The Silver Nail Trend Is the Best Accessory This Summer

Two words regularly used to describe the element silver (atomic number 47, melting point 1,763°F, in case you were wondering): soft and lustrous. Now tell me, would you not love to have those very same descriptors apply to anything/everything in your life? “Oh, her skin? It’s so soft and lustrous.” “The light coming through my bedroom window is so soft and lustrous!” “The energy of that nail art: soft and extremely lustrous.”

Skin is complicated, and we often have to take what we can get with natural lighting, so one of these is a little easier to grasp than the others. While silver manicures are nothing new, their popularity has recently up-leveled to a major degree. In a beauty world obsessed with soft glam and major shine, silver manicures have become a foolproof, always-wearable style that captures what we love about both of these trends.

“Silver nails are a timeless choice because they offer a sleek, modern look that can be both understated and bold. The reflective quality of silver polish captures light beautifully, making it a standout choice for any occasion,” explains celebrity nail artist Tina Le. “Silver nails also pair well with various styles, from edgy to elegant. Think of it like jewelry.”

Ahead, the experts help break down why silver nails make the best accessory—and how you can tackle the style yourself.

The Trend

The simple fact of the matter is that silver nails are cool. Just ask one of the trend’s initiators (and a predictor of coolness in general): Megan Fox’s manicurist.

“I’m obsessed with silver chrome nails. They’re so cool, cute, and add a little edge to your outfits. I love them as a solid nail, 3D, and for a chrome tip French,” explains celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce, who’s behind Fox’s looks.

If you’re a little too scared of commitment for permanent jewelry, you might allow a silver manicure to be your favorite temporary-yet-always-around-if-you-so-choose accessory—even if you’re usually a gold person.

“I wear a lot of gold jewelry and don’t like a gold chrome nail. I always go with a silver regardless of what jewelry I wear. It’s cool to mix metals in this way,” adds the artist.

If you need physical proof that the trend is everywhere, look to the iconic silver chrome charm nails Boyce created for Fox or Sarah Jessica Parker’s 2024 Met Gala mani. Hailey Bieber’s silver french manicure is also quite darling, and Dua Lipa is often spotted with silver chrome tips (when she’s not wearing an aura manicure, that is).

How to Get the Look

Whether you’re hoping to simply captures silver’s essence or want your nails to be mistaken for actual metal, there are so many ways to go about your silver nail look. At the salon, simply ask for silver chrome powder buffed onto your silver polish, which will then be top coated and cured.

And if you want to take things a step further? “Silver Chrome for 3D nail art is a must try! It’s great for monochromatic looks like this one and pairs great with other colors,” notes Boyce. “If you’re not able to get to a nail salon or prefer to do your own nails, the color New Year Wishes by Aprés Nail is a high-shine, foil gel glitter and it gives the same reflection as a chrome nail.”

Le also has a brilliant at-home silver nail routine.

“For a flawless silver manicure, start with a smooth base coat (I love the Blue Cross Nail Brightening Basecoat + Nail Concealer) to prevent streaks. Choose a high-quality silver polish with fine shimmer particles for a sleek finish,” she explains. “For a unique twist, you can add a glitter top coat or incorporate silver accents into a nail art design.”