The best nail salons in Melbourne

When the founder of Buff Studios, Emma Forrest, opened her first nail salon in 2020, she knew it wouldn't be like the others. Once Buff was born, it was all systems go in ensuring nail technicians received the appropriate training whilst earning a living wage, and providing customers with a luxurious experience that above all, promises rigorous hygiene standards. And it shows – from the minute you walk into Buff's clean, sophisticated and luxurious space, you're in good hands.

After years of doing nails as a side hustle, Chelsea Bagan founded her own salon in 2010. While you can get classic manicures here, the main draw is the range of detailed nail art you can get on your digits. Chelsea and her team can do anything from delicate constellations and glittery animal prints to microscopic strawberries and detailed lettering. Choose from existing patterns or come up with your own unique and Insta-worthy design.

Sisters Rohani and Rosalie Osman come from a background in fine art, textiles, animation and illustration, and they decided to put those talents to work on the micro canvases that are your fingernails. They came back from a trip to London with a suitcase full of nail polish and began their Super Rad Nail Sisters empire. If you're after patterns and designs that are a bit wacky and bold, get your nails done by this fabulous duo. 

Awarded the world’s Best Beauty Salon at the World Spa Awards in 2019, Miss Fox was designed with glamourous intentions in mind. This Hollywood-esque day spa and beauty salon is located in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s CBD on Little Collins Street. It's a fair bit more expensive than the other salons on this list, with manicures starting at the $85 mark and increasing in price depending on the polish you choose. But if you're feeling luxe and want to treat yourself, this salon will guarantee you walk out feeling like a movie star.

Sticking to a schedule or planning ahead can be hard when you have so many other things going on in your life, and that's why Miss Nail Bar operates as an express walk-in or call-ahead only nail salon. And if you're on a budget, manicures start at just $30. The salon is located right near South Melbourne Market, so we recommend calling ahead and leaving your number so that they can let you know when they're ready for you and spending some time wandering around the market. 

This salon is perfect for those who are already doing a shop in the city and realised that it's been a while since they've gotten their nails done. Located on the third floor of QV, this salon offers manicures on top of other services including spray tans and massages. You can book online or call ahead, but most of the time you'll be fine just walking in. 

If you feel like those one-size-fits-all soaks at the nail salon aren't treating the issues you have with your feet, head over to Blonde Tiger in Collingwood. Owner Erin Margrethe offers clinical pedicures that begin with a thorough consultation about your foot health and concerns, followed by a full-service treatment and a coat of polish. You can also add on other procedures, including toenail reconstruction for damaged nails or dry feet and callus reduction therapy. Walk away not only with a shiny coat of polish but also softer, smoother and healthier feet.

Maybe it's obvious, but sometimes there's a lot of fumes, chemicals and nasty stuff that gets around in nail salons. That's why Missy Lui sources the least toxic and most natural products and provides a list of its offerings on its site so that you can make informed choices. On top of being environmentally friendly, many of the products are also vegan and cruelty-free. Now you can get primped and pampered minus all of the nasties. And to make your pamper session even more zen, the shop's fit-out is minimalist and makes you feel like you're at a Scandinavian spa. 

There are a lot of nail salons in the St Kilda area, but this one stands out for several reasons. First, there's a massive range of colours and products to choose from. Second, the artists are incredibly skilled, capable of gorgeous and intricate nail art designs. And finally, there are the shockingly low prices. You can get a mani-pedi for just $50 and a full set of nail art for just $20 on top. If you're on a budget but still want to look glam, you really can't beat those prices. 

Located in the heart of Brunswick, Jet Nailbar is a European-style salon that offers a wide range of services, but nails are definitely its speciality. You can get anything from shellac, SNS, acrylic, hard gel and detailed nail art. Being in the heart of the bridal precinct, the floor plan is set up perfectly for group bookings for everything from weddings to hen's parties and even baby showers.

La Chiq is a family business located just off Commercial Road in Prahran. The prices are really reasonable and you can get a full set of SNS with extensions starting from $40. On top of nail services, this salon also offers a full suite of waxing services and nail and eyelash extensions. Walk-ins are always welcome, and bookings are available but not necessary.