The Best Nail Salons in Melbourne to Visit for a Fresh Set

While getting a facial or a blow-dry is always a treat, there’s no pick-me-up quite like a fresh set of nails. Having a manicure done is an instant confidence boost, not to mention a great way to express your creativity.

So whether you’re looking for conversation-starting statement nail art or something a little more lowkey, here are the best salons in Melbourne ready to buff and lacquer your nails in style, comfort and calm.

JW Nails

Eastern suburb girlies looking for spectacular nail art, you're in luck. Founder of JW Nails Jess is so talented, you won't believe it when she tells you she only started her self-taught business in October 2023. Specialising in Gel X nails, she produces jaw-dropping nail art that compares to nail artists' that have been doing it for decades.

Whether you want a complex design or would rather keep it simple with your natural nails, Jess can do it all. Plus, there's an iPad set up so that you can watch Netflix while she works her magic. Sit back, relax, and walk out of her salon with the serotonin boost that comes with an iconic set.

DM to Book

Doncaster East

Steph Fortuna

Naila done by Steph Fortuna are truly something to behold. This independent nail technician sure knows her stuff. Fancy 3D nail art? Or perhaps the Grinch for Christmas? She can do it all, and then some.

Want something a bit more pared back? Steph can do that, too. Specialising in Gel X, you'll leave her salon with glossy, to-die-for nails that all your friends will be enviable of.

Sitchu tip: Don't have the time to sit in a salon? Steph also sells press-on nails that she has designed, so you can get the look at home.

1134B Mount Alexander Road, Essendon

Miss Jay’s Nails & Beauty

Miss Jay’s Nails & Beauty is an inclusive haven for self expression and creativity. Situated in Thornbury, Miss Jay’s colourful, comfortable studio is accessible for those with disabilities. Staff are equipped to understand sensory and emotional needs as well as physical access requirements.

If you’re looking for a way to lean into your individuality, the team at Miss Jay’s are perfect for you.

667 High Street, Thornbury

Buff Studios 

At Buff Studios, you can expect a luxurious experience. You’ll walk away feeling refreshed and ready to care for your healthy, long lasting nails. Offering a range of specialised services for your including waterless pedicures and colourful nail art, you can even drop in for a 25 minute ‘Bare Manicure’ or 35 minute ‘Express Manicure’ on your lunch break.

Locations in Brighton, Fitzroy, South Yarra and Camberwell

Manicure Laundry

A gel-only salon for bespoke designs with a careful eye for detail, Manicure Laundry is another one for next level nail art. Covering everything from chrome finishes and French tips, to advanced sessions for more creative ideas, this a salon transforming your nails into a modern form of fine art.

It's also one of the best nail salons in Melbourne catering to some of the city's coolest clienteles, but is also there to assist inspired nail artists in training. Their one-on-one masterclasses are brilliant for those looking to get their start in the industry. 

607 Malvern Road, Toorak

Peachi Nail Bar

Don’t sleep on this one. Peachi Nail Bar is a small studio for people wanting nails with big personality. If you’re on the hunt for incredible, intricate hand painted nail art that will have you turning heads, this is the salon for you. Let your individuality shine by bringing custom design ideas, and Peachi will take care of the rest.

DM to book and for location

Missy Lui

This Zen-like salon is not only chic, but also 100% nontoxic. Forget harsh, stripping chemicals (formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor just to name a few) and their eye-stinging fumes. Missy Lui is all about natural products and nail pampering.

Go for the salon’s signature Japanese manicure or pedicure (or both) which includes a lush, lemongrass and kelp healing bath tea soak, followed by exfoliation using a scrub of your choice from Shea Terra Organics. 

1/1161 High Street, Armadale

SOAK Bar + Beauty

SOAK Bar + Beauty offers a salon experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen. As the first fully licensed beauty bar in Victoria, SOAK invites you to Indulge in a selection of premium cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne, as well as petit fours and cheese platters while you’re getting pampered. Does it get much better than that? If this is the future of mani-pedis, we’re here for it. 

They also recently opened up an Elwood location! So if you're bayside and in need of a fresh set, head on down.

657 Chapel Street, South Yarra

5 Ormond Road, Elwood

Trophy Wife

Trophy Wife is a household name in the world of nail art these days, and for good reason. For those who like their tips and toes to stand out (and we mean really stand out), Richmond’s Trophy Wife offers the kind of technicolour nail art Instagram dreams are made of.

From pop art or‘70s psychedelic swirls to your favourite piece of fruit – whatever you’re into, these insanely talented nail designers have you sorted.

2B Bridge Road, Richmond

MONSTERA Nails & Spa

Offering gel, acrylics, shellac, SNS, and spa nail treatments, there is something to suit every nail preference at Monstera Nails & Spa in Prahan. With extremely friendly prices, and a team of professional and dedicated nail techs, this one is hard to beat. Plus, the team can do both natural nail and art intricate designs to perfection, so you know you're in safe hands here!

11 King Street, Prahran

Glam Nails

Glam Nails is the go-to spot for bejeweled, bedazzled or any modern custom designs your heart desires. Seen something on Insta you’re obsessing over? Let the Glam Nails technicians work their magic.

You’ll feel completely pampered from the moment you enter, with their classic manicure, gel treatment or SNS options applied under the guidance of these talented designers. Dedicated to nail artistry of every description, there is no look too difficult for the glam squad to achieve. 

Shop 47 Royal Arcade, 331/339 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Inspired by our pick of the best nail salons in Melbourne and looking to treat yourself this weekend? From getting a killer blow-dry to a relaxing massage, all you have to do is sit back, relax and be pampered.