Kylie Jenner's Moody Gray Chrome Nails Are Peak Soft Grunge

Kylie Jenner is best known for the revolutionary effect she's had on the lipstick world thanks to her mega-popular Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits. But with nearly 400 million Instagram followers, the beauty mogul also has considerable sway over other areas of the beauty industry. All she needs to do is post a quick photo or video rocking a particular manicure, and we all want it — immediately. That's exactly what happened this May when Jenner took to the social media platform to promote her Kylie Cosmetics Supple Kiss Lip Glaze. Unsurprisingly, all eyes were on her moody gray chrome nails. 

While Jenner's gray nails gravitate toward the pinky, pearly side, they're still the epitome of soft grunge. A variation of the original grunge aesthetic that emerged in the 1990s, soft grunge maintains the edgy staples of the movement but just tones them down a little. Flannel shirts, oversized jeans, and combat boots are still part of it, but they're made gentler and more palatable — think pastel flannels or boots with glittery trim. The gray in this manicure is an ode to grungy fashion and a moody aesthetic, while the chrome lifts it and brings it right into the 2024 trends. Jenner may have first worn them two months ago, but they're not becoming a movement — and they'll undoubtedly be a fall 2024 staple. After all, flannels and chrome nails scream "fall." So, whether you want to rock a pretty, pearly version of gray chrome or move toward an even darker tone, these nails are as versatile as they are trendy. 

While Kylie Jenner's moody chrome nails appear to be slightly duller, you can still shine bright by going for an ultra-reflective metallic silver. Imagine aluminum foil, but for your nails. This look takes the manicure from grungy to futuristic but still fits nicely into the other-worldly chrome trend. You could even rock these as part of the space girl aesthetic that's taken over TikTok this year!

Another interpretation of the moody gray chrome is this flatter, creamier version. Less reflective than Kylie Jenner's manicure, this alternative is darker and duller, leaning almost into a brown kind of ashy gray. Still, there's the luminous element thanks to the addition of a finishing chrome powder to ensure they are 2024-ready. 

There are lots of ways to make the gray chrome manicure your own. A basic French manicure will always be in style, so you can combine the two for a smokey chrome French combo. With sharp stiletto talons, this take has an especially edgy feel. You could make it a little more elegant with rounded or almond tips, but the silver chrome will always have that grungy energy. 

We've said it before: Having short nails doesn't mean you have to miss out on great manicures! The moody gray chrome is the perfect example. Long or short, this reflective hue will often be the standout of any ensemble you put together. Going for a high-shine finish with lots of chrome powder and a metallic base will give the look a little more oomph that shorter nails sometimes lack. 

If you want to take Kylie Jenner's manicure from grunge territory to girly, opt for a gray that borders on cream or white. A vanilla-gray chrome immediately makes the look more chic and less playful and tones the moodiness right down. For minimalists and those into the quiet luxury aesthetic, this will probably be your favorite version of moody gray chrome. 

On the opposite side of the silver and white-toned grays, we have the deeper tones of gray. If you prefer more color and depth, you can experiment with even moodier hues, like stone gray and warm gray — or even gray-brown. As long as there's a chrome finish, your nails will still read as being part of this trend, even with a darker base shade.