Getty | Christian VierigGetty | Christian Vierig
If you’re not already a fan of mixing your metals when it comes to jewelry, the latest manicure to trend may just change your mind. Mixed-metal nails are taking over social media and will likely be popping up on your “For You” page very soon. And it’s not hard to see why.
The trend has slowly been rising in popularity since 2023, thanks to accessories like the Jacquemus La Pochette Rond Carré becoming the new It-bag. As such, people have been seeking inspiration from the fashion realm and applying it to beauty. One of the most popular videos detailing how to get mixed-metal nails has received over two million views on TikTok and coutning.
“There are so many reasons why it could be trending, but I’m personally drawn to mixed-metal manicures because of the striking visual appeal they offer to any nail look,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec tells PS.
There are a variety of ways you can wear the trend, depending on your personal preferences and style. Ahead, Kandalec explains how to get the manicure, as well as how they differ from your typical chrome nails.
What Are Mixed-Metal Nails?
“Mixed-metal nails combine colors like gold, silver, rose gold, copper, and bronze,” Kandalec says. “The process can involve using regular or metallic gel polishes, chrome powders, and even 3D gel.”
As the name suggests, the combination of different metallic finishes in a single manicure is what sets mixed-metal nails apart from regular chrome, which is another popular reflective nail style. “With this trend, people are intentionally not sticking to one shade,” Kandalec says. “When chrome manicures were first popular, they were all about standalone gold, silver, and rose gold finishes. Now that every color of chrome is available, the mixed-metal trend takes it back to the basics but then mixes things up by using multiple colors.”
How to Get Mixed-Metal Nails
There are a few techniques that you can use to achieve mixed-metal nails. “To get the look, use gel nail polish with chrome powder between layers of non-wipe (also called no-cleanse) gel top coat,” Kandalec says. “It gives you that super shiny, reflective finish that looks like molten metal.”
To get into the nitty-gritty of it all, after applying the gel polish base and curing it, the no-cleanse top coat is applied and cured about 80 percent under the lamp. “At this stage, while the top coat is still warm and not fully cured yet, the chrome pigment should be rubbed onto the top coat. Then, go back and fully cure the top coat,” Kandalec says. After that process, another layer of non-wipe gel polish should be applied to protect and seal the chrome finish. “It’s important to note that using a regular soak-off gel top coat instead of a no-cleanse one will result in spotty chrome,” Kandalec says.”The outcome of the chrome effect will not be reflective.”
Are you ready to open your Pinterest and start pinning all the mixed metal nail inspiration that you can find? Don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and gathered a few of our favorite iterations, ahead.
Mixed Metal Foil Nails
Strategically place gold and silver pieces of foil onto the nail for a gorgeous mixed-metal finish.
Short Mixed-Metal Nails
Mixed-metal nails don’t have to be long to make an impact. Opt for fun, 3D charms and designs on short nails, as seen in this manicure.
Maximalist Mixed-Metal Nails
If mixing metals on your nails makes you want to go all out, we’re here for it. Combine different colors, shapes, and charms for a maximalist design that will be sure to catch a few eyes.
Negative Space Mixed-Metal Nails
Negative-space nails are already fun to look at, but add contrasting gold and silver shades to the mix and you’ll have a manicure that people won’t be able to stop looking at.
Rose Gold Mixed-Metal Nails
Rose gold is an underrated color when it comes to mixed-metal nails. This color combination is just as striking as your traditional gold-and-silver look.
Mixed Metal Nail Art
Your nail art can be the star of your mixed-metal manicure. Opt for a fun stripe design like this one in the ultra-reflective finish for a minimal yet chic version of the trend.
Ariel Baker is the associate editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.
