Chrome nails ascend: kim truong leads the pastel revolution

The shimmering, metallic manicure dominated runways and red carpets for seasons, but this spring, a softer, more sophisticated take is taking hold. Forget the blinding glare – ‘soft chrome’ is the new cool.

A delicate shift: from dua lipa to becky g

From the glossy nails of Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber to Zendaya’s daring experiments, the high-shine chrome trend has stubbornly persisted. But industry insiders, spearheaded by celebrity nail artist Kim Truong, are signaling a crucial change. Truong, known for her work with Addison Rae, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian, is at the forefront of this quiet evolution, painting the fingertips of some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Take, for instance, Becky G’s recent stage looks. Truong crafted a “sugar chrome starburst” – a meticulously detailed manicure featuring Olive and June's new Chrome Powder Palette set in ‘The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk’ nude gel polish. Tiny celestial jewels and cosmic stars were then delicately applied, transforming each nail into a miniature galaxy.

“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 explains. “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.”

The experts weigh in

Nail educator Sarah Crespo of The GelBottle echoes this sentiment: “Soft chrome offers the best of both worlds: it’s eye-catching while still being understated.” She notes the delicate balance it achieves, adding that “even the most minimal base becomes a statement when you add a delicate chrome finish.” Hannah Taylor, a nail artist whose work has been championed by Hailey Bieber, agrees, highlighting the trend’s enduring appeal: “The reflective finish adds dimension and extreme shine so even the simplest colors feel more luxe and eye-catching.”

Achieving the soft chrome effect

Truong breaks down the process: a sheer or milky base, followed by a light buffing with 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 stresses. “Finish with another top coat to lock in that smooth, glazed sheen.” Crespo recommends shades like Blanc, Marshmallow, or Discrete from The GelBottle, paired with the brand’s Extreme Shine Top Coat, followed by a Rubber Top overlay.

Shape matters

“Soft chrome is incredibly versatile,” Truong emphasizes. “It adapts to almost any nail shape and length – from short natural nails to long sculpted designs. It can be worn as a full set for a cohesive look or as an accent for a more dimensional effect.” Crespo highlights almond, oval, or short square shapes as ideal for showcasing the finish’s reflective quality. “These shapes allow the light-reflective finish to stand out without feeling heavy.” Adding a touch of personality, minimal nail art and micro-details – think tiny flowers or stars – can further elevate the look. Bryony Howell suggests layering pastel shades like Carrie’s Cosmo and Double Denim for a truly spring-inspired manicure.

“There’s a focus on nails that feel clean, healthy, and polished,” Truong concludes. “Because it adds dimension without being distracting. 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.”