Hailey Bieber Nails: How to Recreate the Viral Glazed Donut Look

If there is one beauty trend that has defined the last few years, it is undoubtedly Hailey Bieber nails. What started as a simple, pearlescent manicure worn to the 2022 Met Gala has exploded into a global phenomenon, spawning countless recreations, TikTok tutorials, and salon requests. The “glazed donut” aesthetic—characterized by a sheer, milky base topped with a luminous chrome finish—perfectly captures the model’s signature “clean girl” vibe. It is minimalist yet glamorous, understated yet eye-catching.

But the appeal goes beyond just one specific look. Hailey Bieber has cemented herself as a true nail muse, constantly debuting fresh takes on the trend, from chocolate glazed donut nails for fall to neon chrome tips for summer. Her influence has revitalized the nail industry, shifting the focus from intricate, maximalist art to healthy, glowing, and sophisticated finishes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about getting the coveted Hailey Bieber look. We will reveal the exact products used by her manicurist, explore the different variations of the trend, and provide step-by-step instructions for achieving that expensive-looking glow at home. Get ready to elevate your manicure game to A-list status.

The Origin Story: How the Glazed Donut Trend Began

To understand the magnitude of this trend, we have to look back at its debut. The look was created by Zola Ganzorigt, a celebrity nail artist who has become as famous as her clientele.

The Met Gala Moment

For the 2022 Met Gala, Hailey Bieber wore a stunning white satin Saint Laurent gown. To complement the dress without overpowering it, Ganzorigt wanted a nail look that felt ethereal and light. She decided to layer a sheer white gel polish with a specific chrome powder. The result was a finish that looked exactly like the sugar glaze on a fresh donut.

Why It Went Viral

The internet’s reaction was instant. Unlike complex nail art that requires hours in a salon chair and immense artistic skill, Hailey Bieber nails felt attainable. They were chic, wearable for everyday life, and looked good on every skin tone and nail length. It was the nail equivalent of “no-makeup makeup”—a way to look polished and expensive without trying too hard.

The Exact Recipe: What Zola Ganzorigt Uses

Thanks to social media, Zola Ganzorigt has been incredibly transparent about the exact products she uses to create Hailey’s signature mani. If you are heading to the salon, here is the specific “recipe” you need to ask for.

The Products

1. Base Coat: OPI GelColor Stay Strong Base Coat.
2. Color: One coat of OPI Funny Bunny. This is a soft, sheer white that isn’t as stark as a correction-fluid white (like OPI Alpine Snow). It provides that milky, semi-translucent base.
3. Top Coat: OPI GelColor Stay Shiny Top Coat.
4. The Secret Weapon:OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can. This is the silver chrome powder that is rubbed onto the cured top coat to create the iridescent sheen.
5. Final Seal: Another layer of Stay Shiny Top Coat to lock in the powder.

The Technique

The application is just as important as the products.

• Thin Layers: The key to the glazed look is keeping the layers thin. You don’t want the white to be opaque; it needs to be sheer enough to let light pass through.
• The Chrome Application: The chrome powder is applied with a sponge applicator only after the first layer of top coat is cured. It is buffed in until it reflects light like a mirror.

Variations of the Trend: Beyond the Original Glaze

Hailey Bieber and Zola Ganzorigt haven’t stopped at just the white pearlescent look. Over the seasons, they have adapted the Hailey Bieber nails aesthetic to fit different moods and trends. Here are the most popular spinoffs.

1. Chocolate Glazed Donut Nails

Perfect for autumn, this variation swaps the white base for a rich, sheer brown.

• The Recipe: Mix clear gel with a brown shade (like OPI Cliffside Karaoke) to create a sheer tint. Apply the Tin Man Can chrome powder on top.
• The Vibe: It’s cozy, warm, and looks incredible paired with oversized sweaters and gold jewelry.

2. Strawberry Glazed Donut Nails

For a sweeter, more playful look, Hailey debuted a pink version.

• The Recipe: Use a sheer pink polish (like OPI Pre-Show Jitters) mixed with clear gel. Top with the same chrome powder.
• The Vibe: This is the ultimate “coquette” aesthetic nail—feminine, soft, and romantic.

3. Lemonade Glazed Nails

For summer, Hailey was seen sporting a vibrant yellow version.

• The Recipe: A sheer, neon yellow base topped with chrome.
• The Vibe: Fun, energetic, and perfect for beach days. It keeps the minimalist texture but adds a pop of dopamine-inducing color.

4. Grey Glazed Nails

A moodier take on the trend, this version uses a cool-toned grey or slate blue base.

• The Recipe: A sheer grey polish with the signature chrome finish.
• The Vibe: Edgy and modern, this is a great alternative to black nails for the winter months.

DIY Guide: How to Get Hailey Bieber Nails at Home

Not everyone has the time or budget for regular salon visits. The good news is that you can recreate Hailey Bieber nails at home, even if you don’t have a professional UV lamp setup.

The Gel Method (With Lamp)

If you have a home gel kit, you can follow Zola’s exact steps using dupes or the actual OPI products (if you can find them, as Tin Man Can is often sold out).

1. Prep: File nails into an almond shape (Hailey’s preferred shape) and buff the surface.
2. Base: Apply a gel base coat and cure.
3. Color: Apply one thin coat of a milky white gel (like Beetle’s Milky White) and cure.
4. Top Coat: Apply a no-wipe top coat and cure.
5. Chrome: Using an eyeshadow applicator, rub a white or silver chrome powder onto the nail.
6. Seal: Apply a final top coat and cure.

The Regular Polish Method (No Lamp Required)

You can achieve a very similar effect using regular nail polish. The secret is finding a pearlescent topper.

1. Base: Apply your favorite long-wear base coat.
2. Color: Apply one coat of a sheer white polish, such as Essie Marshmallow or OPI Funny Bunny (regular lacquer version).
3. The “Glaze”: Apply a coat of an iridescent shimmer polish. Good options include:

• Essie Expressie in FX Iced Out: A pearlescent top coat designed to give a chrome effect.
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Unicorn Top Coat: Adds a pink/blue shift.

4. Top Coat: Finish with a high-gloss, plumping top coat (like Seche Vite) to mimic the thick, shiny look of gel.

Why Minimalist Nail Art is Taking Over

The success of Hailey Bieber nails signals a larger shift in the beauty world. We are moving away from the era of maximalism—long acrylics, 3D charms, and intricate hand-painted designs—and towards “quiet luxury” beauty.

The “Clean Girl” Aesthetic

This trend aligns perfectly with the “clean girl” aesthetic that prioritizes healthy skin, slicked-back hair, and minimal makeup. The nails are an extension of this. They look groomed and healthy, enhancing the natural beauty of the hands rather than distracting from it.

Versatility is Key

One of the biggest benefits of this minimalist nail art is its versatility. A glazed donut manicure matches everything. It works with a wedding dress, a corporate suit, or sweatpants. You don’t have to worry about your nails clashing with your outfit, which makes it a practical choice for the modern woman.

Low Maintenance

While chrome nails can chip, the sheer base means that regrowth is less obvious than with a solid, dark color. This allows you to stretch the time between appointments slightly longer, which is a win for both your wallet and your schedule.

Essential Tools for the Perfect Glazed Look

To truly master this manicure, having the right tools is essential. Here is a checklist for your home nail kit.

1. A High-Quality Buffer

Smooth nails are crucial for the chrome to look like glass. If your nail plate has ridges, the chrome will highlight them. Use a gentle buffer to create a smooth canvas before painting.

2. Silicone or Sponge Applicators

Do not use your fingers to apply chrome powder; the oils from your skin can ruin the finish. Use disposable eyeshadow sponges or a silicone nail art tool for precise application.

3. Cuticle Oil

Hailey Bieber’s manicures always look flawless because her cuticles are hydrated. Finish every manicure with a generous amount of cuticle oil (Zola recommends OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil) to nourish the skin and add that final touch of shine.

4. An Almond File

Hailey almost exclusively wears her nails in an almond shape—slender sides with a rounded point. This shape elongates the fingers and adds to the elegant, feminine vibe of the manicure. Invest in a good glass file to shape your natural nails without causing splitting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, working with chrome powder can be tricky. Here are solutions to common problems.

Problem: The Chrome Looks Glittery, Not Shiny

Solution: You likely didn’t cure the top coat enough, or you are using a top coat with a sticky layer. Chrome powder needs a completely smooth, dry (but not over-cured) surface to create that mirror effect. Ensure you are using a “no-wipe” top coat.

Problem: The Chrome is Chipping Off

Solution: Chrome powder is basically fine dust. If you don’t seal the free edge (the tip of your nail) properly, water can get underneath and lift the powder. When applying your final top coat, be sure to “cap” the free edge by running the brush along the very tip of the nail.

Problem: The Base Color is Too Streaky

Solution: Milky whites are notorious for being streaky. To avoid this, apply extremely thin layers. It is better to do three thin coats than two thick, gloopy ones. Floating the brush over the nail (using a light touch) helps the polish self-level.

Conclusion

Hailey Bieber nails are more than just a fleeting viral moment; they have become a modern classic. The glazed donut manicure has earned its place alongside the French manicure and the classic red nail as a timeless, go-to style. It represents a shift towards beauty that feels effortless, healthy, and accessible.

Whether you are heading to the salon to request Zola Ganzorigt’s exact combination of OPI Funny Bunny and Tin Man Can, or you are experimenting with pearlescent polishes at home, this trend offers a little bit of luxury for everyone. So go ahead—add a little glaze to your life. Your nails will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the exact nail polish Hailey Bieber uses?
A: Hailey Bieber’s manicurist, Zola Ganzorigt, uses OPI GelColor in the shade Funny Bunny as the base. She tops it with OPI Chrome Effects powder in Tin Man Can.

Q: Can I get Hailey Bieber nails without gel?
A: Yes! While the original look uses gel and chrome powder, you can achieve a similar effect with regular polish. Use a sheer white base (like Essie Marshmallow) and top it with a pearlescent or iridescent top coat (like Essie Expressie FX Iced Out).

Q: What nail shape does Hailey Bieber have?
A: Hailey Bieber typically wears her nails in a medium-length almond shape. This shape is rounded at the tips with tapered sides, which helps to elongate the fingers.

Q: How much do glazed donut nails cost at a salon?
A: Prices vary by location and salon tier, but you can generally expect to pay for a gel manicure plus an add-on fee for chrome powder application. This usually ranges from $10 to $20 extra on top of the base manicure price, totaling anywhere from $50 to $100+.

Q: Why do my glazed donut nails look glittery instead of chrome?
A: This usually happens if the chrome powder used has particles that are too large (making it look like glitter) or if the powder wasn’t buffed into the nail firmly enough. For the “wet look” glaze, you need a very fine, micronized powder rubbed onto a no-wipe top coat.