The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down (2024)

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  • Nails

By

Maya Allen

The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down (1)

Maya Allen

Maya Allen is a beauty editor with over five years of experience covering hair, makeup, skin, and nails. She is currently the beauty director for InStyle Magazine.

Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines

Updated on 03/31/24 09:28PM

Reviewed by

Evelyn Lim

The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down (2)

Reviewed byEvelyn Lim

Evelyn Lim is a nail expert with more than 18 years of experience. She currently serves as the chief educator of Paintbox, a top nail studio in NYC.

Nail Educator

Fact checked by

Anna Harris

Fact checked byAnna Harris

Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.

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The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down (3)

While we love an at-home manicure, we always enjoy going to a salon for a professional nail service. Now, if you live in NYC, you have more than a handful of options at your disposal; it's just about finding the perfect place for you. At Byrdie HQ, we know a thing or two about what makes a nail salon great and have diligently combed through some of the buzziest places in New York City to find the best ones. Needless to say, we've found the gems of the gems.

Below, find the 21 best nail salons in New York City. We factored in the service of the staff, the vibe of the salons, the designs they offer, and other extra elements, such as membership options. Scroll on for the best NYC nail salons to book an appointment ASAP.

01of 21

Paintbox

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Fact: Ask a group of it-girls what their favorite salon is, and I guarantee one of them will say Paintbox. The salon has an entire book full of one-of-a-kind designs that are so memorable we can spot a Paintbox mani the second we see one. Even better? You're never without a glass of champagne while enjoying your mani.

Location: 20 East 69th St., New York City

02of 21

The Laq Lab

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The Laq Lab is a Black-owned luxury nail salon located in Park Slope. The posh salon specializes in intricate manicures, pedicures, and press-on nails. The Laq Lab also offers its own lineup of polishes and nail accessories.

Location: 41 5th Ave, Brooklyn

03of 21

Primp & Polish

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Primp & Polish is one of Brooklyn's most beloved salon franchises. Their services include regular and gel manicures, of course. And all of the salon's pedicures include a custom foot bath infused with sea salt and an essential oil of your choice.

Locations:
89 Grand St., New York City
845 Manhattan Ave., New York City
172 Bedford Ave., New York City
205 N. Ninth St., New York City
586 Grand St., New York City

04of 21

Vanity Projects

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Want nail art that'll automatically earn you compliments? Vanity Projects is the spot.Its bold and original designs are not for the faint of heart—you'll seriously stand out with these innovative paint jobs done by some of the most sought-after nail artists. If you want to have more fun with your nails, this place is for you.

Location: 99 Chrystie St., 2nd floor, New York City

05of 21

Glosslab

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Another salonknown forits insanely good nail art (and in-tune, modern approach to the nail salon experience), Glosslabis everyone's favorite. Real talk: The salon features an array of designs that'll speak to whichever mood you're in.What's more, they're a waterless salon, meaning they've ditched the use of water completely and get brownie points for being hygienic and sustainable.

Locations:
1 Jane St., New York City
68 Bleecker St., New York City
27 W 20th St., New York City
180 W Broadway, New York City
1206 Third Ave., New York City
860 7th Ave, New York City
1165 Broadway, New York City

06of 21

Chillhouse

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Think chill vibes for the ultimate cool person. Enjoy the low-keycomfort ofChillhouseby indulging in one of the brand's signature manicures over a delicious matcha or wine. It's essentially a haven, decked out with acafé, nail salon, and massage rooms.

Location: 75 Varick St., New York City

07of 21

Jinsoon Hand and Foot Spa

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Loved by celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, this upscale nail salon, created by the one and only Jin Soon Choi, is incredible. Its fresh and airy space will immediately relax you. Not to mention, you'll only find quality polishes that ensure a top-notch paint job.

Locations:
37 Walker St., New York City
56 E. Fourth St., New York City
23 Jones St., New York City
421 E. 73rd St., New York City

08of 21

Sundays Nail Studio

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Yes, the salon's service is impeccable, but we can't get over the genius concept of Sundays Nail Studio. It doubles as a wellness center, offering space to hold events and focus groups. Plus, the décor is unmatched—you'll feel like you escaped into a land of zen. You just have to see it for yourself.

Locations:
51 E. 25th St., New York City

30 Hudson Yards, New York City
1481 Third Ave., New York City
71 4th Ave., New York City

09of 21

Akiko Nails

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Akiko Nailsdoesn't feature just any nail art; it specializes in Japanese design techniques. The artists are trained to make your wildest dreams come true when it comes to your nails. It must be the neon pink sign that just screams cool.

Location: 135 Eldridge St., New York City

10of 21

Bisou

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We'll admit it: Décor matters when it comes to good nail salons. If the place doesn't look chic, we don't trust it with our nails. Bisouis thecream of the crop when it comes to its interior, and its nail designs do not disappoint. What's even cooler about this space is it's so intimate—it only has four stations, so you'll pretty much feel like a VIP.

Location: 6 Spring St., New York City

11of 21

Tenoverten

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Ask a group of editors what their favorite nail salon is, and I guarantee you'll hear Tenoverten. Free of the traditional toxins most nail polishes contain, you won't have to worry about unsafe ingredients. Every time you visit, you can always bet on receiving an A1 manicure here.

Location: 121 Fulton St., New York City

12of 21

Hortūs Nailworks

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Hortūs Nail Shopprioritizes conscious products that are all certified organic. The relaxingvibes of this Lower East Side treasure will win you over. Plus, their Instagram is a major source of eye candy.

Location: 210 Forsyth St., New York City

13of 21

Local Honey

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Bushwick's Local Honey does it all—waxing, massage, and nails—and manages to produce its own product line as well. Get a normal mani-pedi or go for extravagant extensions from one of the in-house artists. Pick up a candle or some palo santo while you're there, too.

Location: 1546 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn

14of 21

Haven Spa

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Haven Spa believes that hand pampering is just as important as foot pampering, which is why the Haven Hand and Haven Foot Renaissance upgrades are a must to accompany your usual mani-pedi. The best part? Services don't cost an arm and a leg.

Location: 250 Mercer St., New York City

15of 21

Jenny Bui

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Okay, so admittedly, Jenny Bui isn't a salon—she's a person who owns and operates two salons. But she's Cardi B's now-legendary nail tech, and we would be remiss to make this list and not include her. Both salons are fairly similar, and you can usually find Bui doing nails at the Bronx studio—if she's not across the world working on a famous client, of course. Her motto? "Never too much bling."

Locations:
Jenny's Spa, 305 E Fordham Road, Bronx

Nails On 7th Ave, 2449 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York City

16of 21

Paintbucket

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Williamsburg-based Paintbucket is exactly what you expect out of a Williamsburg-based nail salon: indie polish brands, free prosecco, and nail art inspired by crystals, animals, and southwestern patterns. Go with friends on a sunny day and soak in the millennial pink décor before taking a walk to the nearby Williamsburg waterfront.

Location: 204 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn

17of 21

pH7

The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down (20)

PH7 is another boutique that specializes in natural beauty, specifically 10-free nail polish and sugaring services. Unlike many other natural-only and non-toxic places, however, they have non-toxic gels as well. We know that a polish that lasts more than a week and doesn't kill your nails sounds too good to be true, but you'll just have to check it out for yourself.

Locations:
227 Grand St., Brooklyn

106 S Oxford St., Brooklyn
374 Court St., Brooklyn
128 Third Ave., New York City

18of 21

Yukie Natori New York

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Located two blocks off Central Park, the most stressful experience you'll have at this salon will probably be shuffling your feet behind tourists while you try to get to the front door. Inside, you'll find a luxurious and thoroughly modern salon and spa complete with massage rooms, a bar, and some of the best nail techs in the city.

Location: 39 W 56th St., New York City

19of 21

Marie Nails

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At first glance, Marie Nails might look like any other bi-coastally beloved salon—until you realize they have a location in Hawaii, two in Los Angeles, and eight in Japan, too. It turns out that Marie Nails isn't just a salon; it's an empire with its own professional nail school to boot. No matter what nail style you're looking for, you can find someone to do it perfectly at Marie Nails.

Location: 155 Prince St., New York City

20of 21

Oh, My Nails!

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If the cute designs and easy-to-get-to location don't hook you on this salon, maybe the fact that owner MoMo works with Karlie Kloss, Ashley Graham, and Beyoncé will. No matter your preferred nail style—from simplistic to statement-making—rest assured you'll walk out of Oh, My Nails! a satisfied client.

Location: 273 East 10th St., New York City

21of 21

Delacqua Salon

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Delacqua, with its exposed brick and ornate mirrors, feels as much like a movie set as it does a salon. However, they mean business—whether it be hair or nails. The Italian-inspired décor, luxe accommodations, and stellar service will have you feeling like a Renaissance queen.

Location: 2027 86th St., Brooklyn

The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down (2024)

FAQs

The 21 Best Nail Salons in NYC—Hands Down? ›

Is $10 a Good Tip for Nails? If the total for your manicure was $50, tipping $10 is a good tip since it's 20% of the total. So, a $50 manicure would be $60, including the tip.

Where do celebrities get their nails done in NYC? ›

Top 10 Best Celebrity Nail Salons Near New York, New York
  • Jinsoon. 3.8 (125 reviews) ...
  • Spa Blue. 4.3 (360 reviews) ...
  • Coco Nails art. 4.3 (521 reviews) ...
  • Yukie Natori New York Salon & Spa. 4.2 (434 reviews) ...
  • Pipbuzzz Nails. 4.0 (4 reviews) ...
  • MStudio. 4.3 (70 reviews) ...
  • Parus Waxing & Nails Spa. 4.8 (113 reviews) ...
  • Nail Couture NYC.

What is a good tip for $50 nails? ›

Is $10 a Good Tip for Nails? If the total for your manicure was $50, tipping $10 is a good tip since it's 20% of the total. So, a $50 manicure would be $60, including the tip.

What color nails should a 40 year old woman wear? ›

When in doubt, a neutral nail color is the way to go. The neutrals range from nude to sheer tints of beige. These more natural-looking colors are perfect if you like to keep things simple, and they work well for both every day and evening occasions.

What percent should you tip a nail lady? ›

Much like at restaurants and hair salons, the industry standard for tipping at the nail salon ranges around 15 to 20 percent, and it is generally recommended that if you've received extra services or specialty designs, a minimum of 20 percent is appreciated.

Where does Megan Fox get her nails done? ›

Megan Fox and her nail artist, Brittney Boyce (@nails_of_la), definitely know their way around an extravagant and bright nail design. While many celebs have made minimalist milky nails their signature, Megan has never been the type to let an eye-catching mani pass her her by.

How much do you tip a nail salon in NYC? ›

So what's a good tip? A 10% to 20% gratuity is standard at nail salons, but it's acceptable to leave more or less depending on factors like your budget and the service you receive.

Is $5 ok for a tip on a pedicure? ›

Other tipping considerations at a nail salon

To avoid making etiquette mistakes, our experts offer some additional tips for tipping at nail salons: Try not to tip less than $5. If you're only getting a nail polish color swap for $20, consider rounding up the tip to $5.

Is it rude not to tip a nail salon? ›

Regardless of whether you're getting a basic pedicure or you upgrade to the full-on spa treatment, you should still be tipping your nail technician. Even if you're just getting your polish done, remember that you're only paying for the product and service but the nail artist's time and performance.

Do nail techs prefer cash tips? ›

Cash is king when it comes to tips. Many technicians prefer cash because they get their hands on it immediately rather than waiting for payday. CreditCards advises this too. Stop at the bank before your next mani-pedi appointment to get some cash.

What nail color is most classy? ›

Nude or Beige

A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting.

What nail colors to avoid for older hands? ›

Avoid Dark Colors: Dark colors, such as deep reds, purples, or blacks, can draw attention to imperfections and make hands appear older. It's best to steer clear of these shades if you want to achieve a more youthful look.

What nail shape is best for aging hands? ›

While many of us don't give the shape of our nails a second thought, Lippmann says you should start. "An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer and, in turn, makes hands look younger," she explains. Another grooming tip from the pro: pay attention to your cuticles and use regular cuticle oil to prevent dry skin.

Is $10 a bad tip for nails? ›

How Much Should You Tip Your Manicurist. The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15 percent, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20 percent. This is similar to what's expected when tipping at a hair salon, or for a massage or spa treatment.

What to tell your nail tech? ›

Even if you feel awkward or embarrassed, you should make sure your artist understands what it is you're looking for. Tell them if you want shorter nails, a certain shape, or a specific color; they may be able to accommodate your request without any extra fee, so don't be afraid to speak up.

How often should you get a pedicure? ›

So go ahead and schedule your regular trips to the nail salon. Just be careful not to do it too often. You can get a complete pedicure monthly and the basic one after two weeks. Doing this is enough to keep your feet healthy and happy.

Where do most celebrities hang out in New York City? ›

You're Most Likely To Spot A Celebrity At These New York Gems
  • Central Park is a favorite filming location and celeb hangout. ...
  • Celebrities love dining at Nobu. ...
  • Broadway attracts stars both on and off the stage. ...
  • The Bowery Hotel is an A-lister hotspot. ...
  • Multiple TV shows film at Rockefeller Center.
Apr 29, 2024

Where does Cardi B get her nails? ›

But no matter what her nails look like, she always keeps us entertained. (Many of the rapper's most famous sets were created by her long-time nail artist Jenny Bui, owner of Nails on 7th and self-dubbed "Queen of Bling." The Cambodian nail pro has been Cardi B's go-to for a decade.)

How much to get nails done in NYC? ›

How much does a manicure cost? In NYC, the average price of a manicure costs from $10 to $60 depending on the type of manicure it is. Acrylics may cost between $35 and $60, while a gel manicure may cost $50.

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