Glazed chrome nails combine milky elegance with a metallic mirror shine – a look that has become an integral part of the beauty world. Pop star Hailey Bieber made it famous, and in 2025 it will experience a brilliant comeback in new colors like rose gold, soft purple, and pastel chrome.

What are glazed chrome nails?

• The base is usually a milky-transparent or light-colored undertone
• A special chrome powder is applied on top, which creates a high-gloss, almost mirror-like finish
• The look is classy, clean & glamorous at the same time – from subtle to dramatic

Recommended emmi®NAIL products

• Rubber Base Gel Milky or Acrylgel soft white as base tone
• Chrome Pigment Powder (e.g. Pearl, Rosé Chrome, Mermaid)
• Non-sticky sealer – important for the powder to stick!
• Applicator or silicone brush
• High Gloss Sealer to finish
• UV/LED lamp, buffer, cleaner

Glazed Chrome Nails – Instructions for the ultimate mirror shine

What you need:

• Emmi-Nail Milky Base Gel or a light color gel (e.g. Soft White, Nude)

• Emmi-Nail Non Sticky Sealer (important for chrome adhesion)

• Chrome Pigment Powder (e.g. Rosé Chrome, Pearl or Mermaid)

• Silicone applicator or eyeshadow brush

• Emmi Nail High Gloss Sealing Gel

• UV/LED lamp, cleanser, file, buffer

How it works – Step by Step

1.) Nail preparation

• Push back cuticles, file nails, buffer surface.

• Degrease with cleaner.

2.) Apply base

• Apply a thin layer of Rubber Base Milky Gel .

• Cure for 120 seconds .

(Optional: 2nd coat for better coverage – cure again)

3.) Apply No-Wipe Top Coat

• Apply a thin, even layer of No-Wipe Top Coat -> Non-Sticky Sealer .

• Cure for 60 seconds.
  → Do not use cleaner! The surface must be smooth and dry.

4.) Rub in chrome pigment

• Using an applicator or finger, massage the chrome pigment onto the nail in circular motions .

• Polish lightly for a mirror shine.

5.) Seal

• Seal with High Gloss Sealer .

• Cure again and wipe with cleaner if a sweat layer is present.

Tips for extra shine:

• The smoother and cleaner the surface , the more intense the chrome effect.

• Do not use normal color gel as a base , otherwise the pigment will not adhere well.

• Don’t use too much pigment – it’s better to layer it lightly.

Glazed Chrome Nails – more than just shine

Where does the trend come from?

• The look became famous thanks to Hailey Bieber and her "Glazed Donut Nails" – an almost glazed, wet shine with a milky undertone.

• It was then further developed in K-Beauty and at fashion weeks around the world – with more colors, chrome shifts and creative layering.

Glazed Chrome is changeable

• Classic: with pearl or rosé chrome on a light background

• Edgy: with a dark base (e.g. black + silver chrome = mirror nails)

• Romantic: with soft pink or pastel & mermaid chrome

• Futuristic: with holographic or iridescent pigment

• Festive: with gold, champagne or multichrome effect for events

Why is the look so popular?

• Extremely photogenic: Chrome reflects light – perfect for social media

• Super classy & modern: looks clean, but high-quality

• Quick to achieve: the effect does not require any elaborate nail art design

• Can be combined well: with French, Baby Boomer, Cat Eye or nail stickers

Studio Tips for Glazed Chrome as a Service

• Premium Upgrade : Offer the look as a “Glazed Chrome Finish” for +5–10 €

• Combination offer with care : Chrome + nail oil = shine & care bundle

• Show color selection : Small swatch tips on presentation cards help with booking