Chrome nails get a soft update: kim truong leads the pastel trend
The shimmering, high-gloss chrome manicure of recent seasons is yielding to a more subtle, sophisticated aesthetic: soft chrome. From celebrity manicurist Kim Truong to rising stars like Becky G, the look is dominating runways and red carpets.
A delicate shift in shine
Forget the blinding brilliance of Dua Lipa’s or Hailey Bieber’s signature chrome. This spring and summer, the emphasis is on a muted, almost ethereal sheen. Designers and nail artists alike are embracing a ‘quiet luxury’ approach, opting for nudes, baby pinks, and pastel shades layered with a barely-there chrome effect.
Kim Truong, known for her work with Addison Rae, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian, is at the forefront of this trend. Her recent work on Becky G’s stage looks – described as “sugar chrome starbursts” – exemplifies the shift. Using Olive and June’s new Chrome Powder Palette, Truong created a base with The Queen Takes Her Tea With Milk gel polish and then delicately dusted the nails with celestial jewels and cosmic stars.
The truong technique: a layered approach
“I think soft chrome is having a moment because it feels like a natural evolution of the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic we’ve been seeing,” Truong explains. “Clients still want something elevated and reflective, but not overly bold or metallic. These softer nudes, baby pinks, and pastels with a chrome finish give that same light-catching effect, but in a way that feels more wearable and effortless—especially for spring and summer.”
Nail artist Hannah Taylor, who credits Hailey Bieber with popularizing the original look, notes the trend’s enduring appeal. “It’s about adding dimension without being distracting,” she says. “The reflective finish adds depth and extreme shine so even the simplest colors feel more luxe and eye-catching.”
Beyond the shine: a balanced aesthetic
Sarah Crespo, Head of Education for The GelBottle, agrees. “Soft chrome offers the best of both worlds: it’s eye-catching while still being understated,” she states. “As trends continue to move toward softer, more natural aesthetics, chrome adds just enough edge to make a look feel intentional rather than plain. Even the most minimal base becomes a statement when you add a delicate chrome finish.”
Looking ahead: lighter tones and minimalist detail
Truong is already seeing a shift toward lighter and more understated tones, like sheer nudes, milky whites, and soft pinks. “There’s a focus on nails that feel clean, healthy, and polished,” she adds. “It’s about a subtle sophistication—a look that’s ‘put together’ without trying too hard.”
The key to achieving this effect, Truong reveals, is starting with a sheer or milky base and lightly buffing in a softer, more diffused chrome powder after sealing with a no-wipe top coat. “The GelBottle shades like Blanc, Marshmallow, or Discrete, paired with the brand’s Extreme Shine Top Coat, work beautifully,” she recommends. “Finish with another top coat to lock in that smooth, glazed sheen.”
Shape matters: almonds and modern silhouettes
The versatility of soft chrome extends to nail shapes. “Whether it’s a short natural nail, a soft almond, or a long sculpted shape, the finish adapts to the style,” Truong confirms. “It can be worn as a full set for a clean, cohesive look or as an accent for something more dimensional.” Crespo highlights that the trend truly shines on almond, oval, or short square silhouettes, allowing the reflective finish to stand out without feeling heavy.
Bryony Howell suggests layering pastels with the glazed look, citing Carrie’s Cosmo and Double Denim as client favorites. “The brighter days are coming, so now’s the time to spring forward into your soft chrome nails era.”