10 Winter-Inspired Chrome Nail Ideas to Slay the Chilly Season

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By IPSY Editors
Published on January 17, 2024
An image of a woman's hand showing her fancy nails with a gold ring on it
An image of a woman's hand showing her fancy nails with a gold ring on it

We always think it’s better to go bold than boring, and when it comes to your nail art, there’s nothing more visually stunning than choosing a chrome top coat for your digits. It’s the easiest way to add a bit of sparkle, while still keeping a neat and “polished” (pun intended!) look.

Whether you want to get into the holiday spirit or get the perfect mani for your office holiday party (Think about it: There are going to be so many pictures of you holding up a champagne glass!), here are 10 winter chrome manicure ideas to help spark some inspiration.

1. Snowflake Chrome Nails

You can still get nail art designs done and do a final layer of chrome over the design, as shown with this snowflake-inspired mani. If you want the design to stand out and not have the chrome effect, instruct your nail artist to paint it after they add the chrome or vice versa.

2. Gradient Glazed Donut Winter Nails

We know chocolate glazed donut nails are the hottest color for fall, thanks to Hailey Bieber, but you can add an even cooler spin to this look by doing chocolate shades in a gradient. It’s a fun way to put your own spin on the trend. And after you leave the salon, make sure to pick up a coffee and donut; you deserve it!

3. Gilded Winter Chrome Nails

Winter is the perfect time to play up holiday colors, and all that glitters is definitely gold when you opt for this mani. It’s a mix between holiday green and holiday gold and the result is a stunning shade that will catch the winter sunlight from miles away.

4. Classic Chrome French Nails for Winter

This nail art idea is the simplest way to dip your toes into the chrome waters. Opt for a traditional French mani and then have your nail tech glaze over it with a chrome finish for a subtle shine that’s just right.

5. Ruby Red Winter Chrome Nails

Are you a traditional red mani girlie? Spice things up with this luxe chrome finish. Your nails will look just like the bright glass ornaments hanging from your tree. And really, what’s better than that for a much-needed serotonin boost for the winter?

6. Subtle Snowflakes Chrome Nails

What do you get when you mix snowflake nail art with a French manicure plus a chrome finish? Nails that everyone at the holiday party can’t stop talking about, of course.

7. Christmas Drip Chrome Nails

All snowmen eventually melt, and after you celebrate the first snowfall of the season, head to the salon to get this snow-inspired drip mani. You can choose any color as your base, but we love the deep red color for the holidays. Of course, the chrome finish adds that extra bit of flair to your winter mani.

8. Blue Ice Chrome Nails

We love a crisp blue shade for winter, and these blue chrome nails don’t disappoint. You can even go the extra mile with the reverse French detail at the base of the nail bed.

9. Snowflakes With a Twist

We love a French manicure that utilizes different colors and this holiday red French set checks all our boxes. Mix things up by adding a snowflake or two on alternating nails. You can get just the snowflake details in chrome if you don’t want to layer on an entire chrome finish. The best thing about opting for a chrome mani is that you can play a little! Design your own mani from scratch.

10. Forever Winter Chrome Nails

Nothing’s sweeter than adding a chrome finish to the nail color you opt for most days of the year. If you’re a light pink girlie like us, add a festive touch to your everyday mani by layering on the perfect icey chrome finish.

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