The best nail salons in Chicago

Cowshed is both a spa and an interior design junkie's paradise, much like the rest of Soho House. The rustic-chic space—home to five treatment rooms and six mani-pedi chairs—is decked out in Midwestern barnwood, crystal chandeliers, vintage sofas and leather wingbacked pedicure chairs. While each of the spa's treatments are equally stellar, it's the 75-minute Ultimate Pedicure you can't pass up. The treatment exclusively uses all-natural Cowshed brand products, plus a special exfoliating drill imported from the UK, which will whip even the gnarliest winter toes into shape. To top it all off, the treatment ends with a relaxing scalp and shoulder massage.

North Siders know that Cuticle isn't your average nail salon. The Uptown space is small and minimal while still managing to feel inviting. Outfitted in stylish decor—think fashionable armchairs and sleek foot basins in favor of the usual massage chair—Cuticle's space is a modern oasis. Prices are low, but customers return for the service, which is always flawless and clean. You even get to keep your nail file at the end.

Expect top-notch manicures and pedicures at this impeccably clean Gold Coast nail salon. Attention to detail is the norm here, which results in especially long-lasting no-chip manicures. The fact that the salon stocks seemingly every nail polish color under the sun is also a win in our book.

Reasonable prices, attentive employees and a clean setting make this salon stand out from the pack. The polish selection is massive, and customers are greeted with a smile and a beverage as soon as they step their tired feet through the doors. Be sure to check out the salon's mid-week specials if you want the most bang for your buck.

Pampering is of prime importance at this Wicker Park salon that offers manicures, pedicures, lash and brow services, and waxing. A friendly, accommodating manager runs this staff of equally hospitable employees. The best part? You get to sip on free wine while they work their magic. Another perk: This spot is also BYOB, so feel free to bring your own bevvies, too!

You only have to go as far as Wrigleyville to feel like you've traveled worlds away. Owner Antonio Favaro has improved his Italian-inspired destination salon over the years with classic spa amenities: an upstairs sanctuary with six treatment rooms, expert massage therapists, a marble steam shower and an espresso bar. Manicures and pedicures are nothing less than lovely, incorporating soothing organic scrubs and reflexology massage. 

Wrigleyville's Nail'Ography is the kind of salon where you're treated like family. The staff is made up of trained nail technicians, and the services range from nails to waxing and well-priced mani-pedi bundles. This spot also gets major points for handing out street parking passes after 6pm.

Thanks to its BYOB policy, this Gold Coast nail spa is the perfect after-work spot where the stressors of the day quickly melt away. New Age caters to the Whole Foods set—at Whole Foods prices, no less—with goods such as liquid gels (as opposed to abrasive acrylics) in tons of colors. The gender-neutral vibe means this place is welcoming to all nail enthusiasts, too. 

If you're ever caught in a manicure emergency, 7AM Nail Care will be there to save the day. With five locations across the city and hours that start at—true to its name—7am on weekdays, it's the perfect place to squeeze in a pre-work manicure or a special service before an important event. The chain specializes in non-toxic materials and welcomes group events, too.

Your favorite nail salon and cocktail bar has grown! Polish & Pour, an Old Town favorite, has opened a second location in Streeterville with all the same outstanding service and affordable prices. It's most famous for its Volcano Signature Pedicure treatment, which features a five-step process including nail care, an exfoliating sugar scrub and a collagen cream mask, finished with a collagen lotion and your choice of polish ($79 regular/$99 gel polish). Plus, both locations are BYOB, allowing both wine and hard drinks.

Head to this Lincoln Park nail salon for its vast selection of polishes and staff so friendly they'll serve you beverages while you're being pampered. Pearl's also offers foot, hand and shoulder massages, and you can book your appointment online for added convenience.

This Bucktown favorite now has a second location in Noble Square. The salon, with its bright interior and fuschia-centric color palette, offers a variety of combination services for those on a tight schedule, including different mani and pedi packages and a special kid’s mani/pedi combo (for ages 10 & under). Raise your hand if you are down for a mommy/kiddo spa date.

Located in the heart of River North, many consider Top Coat one of the best nail salons in Chicago’s downtown area. The technicians have outstanding skills and create some of the best-looking dip powder nails in town. In the mood for something different? Top Coat always has new and seasonal designs to choose from.

LO Spa and Nails provides a truly luxurious experience that will leave you pampered, restored and polished. With two locations in the city—Lakeshore East and South Loop—LO Spa features quality, non-toxic products, disposable tools and hospital-grade sanitation. Both outposts have a sweet signature mani/pedi package deal for only $58. You can also customize your nails with one-of-a-kind art ($4 per nail) to showcase your personality. Yet another bonus: LO Spa is BYOB.

You know a nail salon knows its trade—and executes well—when it’s been in business for over ten years. Vibrant colors, high-quality products and every nail design you can imagine, from elegant to cutesy—that's Miniluv. Yet another reason to patronize Miniluv: The salon is one of few spots in Chicago that specializes in 3D nail art. 

With a focus on eco-friendliness, Revive Nails & Co. uses organic products and offers a healthy alternative to traditional full-service nail treatments. You won't be starved for options here: Revive carries vegan polishes, available in 40 different Zoya colors and expanding. Along with pampering you, the technicians at Revive will also teach you everything you need to know about nail wellness. And the prices are tough to beat: $44 for a 45-minute manicure session and $62 for a 60-minute pedicure session.

Although Reverie Nails is a relatively new addition to the salon scene, its outstanding services, amazing prices and friendly staff have already won over many hearts. For those who love variety, Reverie carries a wide range of colors available in regular, gel and powders. It's also one of the only spots in Chicago that offers a CBD pedicure, which includes a five-minute hot stone leg massage.