Chrome, Cat Eye and Ombré: Nail Trends Worth Trying

Chrome, cat eye and ombré have been the three nail trends people keep asking about at both our St Albans and Rolleston salons this year. Here’s what each one actually involves, and how to pick the right one for your nails.

Chrome nails

Chrome is a fine mineral powder buffed over a gel base, giving a mirror-like, almost metallic finish rather than a painted-on shine. It reflects more light than a standard polish or gel, which is why it photographs so well. Chrome works best over a solid, even base coat — it will show through any unevenness underneath, so it suits nails that are already in reasonably good condition rather than nails needing a lot of repair work first.

Cat eye nails

Cat eye uses a magnetic gel polish with tiny metallic particles suspended in it. Before the polish cures, a magnet is held over the nail to pull those particles into a line, creating a narrow band of light that shifts as your hand moves — the same effect as a cat’s eye gemstone. It works particularly well on almond or coffin-shaped nails, where the shape lets the light band curve naturally.

Ombré nails

Ombré blends two or more polish colours from the base of the nail to the tip, so the colour gradually shifts rather than changing abruptly. It’s a softer, more wearable trend than chrome or cat eye, and it grows out more gracefully — because there’s no sharp colour line, regrowth is far less obvious between fills.

Which one should you choose

If you want something that photographs well for an event, chrome gives the most dramatic finish. If you want subtle movement and shine without it being over the top, cat eye is the middle ground. If you want a manicure that grows out cleanly between appointments, ombré is the most forgiving of the three.

Common questions

Do these trends work on natural nails, or do I need extensions?

All three work on natural nails with a gel polish base. Extensions aren’t required, though a longer nail gives more room for the cat eye’s magnetic effect and for a more dramatic ombré blend.

How long does a gel manicure like this last?

Gel manicures generally hold their finish well between fills, though how long depends on your own nail growth and how they’re looked after day to day.

Can I get this done at Rolleston as well as St Albans?

Yes — nail services are available at both our St Albans and Rolleston salons.

What if I don’t know which trend I want?

Bring a photo of anything you’ve seen and liked, or just come in and we’ll talk through what would suit your nail shape and how you look after your hands day to day.