A manicure doesn’t have to use an array of different colors or shapes to be bold. Metallic nails offer an easy way to create a bold look that functions like jewelry — you can wear them seamlessly with any outfit.
“Metallics are an easy way to add a sophisticated shine or luxe accent to a basic mani,” explains celebrity manicurist Fleury Rose. To incorporate metallic into a manicure, she “usually opts for gel polish and gold or silver accents, such as charms or chains.”
Celebrity nail stylist Gina Edwards loves using chrome powder and magnetic velvet (aka cat eye) polishes. “There are so many different takes on metallic nails, and people are really enjoying it,” says Edwards. “It really is cohesive with a lot of outfits.”
Ahead, browse 12 metallic nail looks.
‘90s Tattoo
Rose created this look inspired by ’90s molten heart tattoos. It features an edgy silver design atop a milky white base adorned with white and silver pearls.
Gold Dip
Edwards created this look for Prabal Gurung’s Spring 2024 show in New York City. It uses KISS press-ons as the base for a melted metallic tip.
Molten Lava
Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec created this look on Zoë Saldaña for her December 2022 cover of InStyle. The design features a shimmery pewter design over a milky white base.
Velvet Taupe
Velvet nails are so fun because the magnetic polish gives each nail its own unique look. This look features a silver with taupe undertones.
Fine Lines
Bold and striking, this sharp French manicure is accented with silver squiggles. Although the lines are super fine, they add a touch of drama to the look.
Glitter French
For a sleek, yet sparkling look, a high-shine silver glitter was used to create a super thin French manicure.
Pewter Chrome
Instead of using the typical bright chrome base, this nail makes use of a deeper pewter shade for a moody metallic manicure.
Chrome Swirls
To get the tip effect without creating tips, this manicure uses a cluster of metallic squiggles toward the tip of each nail. A few of the nails also have little crystals for some added interest.
Diamond-Studded Nude
Using a collection of crystals on a sheer nude base is a fun and approachable take on the metallic nail trend.
Golden Tips
Paired with the stiletto shape of the nail, this gold micro French is super sharp. The chrome powder makes the tip stand out so much.
Bronzed Chome
Using a gold-hued chrome over a brown polish creates this stunning bronze effect.
Down the Middle
This design features a silver chrome detail that extends from the sharp point of the stiletto nail down to the bottom fourth of the nail.
