20 Stunning Chrome Manicure Ideas to Elevate Your May Look

Posted by

Michael

On May 15, 2025

Chrome nails are officially everywhere, and May is the perfect time to get in on the trend. With sunnier days and social calendars picking up (is anyone else craving an Aperol Spritz 24/7 now, or is it just me?), high-shine manicures feel especially right. ICYMI: The futuristic sister of the classic glazed manicure isn’t just silver anymore. Instead, the latest takes are softer and more playful—perfect for the season.

Classic French manicures are getting a shiny refresh with mirrored white tips or full vibrant chrome overlays. There’s also spring fitting pastels like sky blue and pinks that look even sweeter with a reflective finish.

And if you’re into the classic metals of silver and gold, don’t worry, those are definitely still in style, just with a slight seasonal twist. Ahead, 20 chrome nail ideas for May.

Long Icicles

@sansungnails

This iridescent manicure looks just like long icicles, but with a hint of pink to make it pop for summer. It’s timeless and yet still so fun thanks to the long almond nail shape.

Brat Summer

@gossipandgloss

Brat isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle. This vibrant green set brings that fresh energy to your tips in one cool wash.

Tiny Gum Drops

@gossipandgloss

Chrome is perfect for short nails since it makes even the smallest of canvases feel impactful. This purple shade is so dreamy.

Lost in Space

@sansungnails

A manicure that looks like it traveled through space is a unique way to jump on the chrome nail game. This one blends hues of pink, green, and blue all with a silver chrome shade.

Pretty in Pink

@gossipandgloss

It’s spring, of course pink nails are on the menu. This sweet salmon shade would look great on its own but with a chrome twist? Perfection.

Aquamarine

@gossipandgloss

Just add water! This mermaid set gives you all the nostalgia with the way each nail features a slightly different shade from the same color family, creating a seamless ombré effect across your entire hand.

Mixed Metals

@rachelsuenails

Can’t pick between gold and silver? You don’t have to. This French manicure set incorporates a mix of both metals.

Ballerina Slipper

@klawsbysonia

This one is for all the pink pilates princesses out there. Have you ever seen a more darling pink manicure before? I think not.

Crisp White

@klawsbysonia

Whether these are your bridal nails or you simply are someone who can appreciate a good crisp white manicure, this chrome set is so stunning and classic.

Champagne Showers

@klawsbysonia

Pop the bubbly, because this gold French manicure is something to celebrate. This set is perfect if you have a special event or want something that brings an elegant edge.

Licorice

@klawsbysonia

Not a fan of colorful manicures? This licorice nail manicure gives you a bit of whimsy courtesy of the chrome powder, but the dark base keeps it subtle for an understated kind of vibe.

Dandelion

@klawsbysonia

Inject some of that dandelion spirit into your nails by throwing in an exciting pop of yellow via a French tip. You can’t not feel the sunshine when you see these nails.

Pastel Ombré

@klawsbysonia

For a manicure that blends low-key color and turns it into something refined, try out this ombré shade on stiletto tips.

Fairy Dust

@gossipandgloss

Cinderella but if she was Gen Z. This gorgeous manicure takes one of the biggest nail color trends of the season and gives it a boost of energy.

Pearl

@klawsbysonia

A French tip is a can’t-miss manicure but on a milky white chrome base? Next-level.

Rosy Tips

@klawsbysonia

These nails have the most beautiful dusty pink shade that is guaranteed to be a conversation starter whenever people catch a glimpse of your manicure.

Punchy Plum

@gossipandgloss

As you might have seen, everyone is into purple this season. Lean into the punchiness of it all with a bold plum chrome set.

Negative Space

@klawsbysonia

For a minimalist nail design, add a white outline along your smile line instead of a traditional French tip.

Aura Nails

@klawsbysonia

These pink aura nails are the definition of cool girl. And with the addition of gold chrome tiny designs, it’s one you’ll want to bookmark for sure.

Sunrise

gossipandgloss

Why not go all out on color? Summer is near, and using your nail color to manifest beach days and tropical vacations is as good of any place to start.