What Are Glass Nails?

The subtle form of nail art is most commonly applied to gel nails vs. natural nails. The style is “a combo of a great nude manicure and the very popular glazed donut nail trend,” McCullough explains. “It’s the shiniest of shiny nails.”

Christina Kao, co-founder of LE MINI MACARON at-home gel manis, adds that “glass nail manicures are a glossy, translucent finish on nails that gives a polished, demure look with a little edge.”

Behind the Glass Nails Trend

Does everything come back to Hailey Bieber? While we can’t say for sure, we’ll give credit where credit is due. The RHODE founder has definitely impacted the beauty space when it comes to beautiful nails and makeup trends. “After Hailey Bieber wore a nude nail with a chrome finish, the trend ‘glazed donut’ came about,” McCullough says. “Glass nails are now a step above that trend.” 

There are many variations of the trend—and just the other day, in fact, Megan Thee Stallion sported her own version. It’s a stark (yet equally welcome) contrast from Bieber’s take on the typically tame trend.

How to Get Glass Nails

By the use of sheer polishes (often in pastel or neutral shades), combined with reflective powders, you can enhance the glass-like effect—as evidenced in LE MINI MACARON’s TikTok tutorial. “This is becoming more of a mass trend because it’s both eye-catching and neutral with any look,” Kao shares. 

To easily achieve the above look from home, Kao suggests the products featured in the clip: LE MINI MACARON Blush Gel Polish for the base, LE MINI MACARON Gel Manicure Kit for curing, and LE MINI MACARON Pearl Shimmer Liquid Nail Powder to offer the glass-like finish.

If you opt for a salon service, or a more intricate DIY experience, we’ve got tips for you below.

1. Make Sure Your Nails Are Freshly Manicured

Any time you embark on a fresh nail design, you want to ensure you have a clean slate for the look to appear its smoothest and sleekest. “You should have a meticulous manicure with a clean cuticle line,” advises McCullough. 

2. Apply Your Polishes

McCullough suggests starting with a base coat, followed by a sheer to nude. If you opt for a gel finish, she uses the CND - SHELLAC Beau shade “because it has a very sheer hint of pink with a subtle shimmer.” If you’re going for air-dry polish, we’re personally fans of the ADESSE NEW YORK Brightening Base Coat, followed by the PRETTY WOMAN Nail Polish in the shade Nude or Nothing.

3. Apply Your Chrome

As you lead up to your chrome application process (intended for gel use), you’ll want to apply a no-wipe top coat. This ensures there’s no stickiness with the chrome. McCullough recommends the CND - SHELLAC No Wipe Top Coat. Then, apply a burnish chrome powder to each nail (McCullough recommends OPI Tin Man Can). 

4. Apply Builder Gel (If You Have It)

McCullough opts for this next step because of chrome powder’s reflective nature. “With glass nails, we don’t necessarily want the reflection, but rather a high gloss look,” she says. “Layering will achieve that look.”

5. Apply a Shiny Top Coat

Once the nails are properly shaped and the other steps are complete, you’ll want to apply your favorite glossy finish. You can never go wrong with the signature OPI Top Coat. “The combination of the chrome under the gel with the shiny top coat will give you a gorgeous glass-like finish that is sophisticated, neutral, and eye-catching,” McCullough raves. “That’s a win-win!”