chrome manicure

The "mirror" mani is the shiny new nail trend for 2017

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Photo credit: @tima_tehrani/Instagram

Not heard of a "chrome mani" yet? Just type #chromenails into Instagram and you'll discover that the latest nail art trend is not only incredibly popular but also super shiny.

Unlike a metallic manicure, a special chrome powder is applied at the final stage of a soft gel mani before the clear top coat goes on to create a million different chrome colour outcomes (depending on which base colour  and colour chrome powder you choose—from rosy-gold hues to yellow gold and silver).

See also: The Hottest Nail Trends For Spring

Silver powder on a black base coat (yes, black) creates the classic chrome colour, and once it's cured in UV light, the chrome mani lasts as long as a soft gel mani would. But, your nails will be so shiny you can practically do your makeup in them.

As a fairly new trend, only a few Hong Kong nail salons currently offer chrome manicures, including:

Flawless Spa

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Photo: Courtesy of Flawless

 The spa: Flawless is the definition of a cool urban spa with white-washed brick walls artfully daubed with graffiti, stylish leather sofas and a leafy terrace overlooking the hectic streets of Wyndham and Lan Kwai Fong below. When it comes to treatments, they have a tight focus: facials, make-up services and mani-pedis. 

The experience: You'll be spoiled with mint tea (or prosecco, if you rather) and magazines by attentive and experienced staff at Flawless. With a great selection of chrome powders, the therapist had several images on her phone to describe the colour outcomes that might result from different polish-powder combinations. All in all, it was a really friendly and enjoyable service. 

Price: HK$600 

Flawless Spa, Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham Street, Central, +852 2869 5868

Four Seasons Nail Bar

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Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hong Kong

The spa: This must be the most indulgent manicure experience in the whole of Hong Kong. Located on the sixth floor of the Four Seasons Hong Kong (just before the pool), the salon is very intimate with only six treatment chairs, each with an incredible view out over Victoria Harbour. We highly recommend booking your treatment in the evening—drinking champagne (or your choice of freshly-squeezed juices, smoothies, cocktails, wine and Ruinart) while observing the twinkling lights of the harbour is a really magical experience. 

The experience: The treatment itself is incredibly thorough—there's shaping, filing, an exfoliating hand and arm massage and a hot wrap before so much as a lick of nail polish is applied (during which time the staff have brought me blankets and delicious snacks to accompany my drink). The staff are very attentive and the work is perfect. Although this manicure is at the pricier end of the spectrum, the higher sum is paid out by the total luxuriousness of the treatment that in total takes nearly 2.5 hours. 

Price: HK$1,030 Monday to Thursday and HK$1,140 Friday to Sunday (all prices subject to a 10 percent service charge).

Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, +852 3196 8888

The Nail Library

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Photo: Courtesy of The Nail Library

 

The spa: Tucked away on one of the cutest streets that slopes off Hollywood Road, The Nail Library is a well-kept neighbourhood secret. Relax in this stylish New York-style loft space with its leafy first floor views while friendly staff give a very thorough service.

The experience: The Nail Library have six different chrome powders to choose from, resulting in a vast number of combinations. As well as a classic chrome mani, the salon has also recently launched a Christian Louboutin Mani, using the latest metallic nail polish shades from the brand. This is a classic manicure as opposed to gel, using the amazing petroleum-style metallic shades from Louboutin, and including a wonderful rose petal hand bath and massage.

Price: HK$780 for a classic chrome mani (HK$480 for the soft gel mani and an additional HK$30 per chrome finger); HK$380 for a 60-minute Christian Louboutin Mani and HK$550 for a 60-minute Christian Louboutin Pedi.

The Nail Library, 10-12 On Wo Ln, Central,  +852 2803 2290

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