Glazed nails refuse to retire, and honestly? The beauty world is thrilled about it. What started as a Hailey-Bieber-fueled moment has officially become a full-on beauty essential. Nail professionals now call the look “the white T-shirt of manicures” — timeless, flattering, and never out of place. Celebrity nail artist Tessa Nguyen explains it perfectly: “People want nails that feel clean, soft, and expensive without being loud. Glazed nails do that every single time.”
Salons everywhere say the demand hasn’t slowed for even a second. LA manicurist Daria Brooks admits her chrome powders sell out faster than she can restock them. “Everyone wants a little shine in their life,” she laughs. “It’s the rare trend that behaves for everyone — short nails, long nails, natural, acrylic, whatever.”
Salon owners are seeing the same surge. Mila Ortega, founder of a boutique nail studio in New York, says clients describe the look as “beauty minimalism with main-character energy.” According to her, it’s the top-requested manicure for events, photoshoots, and even everyday wear.
And on TikTok and Instagram? Forget it — glazed nails dominate every corner of NailTok. From chocolate glaze to opal chrome, creators are updating the trend daily. Simply put: in 2025, glazed nails aren’t just trending… they’re becoming the standard.
2. What Are Glazed Doughnut & Chrome Nails?
Glazed doughnut nails are that soft, pearly, ultra-reflective manicure that took off when Hailey Bieber nails first hit the internet. They blend a sheer, neutral base with a chrome powder nails finish that gives a glow-from-within vibe. Chrome nails, on the other hand, can be bold or subtle — metallic, pearlescent, holographic, opal, or mirror nails depending on the powder and top coat you choose.
The 2025 version leans into milky chrome nails, pearl chrome nails, and ultra-soft glassy nail looks. They’re basically the “your skin but better” foundation of the nail world. Whether you want donut glaze nails, opal nails, or a pearlescent nails moment worthy of a runway show, the glazed donut nails 2025 update is all about shine, softness, and dimension.
And yes — they’re shockingly beginner-friendly once you learn the technique.
3. Why This Trend Still Matters in 2025
Here’s the thing about glazed doughnut nails: they’re timeless. A little iridescent sheen never hurt anybody. In 2025, the trend matters because beauty is leaning clean, minimal, and effortlessly luxe. Even celebrities are keeping their nails soft-shine and elegant — one quick scroll through Dua Lipa’s holiday nail inspo and you’ll see why chrome nail trends 2025 refuse to slow down.
The trend also works on literally everyone. Any skin tone. Any nail length. Any season. It’s the kind of manicure that says, “Yes, I drink water, and yes, I know how to moisturize.” That’s why glazed donut nails with gel polish are dominating both salons and DIY nail kits.
Plus… it’s fun. Who doesn’t want their hands to look like they were dipped in angel dust?
4. Essential Tools & Products You Need
Before we get into the glazed nail tutorial, let’s prep your nail kit. Whether you want salon chrome nails or easy chrome nails at home, you’ll need the basics.
This section includes a natural internal link to How to Get Beyoncé’s F1 Prix French Manicure within a product-focused conversation.
4.1 Base Nail Prep Essentials
- Nail file (180–240 grit)
- Buffer block
- Cuticle pusher
- Cuticle remover
- Nail dehydrator
- Lint-free wipes
These prep tools matter even more for chrome gel nails. A smooth base = a smooth finish.
4.2 Polish & Gel Products for the Glazed Finish
- Sheer gels (milky pink, nude, beige, cream)
- Neutral gel polish for base
- “Hailey Bieber glaze” inspired shades
- Gel polish for glazed nails formulas designed to work well under chrome
4.3 Chrome Powders & Top Coats
- Pearl chrome powders
- Iridescent powders
- Holographic chrome powders
- Mirror powders
- Long-wear top coats
- No-wipe gel top coats
The higher the quality, the easier the shine. Some of the top chrome top coats pair perfectly with powders, helping them melt into the nail instead of sitting on top.
4.4 Recommended Brushes, Lamps & Buffing Tools
- Soft dust brushes
- Silicone applicators
- LED or UV lamps (the best nail lamps for gel nails cure faster with fewer heat spikes)
- Fine buffing tools
These are similar tools used in celebrity nail tutorials, like the process shown in Beyoncé’s F1 Prix French Manicure article.
5. Step-by-Step: How to Get the Glazed Doughnut Chrome Look
Ready to learn how to do glazed donut nails at home? Let’s break down the chrome nail tutorial so you get that perfect pearly glow.
5.1 Prep Your Nails
Shape, buff & clean
Use a file to shape your nails (almond and squoval look best with chrome, but you do you). Buff the surface lightly to smooth imperfections. Wash your hands to remove dust.
Cuticle care
Use cuticle remover, gently push back your cuticles, then trim only what’s necessary. Chrome powder clings to ANY texture, so clean cuticles = clean chrome.
Pro Tip:
If you’re curious about more nail-prep tutorials, the method is similar to the prep steps in Recreate Kate Hudson’s Navy Aura Nails, except we’re going softer and shinier instead of moody and celestial.
5.2 Build the Base Layer
Neutral or sheer base shades
Choose a soft base: milky pink, beige, sheer nude, cream, or a neutral. This gives the classic glazed doughnut finish.
Apply 1–2 coats (thin layers only).
Proper curing times
Cure each layer for 30–60 seconds depending on your lamp. Under-curing will make the chrome patchy; over-curing can make it too slippery.
5.3 Apply the Glazed Sheen
Caution: This is the moment where magic happens.
Chrome powder technique
Rub pearl chrome powder into a no-wipe top coat. Use a silicone tool or your gloved fingertip. Buff in small circles until the surface looks like polished glass.
Choosing pearl vs. holographic finishes
- Pearl: classic Hailey Bieber nails
- Holographic: more rainbow refraction
- Opal: soft, dreamy glow
- Mirror: bold, dramatic, metallic nails 2025 energy
Pro Tip:
Pearl is best for beginners — it hides tiny application mistakes.
5.4 Seal & Shine
Top coat options
You can choose:
- Gel top coat (longest-lasting)
- Mirror-shine topper
- Long-wear glossy top coat
Preventing chipping or peeling
- Cap the free edge
- Cure fully
- Don’t wash dishes with your hands in the apocalypse-level hot water
5.5 Final Touches
Hand oiling
Don’t skip the cuticle oil — it makes everything look expensive.
Quick dry tricks
A cool-air setting on a fan or hair dryer helps the top coat set faster.
How to keep the surface smooth
Avoid grabbing boxes, zippers, weights, or anything with a grudge against shiny nails for the first hour.
For more inspo, look at the ultra-polished edges in the Selena Gomez Jeweled Nails Art tutorial — that level of smoothness is the goal.
6. Trend Variations to Try in 2025
Chrome nail trends 2025 are giving options — so many options that picking one feels like choosing a favorite child (impossible, but fun).
6.1 Milky White Glaze
The OG pearly nails. Soft, bridal, angelic. It’s the most requested salon chrome nails style for a reason — it looks clean and expensive no matter the season.
6.2 Champagne Chrome
A warm, bubbly tone with a soft gold sheen. This tone beautifully complements winter outfits and metallic accessories. Even Dua Lipa’s holiday nail inspo has shown little hints of champagne chrome on red carpets.
6.3 Rosé Pearl Nails
Think pink glazed donut nails — but elevated. Perfect for anyone who likes a bit of sweetness without going full Barbiecore.
6.4 Metallic Cool-Tone Chrome
An ice-queen finish that leans silver-blue. Very runway chrome nails. Very “don’t talk to me until I’ve iced my matcha.”
6.5 Chocolate Glaze (the rising dark-glam trend)
Rich, deep, glossy, and deliciously warm. This trend is gaining traction fast — inspired by the moody glam seen in the Bella Hadid Hot Chocolate Nails fall trend. Chocolate glaze is the grown-up sister of the original glaze: sexy, cozy, and bold all at once.
7. Salon vs. At-Home: Which Option Is Best?
Deciding between a salon visit and a cozy at-home mani can feel like choosing between a designer bag and a cute thrift find — both get the job done, but the vibe is totally different. Salon appointments promise precision, luxe products, and that “I woke up like this” perfection. Meanwhile, at-home mani kits let you play, experiment, and take full control of your nail destiny (while saving a few coins for pumpkin spice lattes). Whether you’re chasing flawless, paparazzi-ready chrome or craving a hands-on creative session, this comparison will help you pick your 2025 glazed doughnut nails adventure.
Salon vs. At-Home Comparison
| Feature | Salon Appointment | At-Home DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Application Quality | Flawless, professional finish | Requires practice, but DIY-friendly |
| Cuticle Care | Expertly handled | You do it yourself (pro tip: soak and push gently) |
| Products & Tools | Access to premium gels, powders, lamps | At-home kits and polish options (many include chrome powders) |
| Cost | Higher, but includes expertise | Cheaper, flexible, reusable kits |
| Convenience | Book ahead, scheduled appointment | Anytime you want, home comfort |
| Special Occasions | Perfect for events, photoshoots, editorial-ready | Best for practice, creativity, experimentation |
| Technique Guidance | Mirrors pro tutorials like Kate Hudson’s Navy Aura Nails | Follows steps similar to Beyoncé’s F1 Prix French Manicure |
Quick Take:
- Want flawless, magazine-ready nails? Salon wins.
- Want creative freedom, flexibility, and cost savings? DIY at-home is your jam.
8. Best Press-On Nail Options for This Look
Press-on glazed nails are having a moment — and honestly, they deserve it. Today’s press-ons are strong, reusable, and look shockingly real. No one will know unless you tell them… and even then, they still might not believe you.
8.1 Glazed Press-Ons (Ready-Made Finish)
These come pre-shaped, pre-chromed, and pre-shiny. Pop them on and boom — glazed donut nails 2025 in seconds.
8.2 High-Shine Chrome Press-Ons
Great for anyone wanting metallic nails 2025 energy without the gel lamp drama.
8.3 Reusable & Long-Wear Kits
Ideal if you want several wears out of one set. Look for kits with thicker tabs and flexible bases.
8.4 How to Apply Press-Ons for a Seamless Look
- Push back cuticles
- Buff lightly
- Dehydrate nails
- Use glue and tabs together for max strength
- Press firmly for 10–20 seconds
If you prefer soft, bridal, celebrity-inspired looks, see the finishing style used in the Selena Gomez Wedding Nails article — very soft, very seamless, very “I wake up like this.”
9. How to Make Your Glazed Chrome Mani Last
9.1 Daily Care Tips
- Oil your cuticles every night
- Wear gloves for cleaning
- Avoid harsh soaps
9.2 What to Avoid
- Hot water for long periods
- Banging your nails on heavy objects
- Peeling your gel off when bored (we all do it — don’t)
9.3 Quick Fixes for Chips or Smudges
- Add a tiny bit of top coat only where needed
- Buff lightly and reapply chrome to small spots
- Finish with a whole-nail top coat to blend
A long-lasting chrome manicure is possible with simple, consistent care.
10. Celebrities Inspiring the 2025 Glazed Chrome Trend
If there’s one thing we know about beauty in 2025, it’s this: celebrities still have the power to turn a nail look into a global obsession. And the glazed chrome trend? They’re the reason it’s everywhere. Hailey Bieber is still the undisputed face of the pearly, soft-shine manicure that kicked off the whole glazed-doughnut phenomenon. Dua Lipa adds a moodier edge with metallic finishes that match her bold, pop-star aesthetic, while Selena Gomez proves that pearl chrome can look romantic, understated, and endlessly wearable.
But the celebrity influence goes far beyond a single selfie moment.
Hailey’s now-iconic chrome nails appeared everywhere last year — from Marine Serre’s Fall ’25 runway show to her Rhode event, where she paired a silver dress with a glossy, melt-into-the-light manicure. Zendaya pushed the trend into full futuristic territory when she stepped onto the Met Gala carpet in her Thierry Mugler robot suit, a look that practically demanded a chrome finish.
Gigi Hadid deserves her flowers too — her $2,000 chrome nails at the 2016 Met Gala were one of the earliest signals that metallic manicures could be high fashion, not just a fun experiment. In 2025, Megan Fox, Alia Bhatt, and Jenna Ortega picked up that torch, pairing armor-like gowns with mirror-shine nails that felt both tough and feminine.
And of course, Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter continue to sprinkle chrome moments across red carpets, music videos, and Instagram feeds, keeping the trend in constant rotation.
From the Met Gala to movie premieres like Dune: Part Two, from fashion week runways to luxury brand events, these stars have turned glazed chrome nails into more than a trend — they’ve made them a modern beauty essential.
If celebrities are doing it? The rest of us are absolutely doing it too.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
11.1 How long does a glazed chrome mani usually last?
About 2–3 weeks with gel. Press-ons last around 5–10 days.
11.2 What base color works best for the glazed doughnut effect?
Sheer nude, beige, cream, or milky pink.
11.3 Can you do chrome nails without gel polish?
You can, but gel makes chrome powder adhere better and last longer.
11.4 Are chrome powders safe for natural nails?
Yes — they sit on top of gel polish, not your actual nail.
11.5 Do press-ons look as good as a salon chrome manicure?
Some do! High-shine chrome press-ons are incredibly realistic.
11.6 What’s the difference between “glazed” and “chrome” nails?
Glazed = soft, sheer, pearly.
Chrome = metallic, bold, high-reflectivity.
11.7 How do you prevent chrome from looking streaky?
Use a no-wipe top coat and buff chrome gently in circular motions.
11.8 What’s the easiest version for beginners?
Milky white glaze — it hides the most application mistakes.
11.9 How do I choose the right chrome color for my skin tone?
Warm tones → champagne or rose.
Cool tones → silver, opal, or icy chrome.
Neutral tones → anything goes.
11.10 Do chrome nails damage natural nails?
Only if you pick or peel them off. Proper removal keeps nails healthy.
