TL;DR: Glazed donut nails—a chrome-effect manicure popularized by Hailey Bieber—have exploded into a $1.2 billion segment of the global nail care market. The trend is driving premium product sales and reshaping salon service menus, with experts predicting it will evolve into a permanent “glazed” category rather than a fleeting fad.
The Rise of Glazed Donut Nails: A Viral Trend
What began as a celebrity manicure in 2022 has become a retail juggernaut. The “glazed donut” nail look—a pearlescent, chrome-dusted finish that mimics the sugary sheen of a donut—has generated over 2.8 billion views on TikTok. According to a 2025 report by Grand View Research, the global nail polish market is now valued at $19.4 billion, with chrome and pearl finishes accounting for 18% of new product launches—up from just 6% in 2021. Sales data from Ulta Beauty shows that chrome topcoats and “glass” effect polishes have outpaced traditional glitter by 43% year-over-year.
Industry experts attribute the trend’s longevity to its versatility. “Glazed nails work across skin tones, nail lengths, and occasions—from bridal to boardroom,” says celebrity manicurist and brand consultant, Zoe Rivera. “Unlike neon or goth trends, the glazed finish is subtle enough for corporate settings but shiny enough to feel special.” Salon chains like Nails Inc. report that 1 in 4 gel manicure clients now requests a glazed finish, and at-home DIY kits from brands like OPI and Essie have sold out repeatedly during holiday seasons. The average price for a professional glazed manicure is $65–$85, a 30% premium over standard gel services.
Future predictions suggest the trend is evolving, not dying. Market analysts at Mintel forecast that by 2027, “glazed” will become a permanent subcategory—like matte or glossy—with new variants such as “frosted quartz” and “holographic milk” entering the market. Sustainability is also a driver: many brands are launching water-based, non-toxic chrome powders to meet EU and California chemical regulations. Meanwhile, AI-driven nail printers are being tested in Tokyo salons to replicate glazed effects with pixel-perfect consistency. The biggest risk? Oversaturation. “If every drugstore has five glazed shades, the premium feel diminishes,” warns Rivera. “Brands must innovate with texture—think crushed pearl vs. liquid metal—to keep the magic alive.”
For retailers, the lesson is clear: invest in chrome pigments, train technicians on multi-layer application techniques, and bundle glazed kits with cuticle oils to boost basket size. The trend is no longer a “moment”—it’s a new baseline for shine.
FAQ
Q: What exactly are glazed donut nails?
A: Glazed donut nails are a manicure style using a sheer or nude base coat topped with a chrome/pearl powder or high-shine topcoat, creating a luminous, slightly frosted effect that resembles the sugar glaze on a donut.
Q: How long does a glazed donut manicure last?
A: With a gel base and chrome powder, it lasts 2–3 weeks. Regular polish versions last 5–7 days. The finish is durable because the chrome is usually sealed under a topcoat, preventing chipping.
Q: Can I do glazed donut nails at home without professional tools?
A: Yes. Apply a nude polish, let it dry, then buff on a chrome powder using a sponge applicator (found in drugstore kits), and seal with a glossy topcoat. No UV light is needed if using regular polish.
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