"Fire Chrome" Is the New Way to Wear Red Nails

A classic red manicure is a beauty look you simply can’t go wrong with. Like a perfect blowout, red nails make you instantly look and feel put together. They go with anything and everything and work for every occasion. But let’s be real: With all the amazing nail art options out there these days, sometimes you simply want to take it up a notch. That’s where fire chrome nails come in. 

Ahead, everything you need to know about the trend, plus how to get the look.

The Trend

“The trend really centers around taking beloved colors and ‘chroming’ them,” says Lia Smith, OPI North America Brand Education Manager. “Red chrome is like fire engine, candy apple and red satin all in one. Chrome is a look that trends in cycles and today we are having a chrome moment. It’s trending because it’s beautiful. Super shiny with a chrome luster is a vibrant, versatile look.” 

Another reason fire chrome nails are everywhere is thanks to two celebs who certainly know how to spark beauty trends: Selena Gomez and Megan Fox, who have both recently worn renditions of the metallic mani.

Not to mention, it’s the ideal look to switch up the seasons. “Red is the perfect summer to fall transition color and trends year after year around this time,” says Mabelyn Alva, Paintbox Creative Director. “Adding a chrome effect like this fire chrome manicure gives an ultra shiny, metallic look.” 

Just like a classic red mani, it’s about finding the right red that works for your skin tone. “I love how the chrome brings out the red and orange tones with its super shiny finish,” Alva says. 

That’s what makes fire chrome nails an easy mani update. “A well applied chrome is a definite nail look upgrade,” Smith says. “Its high-shine, almost mirror-like surface gives a vibrant, attractive look to any mani.” 

How To Get Fire Chrome Nails

Fire chrome nails may look complex, but DIYing is surprisingly doable! “Chrome is best applied with gel color,” Smith says. Follow her tips:

Step 1: “Always starting with proper nail prep. Apply OPI Stay Strong Gel Base Coat and cure,” she says.

Step 2: Apply your gel color of choice, such as OPI Big Apple Red, and cure.

Step 3: Apply one coat of no-wipe top coat and cure.

Step 4: Using a gloved finger, makeup applicator or silicone applicator tool, apply a chrome powder of choice (such as OPI Tin Man Can or Gold Digger), covering the surface of the nail. Lightly dust off excess powder and using one of the tools above or a dry lint-free wipe, burnish and polish to a high shine.

Step 5: Apply one to two coats of OPI Stay Shiny Gel Top Coat.

Not in the mood for gel? We’ve got a quickie how-to with regular nail polish. “This look can be recreated at home by applying black polish and a topcoat,” Alva says. “Once it's dry, rub in bright red shimmery eyeshadow, then apply a topcoat again.”