Molten Lava Manis Are the Hottest Metallic Nail Trend—Here’s How to Get the Look

If you love nail art and metallic nails, this mani was made for you. Full disclosure, this look is an advanced technique, so call your salon and ask if they can do it. Julie Kandalec, celebrity manicurist and educator, encourages bringing a visual for reference and making sure you (or the artist) has the following key tools: 3D gel, chrome and metallic pigments, cat eye gel, matte non-wipe top coat, and shiny non-wipe top coat.

If you’re a DIY nail pro (we see you!), here are the steps to get the look. And while there’s a “right” way to do it, Kandalec says, “One of the fun parts about this look is that you are able to mix and match to get such a cool variety of options just by playing around.” So don’t stress about adhering to the steps perfectly.

How to Get a Molten Mani

Step 1

Manicure and prep your nails for nail art. For a refresher, click here (stopping after step 7).

Step 2

Begin with two coats of a lighter, milky, or sheer shimmer shade. “This will allow the molten design to really stand out and pop,” explains Kandalec.

Step 3

Using a gel brush, apply a swipe of non-wipe 3D gel—the thick viscosity gel that leaves a raised surface—to the nail then cure it using an LED lamp. 

Step 4

Immediately after curing, press a chrome powder on top of the raised polish using a makeup sponge.

Step 5

Repeat the process on the rest of your nails. You can do one or two while keeping the rest of the nails painted a solid color for variety, or you can do it on every nail—personalize it to match your style.

Step 6

This finishing touch step is totally optional, but if you want to take it up a notch, glue on some accessories. Kandalec suggests using metallic accents or shell pieces. Then lock it all in with a clear, shiny top coat, then cure it. Voilá—a molten mani that is major eye candy.