Season after season, the chrome nail trend has continued to endure. From Dua Lipa to Hailey Bieber and Zendaya, the gilded manicure has proven its shiny staying power. But this spring and summer, it’s time to consider a season-appropriate refresh: enter, soft chrome nails. They’re more dainty and pared back than their high-sheen predecessor, and pair well with springtime pastel shades and delicate decals.
Someone who’s been crafting soft chrome nails? Celebrity favorite Kim Truong, who you’ll often see painting the fingers of everyone from Addison Rae to Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. For pop star Becky G’s recent shows, Truong created what she describes as a “sugar chrome starburst” manicure. Using Olive and June, she started a base with the nude gel polish shade The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk and added the soon-to-launch Chrome Powder Palette set in Sugar Chrome. Then, she decorated Becky’s set with a smattering of celestial jewels and cosmic stars.
“I think soft chrome is having a moment because it feels like a natural evolution of the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic we’ve been seeing,” Truong says. “Clients still want something elevated and reflective, but not overly bold or metallic. These softer nudes, baby pinks, and pastels with a chrome finish give that same light-catching effect, but in a way that feels more wearable and effortless—especially for spring and summer.”
“Soft chrome offers the best of both worlds: it’s eye‑catching while still being understated,” says Sarah Crespo, who is The GelBottle’s Head of Education, The Americas, and affirms that sense of balance the soft chrome nail achieves. “As trends continue to move toward softer, more natural aesthetics, chrome adds just enough edge to make a look feel intentional rather than plain. Even the most minimal base becomes a statement when you add a delicate chrome finish.”
“The reflective finish adds dimension and extreme shine so even the simplest colors feel more luxe and eye-catching,” says nail artist Hannah Taylor, who credits Hailey Bieber with popularizing the original look and keeping it going with her latest variations. (Care of her go-to nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt.)
For the seasons ahead, Truong is already seeing a shift toward lighter and more understated tones, like those sheer nudes, milky whites, and soft pinks. “There’s a focus on nails that feel clean, healthy, and polished,” she adds. So why does a chrome endure? “Because it adds dimension without being distracting,” explains Truong. “It catches the light beautifully, elevates even the simplest manicure, and works seamlessly with everything. Soft chrome in particular feels very ‘put together’ without trying too hard.”
Truong breaks down exactly how to achieve that soft chrome look: it starts with a sheer or milky base, and after sealing with a no-wipe top coat, lightly buff in a fine chrome powder. “The key is using a softer, more diffused chrome rather than a high-impact metallic, so it enhances the base color instead of overpowering it,” she explains. “Finish with another top coat to lock in that smooth, glazed sheen.” Crespo shouts out The GelBottle shades like Blanc, Marshmallow, or Discrete, paired with the brand’s Extreme Shine Top Coat, before adding the Pearl Chrome Pigment. To seal it, a thicker clear overlay, using Rubber Top.
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Soft chrome is a versatile choice for your next nail appointment, and one that works across all nail shapes and lengths. “Whether it’s a short natural nail, a soft almond, or a long sculpted shape, the finish adapts to the style. It can be worn as a full set for a clean, cohesive look or as an accent for something more dimensional,” affirms Truong. Crespo says that the soft chrome really shines on clean and modern silhouettes: almond, oval, or short square. “These shapes allow the light‑reflective finish to stand out without feeling heavy,” she says.
And if you want to add some more personality, consider minimalist nail art and micro‑details like small flowers or stars—you want to elevate the nail without overpowering it. To bring more of that spring feel, nail artist Bryony Howell says she’s “a huge fan of pastels layered with the glazed look. Baby pink (like The GelBottle’s Carrie’s Cosmo) and baby blue (Double Denim) are her client’s favorites. Brighter days are coming, so now’s the time to spring forward into your soft chrome nails era.
