The best nail salon in London, whether you want next-level nail art or a minimal mani

Let’s not underestimate how good professionally polished nails feel after a visit to the nail salon. There’s something about neatly uniformed cuticles and immaculately glossy top coats that simply can’t be replicated at home.

From incredible nail art to bullet-proof Shellac, the salons can take our mani to the next level. So kick back, relax and bask in the feeling of giving your nails a proper tending to. Just one thing… Where’s the best spot to book?

London has plenty more to offer if you’re on the hunt for a nail bar that fits your vibe. Just like finding your favourite drinking hole, discovering the right manicure spot for you can involve a little trial and error. The good news is, if you want to get your nails painted in the capital, you’re pretty darn spoilt for choice.

Whether you’re trendy, edgy, boujee or classic, London’s nail bars have something to offer up for everyone.

The latest location to have us all talking? Insider nail salon, TOWNHOUSE, has extended its influence from its OG salon in the heart of Fitzrovia (and its subsequent shiny nail bars in Harrods and Milton Keynes) to a brand spankers new west London pad, a stone’s throw form High Street Kensington. Think: dreamy laidback interiors and a complimentary cuticle oil station so you can keep your mani or pedi looking fresh. 

East-enders should head to House of Lady Muck in the heart of Hackney or Shoreditch Nails on Boundary Street for something fun, kooky and a little bit different. Cowshed’s armchair-side manis are deliciously luxe and easy to get to no matter which corner of the capital you’re heading in from. You can find branches in cosy Primrose Hill, happening Shoreditch and The Ned’s sumptuous spa, round the corner from the Bank Of England.

DryBy, near Oxford Circus has carved a niche for its trademark clean, minimalist designs and elegant interiors. While TOWNHOUSE‘s original Fitzrovia spot is a favourite amongst influencers for it’s sleek, chic and beautiful manicures. For something really special, you can choose from their signature nail art designs or work with their nail artists on something completely bespoke. 

On the south side of the river in Battersea, the Linnaean’s spa is an eco retreat that offers up natural nail treatment. Head toward Brixton and Ama The Salon is an insider celeb secret. It’s founder, Ama Quashie, counts Adele, Adwoa Aboah and Cara Delevigne as clients.

North west in Notting Hill, Young LDN have nail stations decked out with iPads and Beats headphones so you can indulge in a Netflix binge while you get some nail art done.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best manicure spots from across London to meet all your nail needs.