Why Glazed Donut Nails Still Dominate Summer Nail Trends
Glazed donut nails have evolved from a viral moment into a modern classic. First popularized when Hailey Bieber stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet in 2022 with milky, sheer nails topped in a soft, icing-like chrome, the look quickly became a benchmark for minimalist yet polished celebrity nail art. Today, the trend’s staying power comes from its adaptability. The glossy manicure technique pairs a translucent or nude base with a light-reflecting chrome powder to create a frosted, luminous finish that flatters every skin tone and nail shape. It reads clean and expensive without being loud, and it layers seamlessly over nearly any shade. As summer nail trends lean toward wearable, everyday styles, glazed donut nails remain the go-to option for anyone who wants shine, dimension, and a subtle, camera-ready glow.
Prep and Shape: The Foundation of the Glazed Donut Look
A flawless glazed donut manicure starts long before the chrome goes on. Begin by cleansing nails thoroughly and gently pushing back cuticles so the base looks neat, not overworked. Lightly buff the surface to remove ridges and ensure better adhesion—this is key to the ultra-smooth, glassy look. Current summer nail trends favor more natural silhouettes, so consider choosing a shorter rounded or soft squoval shape for an effortless, everyday feel. If you want something more elevated, you can keep a longer almond or modern coffin shape, which adds drama while still complementing the soft glaze. File in one direction to avoid splitting, then wipe nails with cleanser to remove dust and oils. A thin layer of clear base coat seals in your prep and sets the stage for the sheer, luminous color that defines glazed donut nails.
Apply the Sheer Base: Channeling Hailey Bieber’s Signature Nude
To mirror the Hailey Bieber-approved version of glazed donut nails, focus on a soft, translucent base. Celebrity nail artist and OPI global ambassador Zola Ganzorigt originally created the look using a sheer white gel shade to achieve that milky, icing-like undertone. For a wearable summer spin, reach for a nude or off-white gel that offers coverage while still letting the natural nail peek through. Shades similar to a creamy nude or a sheer soft white work beautifully. Apply in thin, even coats, curing between layers if you are using gel. The aim is a smooth, streak-free veil of color that looks like your nails but elevated, not opaque. This subtle base will interact with the chrome on top, creating the dimensional depth that makes glazed donut nails appear lit from within rather than simply metallic.
Add the Chrome: Zola Ganzorigt’s Glazed Donut Technique
The magic of glazed donut nails lies in the chrome application, which creates the eye-catching, dewy sheen. Ganzorigt’s go-to method is to layer a chrome powder over cured gel color, then seal everything with a glossy top coat. After your base shade is cured and slightly tacky or topped with a non-wipe top coat and cured, use a sponge applicator or fingertip to gently rub a fine chrome powder over each nail until the surface looks smooth and reflective. For a classic, neutral glaze, opt for a soft, silvery chrome that mimics sugar icing. To explore moodier summer options, try a blue-gold chrome for a cool, oceanic glow. Once the chrome is fully buffed in, dust off any excess and lock it in with a high-shine top coat, capping the free edge to prevent premature chipping.
Customize Your Summer Glaze: Shades, Shapes, and Longevity Tips
With the core technique mastered, you can customize your glazed donut nails to match any summer aesthetic. Prefer understated elegance? Pair a nude gel base with a soft chrome glaze for a barely-there, “your nails but glowier” finish that works from desk to date night. Want a bolder take on summer nail trends? Layer chrome over deeper shades—think smoky nudes or muted blues—to create moody, dimensional color that still reflects light beautifully. Stick with shorter rounded or soft squoval nails for easy everyday wear, or lean into longer almond shapes for a more editorial feel. To maintain that mirror-like shine, reapply a thin layer of glossy top coat every few days and keep nails and cuticles hydrated with oil. This preserves both the chrome effect and the smooth, donut-icing finish.