Alright, let’s cut to the chase—you’ve definitely seen glazed donut nails by now. They’re shiny, shimmery, and look like someone dipped your nails in a frosted glaze straight off a Krispy Kreme donut. Yum.
The trend went viral after Hailey Bieber’s iconic 2022 Met Gala look, and since then, the internet hasn’t stopped drooling (pun intended) over it. I’ll admit, when I first saw the name “glazed donut nails,” I thought it sounded kinda weird. Like, who wants dessert nails? But then I saw them IRL, and oh boy, I got it. They’re chic, classy, and surprisingly versatile.
So let’s talk about why these nails are such a big deal, how you can get them, and whether they’re actually worth the hype (spoiler: I think so).
What Exactly Are Glazed Donut Nails?
Think of them as the love child of a nude manicure and pearly chrome powder. They’re simple, but with that extra glow that makes your nails look polished and expensive.
Base color: Usually a sheer nude, pink, or white.
Top layer: An iridescent chrome or pearl powder that gives that “glazed” effect.
Final vibe: Shiny, glossy, and deliciously minimal.
Ever wondered why they went viral? Because they’re basically the “clean girl aesthetic” in nail form—low-key but still high-impact.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Them
I’ll be honest—glazed donut nails aren’t groundbreaking in terms of technique. But the hype comes from how wearable and Instagrammable they are.
Here’s why they hit so hard:
They match everything. Seriously, you could wear a neon dress or a beige hoodie, and they’d still work.
They look luxe. That chrome sheen makes your hands look like you just left a $200 mani appointment (even if you didn’t).
They’re celeb-approved. Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Vanessa Hudgens—you name it, they’ve worn them.
They scream subtle glam. Perfect if you don’t want in-your-face nail art but still want something extra.
Have you ever looked down at your nails and thought, “Dang, I look put together”? That’s the glazed donut effect.
The History Behind the Hype
This might sound dramatic, but glazed donut nails were the manicure that redefined minimalism. Before them, nude nails were… well, kinda boring.
Then Hailey Bieber’s nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, sprinkled a little chrome powder magic, and boom—the internet exploded. TikTok tutorials, Instagram reels, Pinterest inspo boards—you couldn’t escape them.
Fun fact: the trend even sparked seasonal variations like:
Pumpkin glazed donut nails for fall (warm, cinnamon-y tones).
Strawberry glazed nails (soft pink chrome, super girly).
Holiday glazed nails (frosty silver-white for December).
Basically, it’s not just a trend; it’s a manicure movement.
How to Get Glazed Donut Nails at the Salon
Wanna walk into your nail salon and not get blank stares? Here’s what to ask for:
Start with a neutral base. Light nude, soft pink, or milky white works best.
Request chrome powder. Tell your tech you want a pearl/chrome finish layered on top.
Keep it glossy. Seal it with a high-shine top coat for that donut glaze vibe.
Pro tip: Show them a photo. Nail techs love visuals, and “glazed donut nails” can mean slightly different things to different people.
DIY Glazed Donut Nails at Home
Not all of us can hit the salon every week (trust me, my bank account feels that). The good news? You can totally recreate the look at home.
What You’ll Need
A sheer nude, pink, or white base polish
A chrome or pearl nail powder (often called “pearl chrome”)
A no-wipe gel top coat (key for applying the powder)
A UV or LED lamp
Steps
Apply your base color and cure it under the lamp.
Apply a no-wipe top coat and cure.
Rub in the chrome powder with a sponge applicator.
Seal with another layer of top coat.
Stare at your nails for at least 10 minutes because they look so good.
Sure, it takes a little practice, but once you nail it (pun intended), you’ll feel like your own nail tech.
Variations on the Classic Glaze
Here’s where it gets fun. The original glazed donut nails are neutral, but the trend has evolved into a whole dessert menu of options.
Strawberry Glaze: Pink base + pearl powder = soft, girly vibes.
Chocolate Glaze: Deep brown base with iridescent sheen = bold but classy.
Pumpkin Spice Glaze: Warm orange tones with subtle shimmer.
Frosted Holiday Glaze: White or silver base with chrome = total snow-queen aesthetic.
Rainbow Glaze: Multicolor chrome powders blended together for a holographic effect.
Who knew your nails could be as customizable as your Starbucks order?
Best Polishes & Powders to Try
Okay, let’s get practical. If you’re DIY-ing, you’ll need the right products. These are some fan favorites (and a few I’ve personally tried):
OPI Funny Bunny – the go-to sheer white base.
OPI Bubble Bath – perfect pinky nude.
Born Pretty Pearl Powder – affordable and gives the perfect sheen.
Daily Charme Unicorn Chrome – a little pricier but stunning.
IMO, it’s worth investing in a good powder. A bad one can make your nails look more dusty than glazed, and nobody wants “powdered sugar accident” nails.
Styling Your Glazed Donut Nails
Now, let’s talk about making your nails pop even more.
Jewelry stacking: Silver and gold rings look chef’s kiss with the glossy shine.
Seasonal outfits: Light pastel nails for spring, warm glazes for fall.
Event ready: They’re subtle enough for work but chic enough for a wedding.
Ever noticed how the right nails make you gesture more with your hands? Yeah, guilty. 🙂
Are Glazed Donut Nails Worth the Hype?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: they’re the perfect balance of minimal and glam.
Here’s the thing—nail trends come and go. (Remember crackle polish? Yikes.) But glazed donut nails feel timeless. They’re versatile, flattering on all skin tones, and easy to customize.
The only downside? Once you start, you’ll probably never want plain polish again.
Tips to Keep Them Looking Fresh
Because nothing kills the vibe faster than chipped nails.
Moisturize daily. Shiny nails + dry cuticles = nope.
Reapply top coat every few days. Keeps the glaze strong.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Cleaning products will ruin your shine.
Go for gel if possible. Lasts way longer than regular polish.
Take care of them, and your glaze will stay as sweet as day one.
Conclusion
So there you have it—glazed donut nails, the viral manicure that’s basically dessert for your hands. They’re shiny, chic, and ridiculously photogenic.
Whether you get them at the salon or DIY at home, they’re one of those trends that actually live up to the hype. IMO, they’re the perfect combo of simple and stunning.
So, next time you’re booking your manicure, maybe skip the neon green and try the glaze. Who knows? You might just become obsessed like the rest of us. 😉