Metallics are a chic way to introduce a bit of edge into any manicure.

• Metallic nails are high-shine, reflective designs that are created with metallic lacquers, chrome powders, or velvet polishes.
• Though gold and silver are the most popular options for metallic nails, you can find just about any color in a metallic finish.
• Nail stickers or decals can provide subtle metallic accents instead of committing to full-metal nails.

A manicure doesn’t have to use an array of different colors or shapes to be bold. Metallic nails offer the chance to create a striking look that functions like jewelry—they pair 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 features 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 (a.k.a. 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.”

For example, you might opt for a design that simply has metallic decals—like hearts, bows, and flames—for a more delicate ensemble. Or you might choose to blend two nail trends, like outlining aura nails in metallic, if your outfit is on the edgier side. Whatever your personal style is, rest assured that there’s a metallic set for everyone. Ahead, browse 45 looks that prove it.

Meet the expert

• Fleury Rose is a celebrity manicurist who works in New York City and New Jersey.
• Gina Edwards is a celebrity nail stylist based in New York City.

Silver Circles

@fleuryrosenails/Instagram

For a simple yet impactful look, Rose created abstract silver chrome circles on a milky nude base. The manicurist also rounded out these nails to further complement the abstract metallic shape.

Minimalist Chrome

@sugamama_nailz/Instagram

Metal nails will always be bold, but this look takes a bit of a minimalist approach. Instead of decking out the full nail in metallic polish accented with metallic decals, the artist simply adorned the nails with bits of chrome-like jewelry.

Monochromatic

@melanated.mani/Instagram

Let’s say you’re already sporting an all-blue ensemble. Donning a mani in the same color family will take your look to the next level—showing how much you care about details. But you can wear this metallic design with just about anything because the blues function as neutral shades.

Milky Mirror

@sugamama_nailz/Instagram

For a funky yet uniform look, this manicure features a milky white base with wiggly panes of silver running down the side of each nail. It’s finished with a stack of two tiny pearls at the base of each nail.

Precious Gems

@nailartfairy/Instagram

This metallic mani has so much texture on such a small canvas. Every other nail has spherical and colorful gemstones that look melted into the gold. But even the nails without jewels offer movement with the wave-like grooves on each.

Metallic Hearts

@gossipandgloss/Instagram

These cute metallic details add an extra layer of oomph to a mani. You’ll particularly fall in love with this red heart outlined in 3D gold—so adorable. It’d be perfect for a Valentine’s Day set.

Aura Nails

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Aura vibes are all the rage on TikTok. Try out the trend with this black and white color palette and add in some metallic details to the outlines of your nails for contrast.

Make It Matte

@disseynails/Instagram

Metallic nails don’t have to be decked out or super in-your-face to stand out. In fact, these understated metallic green nails are among the most striking. The classic almond shape adds to the overall elegance of this solid mani.

Metallic Flames

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Metallic pink flames for your next music festival? That’s a yes. It’s the quickest way to prove that you are a girl on fire. These almond-shaped nails are the perfect canvas for nail art because they resemble the natural shape of flames.

A Low Shimmer

@julieknailsnyc/Instagram

This look on Zoë Saldaña features a shimmery pewter design over a milky white base. Their long almond shape is ideal for showing off the glittery tips.

Smooth Like Water

@_beautbybee/Instagram

Where are the maximalists at? Because this set was made for you. The blue and green tones are evocative of the sea, making this a fluid manicure. However, the gold nails and accents serve to ground it.

Coquette

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Want to add a slight edge to your otherwise soft design? This metallic twist gives the dainty French tip manicure a slightly punk vibe in the best way possible.

Stars

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Next time you drop by your nail tech, try adding a sparkling star to your thumbs. Stars work perfectly to keep your nails on point, and they add more texture when one of them is bejeweled.

Cat-Eye

@gossipandgloss/Instagram

Cat-eye manicures are always a moment. This technique plays around with metallic polishes and details for an eye-catching finish. The gold shade mixed with the silver swirls is the ultimate mixed-metal moment.

Colorful French Tips

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Don’t want to stick with traditional gold or silver metallic nails? Try out this raspberry shade for a fabulous, divalicious twist. The hand-painted stars on each square-shaped nail really help drive the point home. (Get it?)

Gold Dip

@ginaedwards_/Instagram

Believe it or not, the base for this melted metallic tip comes courtesy of press-ons from nail care brand Kiss. They’re an excellent innovation to the timeless French tip, and the 3D outline on each adds so much texture.

Written in the Stars

@nailartfairy/Instagram

Astrology is such a fun and easy way to add a bit of edge to your nails. The golden decals and colorful jewels keep the mani playful, as does the copper ombré tip.

Mix and Match

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Why stick to one metallic design when you can incorporate a handful? Here, the short, almond-shaped mani features tons of silver designs—both abstract and inspired by nature—as well as a pearl-encrusted heart and half a butterfly wing.

Looking for a nail shape that prevents chipped or broken nails? Opt for almond or round shapes, as they don’t have corners that’ll get caught on anything that can snag them.

Spiderwebs

@ceesclaws/Instagram

Spiderwebs are a great, albeit spooky, addition to any nail inspo board. With the metallic details and ombré polish underneath, it looks like a chic version of your favorite pirate movie.

‘90s Tattoo

@fleuryrosenails/Instagram

Rose created this look inspired by ’90s molten heart tattoos. The long, square-shaped set features an edgy silver design atop a milky white base adorned with white and silver pearls.

Simple Swirl

@onenailtorulethemall/Instagram

This pink and gold look keeps it simple, with a strong squiggle running across each nail. The design is perfect for anyone who wants a more pared-down look that doesn’t read as basic.

All That Glitters

@disseynails/Instagram

Velvet nails are fun because the magnetic polish gives each nail its own unique look. This mani features a silver with light taupe undertones and a heavy glitter effect.

Swirled Lines

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

Bold and striking, this sharp French manicure is accented with silver squiggles. Although the lines are super fine, they add a touch of drama and texture to the look.

Big 3D

@nailsbymaki.nyc/Instagram

3D gel was used to create the thick chrome effects on this manicure. The addition of the dimensional design creates a contrast against the matte polish for a striking set.

Glitter French

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

For a sleek yet sparkling look, use a high-shine silver glitter to create a super-thin French manicure. It’ll call attention without begging for it.

Pewter Chrome

@polishedbymckenna/Instagram

Instead of using the typical bright chrome base, this nail makes use of a deeper pewter shade for a moody metallic manicure. This is a set that will stand out even without all the bells and whistles.

Chrome Swirls

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

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.

Double French

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

By using two thin lines to create a double French, this look is pretty without being too loud. If the space between the lines were filled with glitter, the vibe would be totally different.

Diamond-Studded Nude

@nailsbymaki.nyc/Instagram

Using a collection of crystals on a sheer nude base is a fun and approachable take on the metallic nail trend. This is about as low-stakes as it gets, so it’s a wonderful entry point to metallic nails.

Holiday Swirl

@disseynails/Instagram

Metallic polishes are great to use for holiday nail sets because they resemble ornaments. This dimensional red on a light pink base is giving off major candy-cane energy—in a good way.

Micro Tips

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

This clean look uses silver chrome to create a micro tip. The ring finger on each hand features a cluster of pearls and crystals as if there is a ring on the nail—which is so cool.

Champagne Tips

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

For a super clean and futuristic French, a champagne chrome powder was applied to the tips of each nail. If you look too fast, you may miss the subtle design—and that’s what makes it so special.

Molten Chrome

@sugamama_nailz/Instagram

These nails look like they’re dripping molten metal, thanks to 3D gel coated in a high-impact silver chrome powder. To keep the design edgy, the manicurist opted for a coffin shape—which offers the best canvas for extra drama.

Sparkle Barbie

@lolo.nailedit/Instagram

These square-shaped pink nails have metallic, light blue undertones to give the design a two-toned look.

Liquid Gold

@sugamama_nailz/Instagram

Consider this manicure the sister nail to the Molten Chrome look above. It takes the same approach, 3D gel topped with chrome, but a rich gold was used instead of the silver powder.

To determine whether you should go for the gold or chrome mani, consider what jewelry usually looks best on you. The standout metal in your jewelry box should answer your question.

Reflective Tips

@gossipandgloss/Instagram

This high-shine look combines a gold chrome French tip with an iridescent, milky base. Though it could’ve stopped there, the base polish also has glitter in it—which makes it that much more interesting.

Golden Tips

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

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—and since gold functions as a neutral, it’ll go with everything.

Rainbow Foil

@dovenailsbysharon/Instagram

Remember: You are not beholden to simple gold and silver when it comes to metallic nail designs. And this ever-so-colorful manicure is proof of that. The polish itself is metallic, but the foil pattern elevates the nail art to even greater heights.

Bronzed Chome

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

Using a gold chrome over a brown polish creates this stunning bronze effect. Because of its brown hue, this simple set is perfect for folks who have warm undertones.

Negative Space

@ginaedwards_/Instagram

Edwards created this look for herself. It features abstract blobs of silver on a clear base for a simple yet interesting design. You can try hand-painting these designs or opt for metallic nail stickers for an easier go.

Textured Chrome

@nailsbymaki.nyc/Instagram

Textured silver, gold, and copper waves on a sheer nude base create this dynamic manicure. The swipes are different on each nail, which adds another layer of interest and movement.

Thin Lines

@gossipandgloss/Instagram

Thin, metallic polish lines create a negative-space effect that really steals the show. Plus, adding a different color nail with a matte finish makes you do a double-take. It’s brilliant, really.

Down the Middle

@klawsbysonia/Instagram

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. It reads like a super clean and edgy drip.

Sparkly French

@gossipandgloss/Instagram

For a micro French tip with a bit more excitement, finish the look with a super-fine glitter. It allows you to appreciate both the sparkle and the neutral base of the French.

Gold Leaves

@polishedbymckenna/Instagram

This design juxtaposes the shine of a gold chrome leaf design with a matte, milky white base. Keeping the base matte allows the leaves to really stand out.