Chrome nails are trending big-time thanks to Maddy from Euphoria

Chrome nails are trending thanks to Maddy from teen hit show Euphoria showcasing the mani in episode 3 of the second series which is currently streaming on Now TV and Sky Atlantic. In fact, beauty brand Revolution reportedly noticed a 1150% spike in searches for “Chrome Nails” alongside a 100% increase in searches for “metallic violet nail polish” from fans looking to replicate the trend.

In the latest episode, Maddy, played by actress Alexa Demie, is spotted leaning against a locker with a next-level XXL pink and copper chrome mani and fans of the show have gone wild. Natalie Minerva, the nail artist responsible for the looks on the show previously explained to Vogue that Alexa is largely responsible for her role on the show after a chance meeting. “I thought to myself, a Gen Z–based show should have nail art. As I was watching the first season, just by happenstance, Alexa Demie walked into my salon,” Natalie explained. “Alexa was a huge reason for getting me through to the producers, and she played an integral role in me getting the job and pushing the nail art narrative,” Natalie says. “I really value and respect Alexa for not only her creative mind but her tenacity in helping me.”

Like the rest of the beauty looks, each character has a signature aesthetic which plays into the looks Natalie creates. “I really look at the characters as people. We all know a Maddy or a Cassie, so we can pull from what their style, taste, and character are,” she explained. 

Loud, popular and comfortable in the spotlight, a high-shine chrome mani makes sense for Maddy, and those who love her can majorly relate. Which explains why searches for it have skyrocketed with people recreated the look. Of course, this isn’t the first time the Euphoria aesthetic has captured attention. Euphoria makeup is trending and #maddyeuphoria has already racked up over 120.4 million TikTok views on its own.

That said, the trend has been building momentum for some time. Last August, GLAMOUR reported chrome mani’s as the one to watch in our nail trends round-up. “Chrome accents are a huge hit at the moment, especially against a neutral or contrasting base” top celebrity nail manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, told us. “Think French, squiggles, stars, hearts, flames and ombre,” she added.

The good news, is it’s not necessarily that difficult to create a chrome finish. Chrome nails are created by rubbing a powder made of fine metals, glass and pigment over your nail polish, using a soft and spongey eyeshadow brush, until a holographic effect occurs. The powders can come in different colours, or a more neutral silver, in which the colour of the final product will come from the nail varnish painted underneath. The super-shiny effect looks show-stopping when applied as a full manicure, or it can be used on just one or two nails as a feature.

Natalie told Vogue she uses a Chrome nail pen. “Lay one coat of black gel and cure, then a non-wipe top coat and cure that as well. Using the gold chrome stick, rub the stick directly on the nail all over. It will create an instant metallic finish. Dust off any residual dust, add [another] layer of non-wipe top coat, and voilà! Instant glam!”

For more from GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

Here are some of our favourite looks we’ve spotted on Instagram: