20 Short Chrome Nail Ideas For a Gorgeous, Glazed Manicure (2024)

20 Short Chrome Nail Ideas For a Gorgeous, Glazed Manicure (1)

We'll always have an affinity for long nails, but short nails have officially stolen the spotlight. We're seeing more and more short manis on our feed—and contrary to popular belief, short nails can do it all. Trendy designs and finishes look just as eye-catching on a shorter canvas—especially chrome. To prove it, we rounded up over 20 short chrome nail looks that are simple and sophisticated. See all of the metallic manicure ideas below.

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Green Chrome Nails

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Green nails totally give off Wicked vibes. For a similar look, try the Pacifica Plant Magic Polish in the shade Green Goddess ($10).

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Rainbow Chrome Baby French Nails

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Leave it to celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein to create the most stunning chrome baby French mani. To achieve this look, she started by creating the micro French tips using black nail polish. She then applied a different-colored chrome powder to each tip. To complete the look, she sealed everything in with the CND Shellac No-Wipe Top Coat ($16).

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Chrome Skittle Nails

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Create a statement-making short chrome mani by swiping a different reflective color onto each nail. To create a similar gradient manicure, select five metallic rainbow shades and paint them on accordingly.

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White Chrome Square Nails

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Searching for a pretty bachelorette, wedding, or honeymoon nail look? You can't go wrong with this short, square chrome manicure. While it looks white in the right light, it's actually an ultra-pale pink—specifically, Ella + Mila's Nail Polish ($7) in Stuck On You.

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Chrome Sticker Nails

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A classic glazed donut manicure is gorgeous on its own, but you can elevate it with chrome decals. The fun silver designs add a playful touch to the sophisticated manicure.

Chrome Pastel Nails

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These pastel chrome French tips have a bubbly, cheerful allure we can't help but love. To create crisp and colorful French tips at home, make it easy on yourself with the Orly Half Moon Guides ($7).

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Chrome Checker Nails

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Checkerboard nails can be interpreted in many ways and look incredibly cool when paired with chrome. To create this look at home, use nail tape to create crisp lines and a fine-lining nail art brush to achieve your chrome and white pattern.

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Gold Chrome French Tips

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A gold manicure always feels very luxe. To copy this elegant French style, grab a bottle of the CND Vinylux Nail Polish ($10) in Brass Button.

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Iridescent Glazed Chrome Nails

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For those who love a minimal mani, this simple chrome nail look is an ideal choice. The sheen on each nail is subtle, but still eye-catching. You can get this look using the Nails-Luxe Iridescent Chrome Palette ($23).

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Iridescent Blue Chrome Nails

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There's something majestic about this mani. The rich blue tones and gold detailing give this look an artistic edge.

Mixed Metals Chrome Nails

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ICYMI: Mixing metals is totally okay—it can actually be quite stylish. Take this silver and gold chrome French manicure, for example. The gold baby French tips and sparkly silver base are the perfect pair.

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Iridescent Peach Chrome Nails

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For an everyday short chrome nail look, opt for a peachy-nude color. You can achieve the neutral sheen finish with the Icegel Sunset Glow Powder Set ($48).

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Pearl Chrome Nails

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3D nails are trending on social media, so if you're looking for a short chrome nail look with a major "wow" factor, consider this one. You can create the iridescent crystal accents with a set like the Belleboost Crystal Nail Art Rhinestones Kit($10).

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Cobalt Blue and Magenta Chrome Nails

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Why choose one chrome color when you can have two? This short mani pairs cobalt blue with a vibrant magenta. The sparkly sheen finish makes this an unforgettable, colorful nail look.

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Powder Blue Chrome Nails

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For a subtle, short chrome nail look, consider a powder blue hue. Get a similar look at home with CND Shellac ($16) in Creekside and Nails-Luxe Pearl Glaze Powder (found in the Glamour Chrome Palette, $23).

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Subtle White Chrome Nails

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A sparkly, white manicure is simple and chic. For a more true-white short chrome nail look, start with a white base and top it off with chrome powder. It's a super easy look to achieve at home.

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Dewdrop Chrome Nails

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Enhance your pearlescent manicure with 3D accents. With this look, the dewdrop designs make the look stand out even more.

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Marble Chrome Nails

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This mani combines two ultra-cool nail trends—marble and chrome. The swirly silver nail look is mesmerizing and magical.

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Simple Chrome Nails

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When we think of chrome manicures, a simple pearlescent manicure (like this one) comes to mind. The beauty of this high-shine, shimmery nail look is that it works for every occasion.

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Peach Fuzz Chrome Nails

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"Peach fuzz" is the Pantone color of the year, so it's only right to sport the shade on your nails. This soft peach manicure is absolutely stunning.

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Maximalist Chrome Nails

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Lean into a maximalist vibe with this short chrome manicure. This mismatched look features edgy nail art on each nail—from gorgeous pearls to silver chrome stars.