Bold Ways To Rock A Red Chrome Manicure

Since 2023 the trendy chrome nail look as been everywhere and for good reason: Not only it is fun, it has a really cool futuristic vibe to it. In summer 2024, everyone's favorite pint size pop singer Sabrina Carpenter made white chrome nails her go-to manicure and inspired others to follow suit. But now as the weather gets chillier and the days get shorter, it's time to take chrome several shades darker to fit the sultry mood of the season. Enter: the red chrome manicure.

"Red chrome is like fire engine, candy apple and red satin all in one," OPI North America Brand Education Manager Lia Smith tells Byrdie. "Chrome is a look that trends in cycles and today we are having a chrome moment. It's trending because it's beautiful. Super shiny with a chrome luster is a vibrant, versatile look."

Whether you're looking for a mani that's going to wow at this year's holiday parties or you just want to get in on this chrome trend before it fades, there's more than one way to rock a red chrome manicure. Each variation of it is bold and totally stunning. 

While there is certainly a boatload of ways to embrace red chrome, because the shade is so lush and rich, sometimes sticking to a classic manicure is best. Almond shaped tips add elegance that make the glossy sheen stand out. When a look is so epically striking on its own, it begs the question: Why mess with a good thing? Answer: You shouldn't. 

Thanks to TikToker Jools Lebron, not only did the word demure make its way into our vocabulary like never before, it also set off major trends in the fashion world — especially when it came to cutesy, demure nails. While red chrome serves up some intense energy like something a villain would wear in a movie, when used to highlight strawberries, hearts, and other sweet-as-can-be motifs, it ushers in a demure vibe. 

Although the history of the accent nail comes from women wanting to use another color to show off their engagement or wedding rings, these days the accent nail is just a fun way to spice things up. Considering the undeniable potency of red chrome nails, any color will work for your accent nail — it just depends on the energy you're trying to showcase.

If you're big into the holidays and want your manicure to match that Christmas spirit, but not go all out, then that's where a red chrome mani with a red chrome Santa's hat as a French tip does the trick. It shows you're excited for the holidays, but you still want to keep things sophisticated and chic.

What's so great about the ombré trend is that it's not going anywhere. In 2023, ombré lip gloss nails really took off and now that we're into chrome looks, we can take them to ombré heights too. It's the ideal way to rock red chrome while adding a little extra pizazz to the equation.

The coquette look hasn't just been everywhere, but appears to have become a lifestyle for some. From people adorning their hair and clothes with bows and even bringing the coquette trend to their tattoo choices, it's something that's hard to ignore. If you love coquette themes, but aren't willing to go the permanent route with tattoos, then opting for bows on your nails is the next best thing. Also, when done in red chrome, the bows get a bit of an edgy look to them.

You don't have to be a cat person to love a cat eye manicure in red chrome. If done correctly, your manicure will look more like a piece of the universe was cut from the sky and pasted on your nail, and less like a cat's eye, giving it a super intergalactic feel to it.

French manicures have come such a long way and it's a gorgeous evolution to witness. If you want in on the red chrome look, but a classic manicure seems like too much red for you, then opting for just having the tips done is your best bet. If you want to dress up your French manicure because you have a special occasion or just because you need a little something extra, talk to your nail technician about 3D nail charms that will easily elevate the whole manicure.