Chrome or cat-eye nails, or custom nail art?
Both finish your nails with something beyond plain colour. Chrome gives a mirror-like metallic shine, and cat-eye gives a line of light that moves as your hand moves. Custom nail art is any design you choose, from one accent nail to a full set of hand-painted art. The difference is an effect across the whole nail versus a design you pick.
| Chrome or Cat-Eye Nails | Custom Nail Art | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A finish across the whole nail | A design painted or built on the nail |
| How it looks | Mirror shine, or a line of light that shifts with movement | Anything from a small detail to full artwork |
| What you decide | The finish and the base colour | The whole design; a photo helps |
| Price | One fixed price | Priced "from", confirmed before starting |
| How it wears | Like gel; the shine can dull at the tips over time | Like gel; raised details can catch on hair and fabric |
| Time in the chair | Close to a gel manicure | Longer for detailed designs |
| Best for | A bold look without planning a design | Matching an outfit, an event or an idea |
Choose it if
Chrome or Cat-Eye Nails
Choose chrome or cat-eye if you want nails that catch the light and look special, without deciding on a design. It suits evenings out, events and anyone who likes a strong finish but prefers a single fixed price.
Custom Nail Art
Choose custom nail art if you have a picture, a theme or an outfit in mind. It suits weddings, birthdays and holidays, and it can be as small as one accent nail if you want just a detail.
The honest trade-off
Chrome or Cat-Eye Nails
The effect is the whole look, so there is little room for personal detail, and cat-eye looks subtler in dim light.
Custom Nail Art
Detailed designs take longer and cost more, and very raised details can catch on hair and clothing.
Bottom line
If you want something that looks special without planning a design, choose chrome or cat-eye. If you already have a picture in mind, custom nail art is the way to get exactly that.