Keke Palmer’s Chrome French Manicure Made Me Fall In Love with Green Nails
It’s very ‘Wicked’-coded.
Keke Palmer’s latest manicure looks a little ‘Wicked.’ On Jan. 23, the multi-hyphenate star attended a basketball game in New York City as she continues to promote her new movie ‘One of Them Days.’ After a slew of head-turning outfits for this press run, Palmer kept it casual yet chic for this occasion, donning a black leather jacket, jeans, and gold-tipped boots. The beauty details were just as gorgeous, with the actor sporting voluminous curls and a gorgeous cut crease eye-makeup look. But it was Keke Palmer's chrome French manicure that truly stole the show.
While Palmer wore a more traditional version of the trend, opting for a medium-length almond shape, it was the details that made this manicure stand out. Instead of choosing a traditional white shade for the smile line as is customary with French manicures, the actor used black, adding a slight grungy element to the look. She also strayed from tradition with the use of green chrome instead of silver—the version that went viral two years ago thanks to celebrities like Hailey Bieber.
Since its resurgence in 2018, French manicures have become a staple for celebrities and nail enthusiasts alike. The style is universally flattering and as Palmer proves, incredibly versatile. Still, given her affinity for ‘Defying Gravity,’ it’s safe to say that she may have had a certain green-hued character in mind when ideating this look.
French tips are the perfect manicure to keep in your back pocket when decision fatigue hits you at the nail salon, but it’s also chic enough to become a part of your signature beauty routine. Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Eva Longoria have long championed this trend and are likely already somewhere in your “nail inspiration” folder. Still, if you want to put your own spin on the classic, nail crowns are the latest iteration of the French manicure to take over 2025.
Shop some of our favorite products to achieve a gorgeous French manicure at home.
If you don't have the patience to do your nails yourself or go to a nail salon, one of the easiest ways to achieve a French manicure is using press-ons, like this option from Btartboxnails.
I love discovering new buff shades for my nails, which is how I came across one of my favorite sheer polishes for a French manicure. It's the perfect balance of peach and pink and looks incredibly close to the color of my natural nail beds.
For the gel nail polish wearers, here's a long-lasting shade you can take straight to the nail salon.
Another French manicure hack is using a nail stamper, which creates a smile line for you so that you can skip the tedious task of drawing them by hand for all 10 fingers.
Channel Palmer's green chrome details with this mezmerizing shade. Stick with a subtle French tip or go all in with a bold metallic look.
