We’ve all experienced the minor moment of panic when you take your seat at the nail salon and are asked what you’d like today. You flick through the colour samples, pondering if you’re a neon green type of person or if you dare to do lava lamp nails, only to go for the same light pink-y nude you’ve chosen every time before. You then berate yourself for both the indecision and your refusal to try anything new. 

This phenomenon is why preparation is so, so key. Expecting yourself to make the best decision when you’re in the salon is a fool’s errand. Instead, you need to do your research before you even leave the house, scrolling through designs and screenshotting reference photos so you’re guaranteed to be content with the end result. 

We’re here to make that process a whole lot easier, by presenting to you a trend that works for absolutely everyone and goes with every outfit: cellophane nails. 

This trend is exactly what it sounds like: nails that have that shimmering, iridescent effect that brings to mind shiny cellophane. It’s a step below chrome effect, which might feel too blingy for some, for a more minimalist take on dazzling shine. 

“Cellophane nails are the perfect look to try this spring as they are a playful way to elevate your everyday mani and are super on trend,” Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse, tells Stylist. “This look is essentially an iridescent rainbow effect on your nails; it gives off a sheer, translucent finish with a shimmery effect, mimicking the look of cellophane wrap.

“This effect can work across a variety of nail colours, allowing you to match your nails with your spring outfits. Whether you want to add a pop of colour to your nails or create a subtle stunning look, cellophane nails are a gorgeous style to try this season!”

To achieve the look, you’ll want to add one layer of shimmery top coat to your nails, rather than going for a full chrome. It’s worth showing plenty of reference photos (don’t worry, we’ve got some of those ahead) to your technician to get the exact look you like, and you can tweak the trend with different base colours for an entirely different end result.

“At Townhouse we love the minimalist aesthetic,”says Huber-Millet. “We’re recreating this look using Funny Bunny by OPI with a chrome finish on top. Alternatively, you could create this look with a shimmery nail polish. Two of my personal favourites are Negligee by CND and Swan by the Gel Bottle.”

Ready for some inspo? We’ve got all you need ahead.

Main image: Townhouse