gems being pushed into the “chrome” polish, it gives off the illusion that the gems are sinking in a pool of liquid metal.

An effect like this is sure to turn heads.

Elegant “chrome nails”

Prefer something more minimalistic yet expensive-looking?

These nails are decorated with various patterns of gold “chrome” polish, so your fingers look like they were dipped in liquid gold.

The way the designs frame and accentuate the nails makes for a very elegant manicure.

Baby rockstar “chrome nails”

Here is another design that perfectly balances cutesy and edgy. With pink stars surrounded by a silver “chrome” polish, we’re reminded of Japanese nail designs.

Go ahead and change the colour of the opaque polish to something besides pink if that’s not your vibe. If you still want a sweet manicure, stick to pastel shades like baby blue or lilac.

Dripping “chrome nails”

Using the metallic polish to create fluid-like patterns makes it look like there’s liquid metal dripping from your nails.

This gives such an artistic touch to your manicure and we love the illusion it creates.

Want to achieve these looks but not sure how to? Remember to book through Salon Finder and get attractive deals on manicures at nail salons in Singapore!

Featured image credit: @不要吃这颗小米粒/XiaoHongShu and @暮色罗格美甲小仙女/XiaoHongShu