Menu

Chrome nails: How to get the hottest nail trend of 2016
Ultra reflective with a mirror-like finish, chrome nails are taking social media by storm right now. If you’re not already obsessed with this seriously shiny trend, you’re about to be.To achieve the look requires patience and skill, likely to put DIY-ers off and keep clients coming to you for picture perfect metallic talons.

Highly pigmented powder is rubbed on to the nails over gel polish to create this chic look. Different gel polish colours alter the mirror effect - A black base is used to create a true silver, chrome effect and a red base creates a rose gold mirror.
Our favourite products for achieving gorgeous results are The Edge Mirror Effect Chrome Powder and Sinful PROShine Mirror Powder, which contains real silver to provide the most mirror-like effect and has been designed not to dull once cured in UV light. For a holographic effect, try Sinful Cosmetic Glitter in a range of colours, including Mermaid Iridescent and Silver Hologram.

Follow Sinful’s instructions below to perfect this highly sought after trend and give your client’s nails a super sheen they will love:
For best results, use with a non-cleanse, tack-free UV/LED gel topcoat.
- Prepare the nail as normal.
- Apply your chosen colour as normal - different shades will alter the mirror effect.
- Apply a tack-free top coat then cure under a UV/LED light. Make sure the gel is fully cured before moving on.
- Use a soft sponge or silicone applicator, rub the powder into the nail, buffing in with pressure until the result is perfectly smooth.
- Clean away any excess powder from the nail by using a dusting brush. You may need remover around the cuticles to remove any leftover powder.
- To seal in the powder, apply the same tack-free top coat and cure under the UV/LED light.
If you're using a traditional 2 or 3 step gel system, you'll need to remove the tacky surface layer using a dry lint free wipe. More pressure will then be required when rubbing in the pigment to achieve the mirror effect.
Imagery sourced from Pinterest.
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
New & Trending
OFFER
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SPECIAL PRICE
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SAVE 20%
OFFER
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SPECIAL PRICE
OFFER
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SPECIAL PRICE
OFFER
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SPECIAL PRICE
NEW
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
NEW
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
NEW
Back to Posts
Tags
- 2024
- acne
- apps
- autumn
- awards
- balayage
- beauty
- beautypro
- blonde
- bridal
- brows
- business
- capital & me
- career
- celebrities
- christmas
- chrome
- clean
- collection
- colour
- covid-19
- curls
- facial
- fashion
- festival
- finance
- freelance
- gel
- gellux
- get the look
- glam
- hair
- hairdressing
- halloween
- how to
- hygiene
- indola
- inspiration
- interview
- keratin
- keune
- l’oréal
- lashes
- lip art
- lockdown
- l'oreal
- loyalty
- macadamia
- make up
- manicure
- marketing
- mens
- mental health
- mobile
- nail art
- nail inspiration
- nail trends
- nails
- new years
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- party
- pulp riot
- redken
- retail
- salon
- salon management
- salon system
- schwarzkopf
- self-employed
- shampoo
- skills
- skincare
- social media
- spa
- spring
- step by step
- summer
- tanning
- the met gala
- tigi
- tiktok
- tips & advice
- toning
- training
- trends
- trevor sorbie
- tutorial
- updo
- valentines
- volume
- wahl
- waxing
- wella
- wellbeing
- winter
Latest Posts
- Butter Yellow Is the Colour of the Season
- Vitamino Color Spectrum - Lock In Your Day 1 Colour Vibrancy For Up To 100 Days*
- Week in My Shoes: A Day in the Life of Craig Purves
- Embracing Grey: Expert Tips on Perfecting the Grey Hair Blend Trend
- How to Raise Beauty Prices Without Losing Clients
- Billie Eilish’s Jellyfish Haircut: The Trend Taking Over Salons
- Increase Your Profit - Adding Shinefinity Top Glaze to Every Look
- Top Hair and Beauty Moments from This Year’s Oscars!
- What is Lived-in Blonde and how do I create this for my clients in salon?
- Who Made Waves on the Red Carpet at the Grammys?
Related Posts
The Top 5 Nail Art Trends for Spring 2025
Spring is a time of new beginnings, and as always, that means some fresh nail trends! Whether your clients want a classic look or something bold, here are the top 5 nail art trends to watch this season.
Spook-tacular Nail Designs for Halloween: Get Ready to Enchant Your Clients!
Attention all nail technicians and Halloween enthusiasts! As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, we can feel the thrilling chill of autumn settling in. The most delightful (and spooky) season is just around the corner, and it’s time to get creative!
Beetlejuice Nails
Need some Halloween nail inspo? Create a bold Beetlejuice vibe with this step by step guide from nail artist Emma @secondhand.nailart
No Limit Nails!
When it comes to nail predictions for 2022, it’s hard to, well, nail them down! That’s because in a post-pandemic culture, trends are very much led by social media and celebrity looks, as well as influential nail techs.
Free Spirit - NEW from Salon System Gellux
Welcome in the happy, carefree season of summer with a collection of vibrant nail shades, with something for everyone, be it: sassy neon pink, fresh mint green, happiness inducing orange, vivid cerise, a blue hue the colour of the Mediterranean Sea or a pared back dusky pink, which one speaks to you?
Festive Nail Trends
It’s time for Pumpkin Spice Lattes and treating your loved ones because it’s been a year and a half! Beauty writer Charisse Kenion spoke to Eoin Cotter, Creative Director at The Manicure Company, to find out what’s in store this Christmas
Textures And Trends
With masks becoming part of our everyday life, your clients are ready for nails that truly express who they are. Read on to find out the new textures, techniques and colours, direct from the experts.
Pisces Step-by-step
Salon System nail expert Rosanna Hatherell has created a Pisces inspired step by step using GELLUX.