Now that minimalist manicures are making a comeback, so are high-shine variations on the trend like glass nails.
If the super-shiny aesthetic seems familiar, thatâs because it probably is: Not only is it all over TikTok, but the now-trending manicure is a new-and-improved take on previous years’ biggest celebrity-approved nail trends. This time, however, Kylie Jenner serves as the blueprint; not Hailey Bieber.
âGlass nails, which are the latest must-try trend in nail art, are the 2024 edition of âglazed donutâ nails,â Juli Russell, DIY Nail Expert for Sally Beauty, tells Glamour. âTheyâre effortless, chic, and low-maintenance, and because of the natural nail base, grow-out is less noticeable.â And now that Kylie Jenner has posted a TikTok featuring her own glass manicure, NailTok is clamoring to recreate her look. (And doing a pretty good job.)
For those who have yet to see or attempt to DIY Jennerâs original mani, glass nails feature a glossy, chrome powder-created finish that strongly resembles âextremely shinyâ glass, making an even shinier, sleeker, and quiet-luxury coded take on the glazed donut mani.
“By applying a white metallic chrome powder over your natural nail color, you achieve a super reflective, glass-like effect that’s both modern and elegant,â says Russell.
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âThis sleek, high-shine finish catches the light beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to any look,â Russell continues, adding that glass nails are perfect for anyone seeking a subtle yet striking upgrade to their manicure.
But thatâs not even the best part! Despite seeming so luxurious and complicated, glass nails are actually shockingly easy to DIY at homeâboth with regular nail lacquer and gel polish, depending on your preference.
To DIY glass nail with traditional nail lacquer, Russell recommends starting with a base coat such as Nail Essentials by ASP: Artificial in a Flash. âThis will protect your natural nails and help your manicure last as long as possible,â she says.
âNext youâll need a âyour-nails-but-betterâ semi-sheer shade of polish,â Russell continues. âOne of my go-tos is Kokie Professional Nail Polish Blossom. Depending on the coverage you prefer, apply one two to coats of polish.â Allow for each layer to dry, which usually takes somewhere from five to 10 minutes.
Once youâve mastered your barely there base, itâs time for the glass magic effect. âTo get the look, youâll need a sheer metallic polish to use as a topper,â says Russell.
Her suggestion? “OPI Happy Anniversary Nail Lacquer has a subtle shimmer and gorgeous reflective finish just like glass,â she says. âDonât forget to finish with an additional coat of extra glossy top coat, like Nailbooâs Max Gloss Top Coat to totally amp up the shine!â
Prefer gel polish? Youâre in luck: âThe gel method uses white metallic chrome powder to achieve the glass-effect,â says Russell. âThe special pigmentation in chrome powder creates a smooth, extremely shiny and reflective surfaces when smoothed and buffed out.â