If you’ve spent any time scrolling TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen a glimmering new manicure lighting up your feed — one so glossy, so iridescent, it practically needs its own pair of sunglasses. Meet aurora nails: the latest nail trend that captures the glow of the Northern Lights in manicure form.
🌌 What Are Aurora Nails?
Aurora nails are a multidimensional, iridescent nail design that glows with a rainbow-like sheen — hence the name. According to manicurist Ami Streets, this trending style is all about the high-shine, ethereal glow that shifts colors depending on the angle, mimicking the Aurora Borealis.
While they might look similar to chrome or glazed doughnut nails, aurora nails push the reflective trend even further. As celebrity nail artist Loi Lien explains, “The base can be any shade, but the magic is in the iridescent chrome finish layered on top.” Think soap bubble meets holographic dream.
✨ Why Everyone’s Obsessed
Aside from being mesmerizing to look at, aurora nails are tailor-made for summer. Their light-catching finish looks stunning in natural light, giving you a high-impact look with minimal effort. Whether you’re at the beach, brunch, or a festival, they’ll gleam with every move.
💅 How to Get the Look
Salon Method:
- Nail artists use chrome powders or Mylar film to achieve the signature reflective shine.
- Mylar is a flexible, reflective material that can show off up to three different colors at once depending on how the light hits.
- The full process takes 1–2 hours, but the results are ultra-glossy, ultra-durable, and totally worth it.
At-Home Hack:
Not ready for a salon visit? Try layering iridescent or pearlescent top coats over your favorite base color.
Top Picks:
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Special Effects Top Coat – $12.99
- OPI Glazed N’ Amused – $11.99
- Le Mini Macaron Le Sweet Nail Polish Top Coat – $10
💖 Inspo You’ll Love
Here are some favorite aurora nail looks to spark your next mani idea:
- Soap Shine: Glistening rainbow hues like shimmering bath bubbles.
- Grape Pop: A playful purple base with glowing undertones.
- Pearl Shimmer: Subtle, glazed elegance for everyday wear.
- Rainbow Scale: A technicolor dream using every shade imaginable.
- Holographic Sheen: Soft opalescence that changes with every glance.
- Metallic Details: Minimal base + fine chrome art = high fashion.
Whether you’re going for subtle shimmer or full-spectrum shine, aurora nails are the perfect upgrade for your summer nail game. Get ready to glow.
