The Glazed Donut Nails That Broke the Internet (and My Sense of Self-Control)

Title: “The Glazed Donut Nails That Broke the Internet (and My Sense of Self-Control)”

There are a few universal truths in life.

1. Mondays are evil.
2. The Wi-Fi always crashes during Zoom calls.
3. And no matter how strong you think you are, you will be seduced by Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails.

Yes, I said it. You can have all the willpower in the world. You can scroll past TikToks with your nose in the air and say things like “I don’t follow trends, I create them.” But one look at those shiny, glimmering, ethereal chrome-covered fingers and BAM—you’re in the salon chair whispering, “Can you make me look like a donut, please?”

Let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about how Hailey Bieber turned her manicure into a cultural phenomenon, and why this particular trend feels like skincare, self-love, and dessert—all wrapped up in one tiny nail.

Because honestly? These nails are so much more than a shiny finish. They are a personality. A philosophy. A lifestyle. And once you go glazed, you never go matte again.

What Are Glazed Donut Nails, and Why Is Everyone Losing It?

In the most technical terms, glazed donut nails are a sheer, neutral base topped with an iridescent chrome powder that gives your nails a pearlized, mirror-like finish. But that’s like saying “coffee is just a beverage.” It’s not wrong—it’s just… deeply inadequate.

These nails GLOW. They catch light like a K-drama protagonist’s tears in a rainstorm. They’re shiny but soft, glamorous but understated, bold but somehow whispering “clean girl aesthetic” into your subconscious.

And who do we thank for this cosmic collision of sugar and style?

One woman. Hailey freaking Bieber.

The Hailey Bieber Effect

Some people start trends. Others become them.

When Hailey showed up at the 2022 Met Gala with her glazed donut nails, nobody expected world peace—but we did witness the start of a global nail revolution. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough to have a good manicure. Your nails needed to shimmer with the innocent glow of a Krispy Kreme under a soft light filter.

Cue the frenzy.

TikTok went wild. Instagram exploded. Nail techs everywhere had clients breathlessly saying things like, “Can you give me the Hailey Bieber nails? You know, the shiny donut ones?”

And the answer is yes, yes they can. But let me help you say it a little better.

Glazed Donut Nails: What to Ask For

If you walk into a nail salon and say, “I want Hailey Bieber nails,” the good ones will know. But just in case you stumble upon someone who isn’t living on TikTok 24/7, here’s how to break it down like a pro:

1. Ask for a sheer nude, pink, or milky white base.
   Think OPI Funny Bunny, or a builder gel that makes your nails look like your skin—but better.
2. Request chrome powder on top.
   This is what gives the glaze effect. It should be rubbed on after curing the top coat. (Yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds.)
3. Seal it with a glossy top coat.
   This is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between “I’ve been moisturized since birth” and “I just left the desert.”

And if you’re feeling bold? Try the strawberry glazed donut nails. It’s the same chrome magic, but with a soft pink base that says, “I’m sweet, but also slightly unhinged.”

Short Nails, Don’t Care

Let’s address the elephant in the salon: Can you pull off glazed donut nails on short nails?

YES. Yes, you can. In fact, it might be even better.

There’s something about the combo of short, neat nails and that glowy finish that screams effort without trying too hard. It’s giving balletcore. It’s giving Pinterest-worthy morning coffee selfies. It’s giving I own a silk robe and a gratitude journal.

So if you’ve been putting off this trend because you think your nail beds are “too stubby”—stop it. Get the glaze. Be the donut.

Why This Trend Just… Works

I know what you’re thinking: “It’s just shiny nails. Why are we writing poetry about it?”

Because it feels like more than that. These nails aren’t just about looking good. They’re about feeling good. When your hands shimmer like angel wings every time you reach for your phone, you can’t help but feel a little more put together. A little more gentle. A little more… powerful?

It’s self-care disguised as a trend. It’s minimalism in high definition. It’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t scream—it whispers, “I drink water and mind my business.”

And that’s the energy we need in 2025.

Glazed Donut Nails in the Wild

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the versatility of this trend. I’ve seen:

• Chrome French tips (yes, elegance lives here)
• Iridescent ombré glaze (if mermaids wore manicures)
• Gold-glazed donut nails (rich auntie vibes)
• Rainbow glazed for Pride month (swoon)
• Matte base + glaze top combo (hello, contradiction)

This isn’t just a nail trend—it’s a canvas for your mood.

Feeling soft and romantic? Go with pink glazed donut nails. Feeling like you could fight God and win? Try a bolder chrome finish with a dark base and let your enemies squint at the glow.

DIY? Or Leave It to the Pros?

Look, I’m not saying you can’t do glazed donut nails at home. I’m just saying that if you don’t own chrome powder, a UV lamp, and the steady hands of a medieval scribe, you might want to book a professional.

But hey, you’re brave. You got this.

Here’s a rough guide if you want to try it DIY:

1. Prep and buff your nails.
2. Apply your base coat and two layers of sheer color.
3. Cure under UV light.
4. Rub chrome powder on with a sponge or applicator.
5. Seal with top coat and cure again.

Voila. You’re officially a donut.

So… Is It Worth the Hype?

Let me say this once and clearly: YES.

Glazed donut nails are not just worth the hype. They are the hype. They’re timeless, trendy, and totally attainable. They’re soft and strong and sparkly and subtle—all at once.

And whether you’re wearing them to a wedding, a job interview, or just to scroll aimlessly through social media while avoiding your responsibilities, they will make you feel like you’ve got your life together.

Even if you absolutely, positively do not.

Backlinks for You, My Donut-Obsessed Darlings:

1. How to Do Glazed Donut Nails Step-by-Step
2. Hailey Bieber’s Nail Artist Spills All
3. Best Chrome Powders for the Perfect Glaze
4. Short Nail Glaze Inspiration
5. Strawberry Glazed Donut Nails Trend Alert
6. Why Glazed Nails Are Here to Stay
7. The Science of Chrome Nail Magic
8. Top Nail Salons for Chrome Nails
9. DIY Chrome Nails Tutorial (YouTube)
10. Nail Trends to Watch in 2025

Now go forth, little donut. Glaze up, glow on, and remember—life is too short for boring nails.