Tracee Ellis Ross’ “Midnight Rainbow Nails” Are an Edgy Twist on the Chrome Trend

Fashion muse, beauty founder, and the ultimate multi-hyphenate, Tracee Ellis Ross, is Byrdie’s latest cover star. Of course, Ross brought her signature maximalist style and sartorial prowess to the photoshoot, which featured colorful ’80s-inspired makeup, cozy fall knits, and an edgy rainbow manicure.

No matter how you were acquainted with Ross—maybe through watching Black-ish, using her Pattern Beauty haircare, or through her mom, Diana Ross—her bubbly energy and general lust for life pops through the screen. That’s not even mentioning her iconic cool style that shuffles through of-the-moment brands like Loewe, Jonathon Anderson, and Dries van Noten.

For the photoshoot, Ross transforms into each look with ease, posing in some of fall’s biggest makeup trends, including spider-leg lashes, cloud skin, and frosty blue eyeshadow courtesy of makeup artist Romy Soleimani. On hair was Chuck Amos, who crafted Ross’ voluminous curls, slick just-walked-out-of-the-ocean hair, and cutesy pigtails. Trending fall textures and tones like supple leathers and cobalt blues were in the mix of chic looks Ross was styled in.

Her nails were crafted by manicurist Zola Ganzorigt, who was inspired to create the colorful chrome design after being on set. “We originally had a different idea. After we saw the outfits and glam, we decided to go with this moody metallic nail look,” she told Byrdie. The long coffin-shaped nails have a black base (Ganzorigt used OPI’s Black Onyx) which allows the metallic finish to shine even brighter. The result? A dual-chrome mirror reflection that has pops of greens, pinks, and blues. Ganzorigt said she used “different colors of chrome powder to create the rainbow-like effect.”

“Midnight rainbow would be the perfect description of the nail,” Ganzorigt said. Since the manicure doesn’t have hand-painted details or ornate details, getting the look at home doesn’t require salon-level technique. “If you’re familiar with glazed donut nails, it pretty similar process,” said Ganzorigt. “Just use different chrome powders instead of a pearly white one.”

Start by shaping your nails and doing your usual nail prep. Then, layer on a coat of black polish and top with colorful chromes of your choice. Finish the look by adding a glossy top coat.