The Metallic Nails Trend Is About to Take Over—13 Designs We Love For Winter

The end of the year is fast approaching, but the emerging nail trends show no signs of slowing down. 2023 has truly been the year that nails have dominated the beauty scene with trends to cater to every taste; milky hues, dark French tips, Barbiecore nail art, and more. And for winter, it’s metallic nails that look set to be everywhere.

"Metallic nails are super versatile and a great way to add interest to a manicure. Effects can vary from pearlized colours, subtle shimmers, glazed shades or mirror-like chromes, depending on how much of a statement you want to make,” explains session manicurist Ami Streets

And while metallics might sound like something classically associated with party season, they’re actually surprisingly versatile. "I love a high-shine metallic finish in classic silver or gold in minimal nail art designs,” says Streets. "Half moon manis, French tips, or even a barely-there dot means metallic nails can actually be understated enough to wear everyday.” Basically, metallic nails aren’t just for party season.

Ahead, all of the metallic nail inspiration you need for your next salon appointment. Plus, our favourite metallic nail colours to try the trend at home.

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(Image credit: @abrowngirlrecommends)

Metallic Nail Inspiration:

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(Image credit: @abrowngirlrecommends)

The nail artist behind this eye-catching look used a sage-coloured chrome powder to create this chic matcha-inspired mani.

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(Image credit: @overglowedit)

This cherry-red shade is everywhere right now, and looks just as great in a metallic finish.

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(Image credit: @nailsbymh)

Possibly the coolest way take on the metallic nail trend that I've seen—I'm obsessed with the vibrant colour, the French tips and the star detailing. 

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(Image credit: @nailsbymh)

Metallics lend themselves to fun nail art, and this psychedelic, '70s-inspired design is wonderfully playful.

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(Image credit: @tombachik)

Charlize Theron's metallic silver nails turned heads at Paris Fashion Week with their high-shine finish. 

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Streets told me that one her favourite things about the metallic nail trend is the way that it can "add interest and texture to your polish" as this multi-dimensional look demonstrates.

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(Image credit: @nailsbymh)

Dua Lipa's disco ball-inspired nails from her 'Dance The Night' music video are totally party-ready.

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(Image credit: @nailsbyzola)

These metallic Barbie pink French tips are absolute perfection. 

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Metallic nails don't always have to be bright, this deep navy imbued with shimmer creates a sophisticated, galaxy-inspired manicure. 

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(Image credit: @thehotblend)

If you're a minimalist when it comes to nail art then silver French tips are a pleasingly subtle way to experiment with the metallic nail trend. 

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(Image credit: @nailsbymh)

For a more impactful take on the trend, try your favourite nail colour in an all-over metallic finish. This powdery pink has been making waves for 2023 and looks great in a chrome texture. 

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Brown nails are very much the colour of the moment, and this deep chocolate shade has a subtle shimmer running through it for a metallic edge. 

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

Micro French tips are one of my favourite takes on minimalist nail art, and these molten gold metallic ones are up there on my wish list.

Give Yourself a Metallic Mani at Home:

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Mica Ricketts

Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor to Who What Wear UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked at Who What Wear UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.