Taraji P. Henson’s Gold Chain Nails Are the Summer Mani of Our Dreams

The BET Awards happened on June 30, and we’re still in awe of all the glam. If you thought host Taraji P Henson’s seven outfit and wig changes weren’t enough, the actor also wore a handful of different press-on nail looks that perfectly matched each outfit. To start the night off, she arrived in a manicure that was practically dripping gold.

“It’s all about the culture from dangles & hoops,” wrote Henson’s manicurist Temeka Jackson on Instagram. “To custom press on nails! Using Aprex Gel-X nails to create multiple nail looks.” For her red-carpet arrival, the 53-year-old matched her custom gold Balmain dress with a molten manicure featuring chain, gemstones, and shimmer details.

We cover a ton of nail looks, and Henson’s was by far one of the boldest and most extravagant manicures we’ve seen yet. Each nail was painted with a metallic gold shade in a different design. For example, her index fingers were detailed with a classic French style using gold polish for the tips, whereas her pointer fingers were accented with chains and gemstones. Every nail, however, was detailed with a chain link that matched the design of her dress.

Jackson crafted Henson’s red carpet nails using all Aprés Nail products, starting with the Gel-X Sculpted Coffin Extra Long Box of Tips to create the long coffin shape. Next, she added the shade Fairy Wings as the base coat of polish and used the Artiste Gel in Metallic Gold to achieve the vibrant gold shade. Before adding in accents, gems, and design work she topped the polish off with the brand’s Non-Wipe Glossy Top Gelcoat.

With each outfit change, there was an equally stunning nail look to follow that felt cohesive with the aesthetic of her look. Seven nail changes in one day feel worthy of a world record in our book.