Top Nail Salons in London

London’s nail salons range from quick neighbourhood bars to appointment-led studios where detailed nail art can take several hours. Prices vary accordingly, but the treatment name alone does not explain what is included. One gel manicure may involve full cuticle work and massage, while another is primarily a file-and-polish service.

The seven salons below cover different formats, from broad central menus and combined beauty appointments to natural-nail studios, late-opening East London services and premium traditional manicures.

What distinguishes a suitable nail salon?

The right choice depends on the product system, technician, removal policy, hygiene, allergy history, nail-art complexity, appointment length and cancellation terms.

A polished interior or well-known product brand does not prove that tools, lamps and chemicals are managed correctly. No manicure can be guaranteed to last for a fixed period on every client.

Before booking, confirm the exact service, current product on the nails, removal method, nail-art tier, repair window and whether the salon accepts work applied elsewhere.

At a glance

Prices can change and removal or nail art is often charged separately.

How much do nail salons charge in London?

A standard polish manicure commonly costs about £25–£50. Gel manicures generally fall between £35 and £65, while BIAB or other builder-gel services often cost £50–£90. Premium Mayfair treatments, detailed nail art and extensions can exceed £100.

The final price may include separate charges for:

• removal of gel, BIAB, acrylic or hard gel;
• removal of work applied by another salon;
• French tips or chrome;
• nail-art levels;
• repairs;
• added length;
• infills;
• callus work;
• luxury masks or massage;
• evening or senior-technician appointments;
• missed or late-cancelled bookings.

Ask for the complete checkout total rather than relying on a headline “from” price.

PAINT Nails London

Address: 28 Market Place, London W1W 8AW
Phone: 020 8127 1121
Opening: Monday to Friday, 10am–8pm; Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 11.30am–6pm
Published price: Classic manicure £42; gel manicure £50; BIAB gel manicure £65; acrylic extensions £95
Repair policy: Complimentary BIAB repair within seven days where the salon accepts that the problem falls within its guarantee
Website

PAINT is one of the most versatile central London salons in this guide. Its menu covers standard polish, gel, BIAB, gel extensions, acrylic extensions, pedicures, men’s services and several levels of nail art.

The salon’s Oxford Circus location makes it useful before an event or during a West End shopping day. It also has a drinks menu and is marketed around a “nails and cocktails” experience. That social format may appeal to pairs and groups, while clients wanting a quiet appointment should choose a less busy time.

Pricing is unusually clear. A standard gel manicure is currently £50, BIAB is £65 and acrylic extensions are £95 before any detailed nail-art supplement. French tips, chrome and art levels are charged separately, so an inspiration image should be sent before booking if the design is complex.

Builder gel can create a structured overlay, but it does not repair the natural nail biologically or guarantee a particular wear period. Preparation, picking, nail length, product compatibility and individual nail condition can all affect retention.

PAINT publishes a seven-day BIAB repair policy. Clients should contact the salon promptly and allow it to assess whether the issue is covered rather than assuming every chip, break or accidental impact qualifies.

Pros

• Detailed public price list
• Wide range of polish, gel, BIAB, acrylic and gel-extension services
• Several published nail-art tiers
• Long weekday opening hours

Best for: A broad choice of nail systems and art levels near Oxford Circus.

What to confirm: Send an inspiration image before booking and ask whether removal, repairs and the chosen art tier are included.

Iris Avenue Nail and Beauty Bar

Address: 32 Store Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1E 7BS
Phone: 020 7636 8866
Opening: Monday to Wednesday and Saturday, 10am–7pm; Thursday and Friday, 10am–8pm; Sunday, 11am–6pm
Published price: Polish manicure £45; gel manicure £52; hard-gel overlay £80; BIAB infill £90
Website

Iris Avenue is a full beauty salon rather than a nail-only studio. Alongside manicures and pedicures, it offers brows, lashes, waxing, massage, facials and other treatments in a Fitzrovia venue with a drinks bar.

The service range makes it useful for wedding preparation, group bookings or clients wanting several appointments in one location. The trade-off is that a combined beauty venue can feel busier than a small specialist studio, especially at weekends.

Its current menu separates straightforward polish or gel manicures from structured options. A standard manicure is £45 with polish or £52 with gel. Hard-gel overlays and BIAB infills sit at a higher price, while nail art ranges from relatively simple accents to sculpted and three-dimensional designs.

Clients should compare package contents carefully because drinks, removal, art, BIAB and other treatments may not all be included in the headline figure.

Iris Avenue says it uses brands including CND Shellac, OPI and The Gel Bottle. Brand recognition does not remove the possibility of acrylate allergy, so anyone with previous itching, swelling, blistering or nail separation after gel products should disclose this and seek appropriate medical advice before re-exposure.

Pros

• Nails can be combined with brows, lashes, waxing and other services
• Clear prices for many core manicure and structured-gel treatments
• Central Fitzrovia location
• Wide nail-art menu

Best for: Wedding preparation, group visits and combining nails with other beauty appointments.

Planning tip: Ask the salon to sequence treatments for you; a spray tan, facial, waxing appointment and manicure may need a particular order.

Trieu Nails London

Address: 105 Roman Road, London E2 0QN
Phone: 020 8981 8161
Opening: Monday to Friday, noon–9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am–7pm
Published price: Classic manicure £26; Shellac manicure around £35–£37; BIAB from £38; Gel-X from £49
Repair policy: Five days for issues the salon assesses as resulting from technician error
Website

Trieu Nails is an independent East London salon with a broad menu covering conventional polish, gel, BIAB, Gel-X, acrylic services, pedicures and nail art. Its weekday opening until 9pm is one of the clearest practical advantages for clients booking after work.

The salon’s public menu contains some duplicated or older wording, so the live booking total should be treated as more reliable than a cached individual price. Current headline information lists BIAB from £38 and Gel-X from £49, while the detailed menu lists a classic manicure at £26 and Shellac around the mid-£30s.

Trieu publishes a five-day repair policy where it accepts that damage resulted from the technician’s work. This is narrower than a general satisfaction guarantee. Accidental breaks, picking and aftercare issues may not be covered.

The salon also offers memberships with a stated minimum term in its current terms. Anyone considering a subscription should calculate the annual commitment, understand cancellation rights and confirm whether unused appointments expire.

Trieu advertises a trainee pathway and in-house development, but individual experience still varies. Clients booking detailed art should select an artist whose published work matches the requested style.

Pros

• Later weekday appointments
• Competitive published starting prices
• Gel, BIAB, Gel-X and acrylic options
• Defined five-day repair process

Best for: East London clients wanting later appointments and a wide choice of enhancement systems.

What to confirm: Use the live booking system to verify the current price, duration, technician level and removal charge.

Townhouse Victoria

Address: 129 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6RD
Phone: 020 7947 0100
Opening: Hours vary by day; check the live Victoria booking page
Services: Polish and gel manicures, pedicures, nail art, BIAB or super-gel overlay and gel extensions
Not offered: Townhouse states that it does not provide acrylic extensions
Published price: Displayed during live booking and may vary by location and service
Website

Townhouse has expanded into a large multi-location nail-salon group, and its Victoria branch is useful for travellers, office workers and clients combining an appointment with central London plans.

Its model is more standardised than an independent studio. Services, art add-ons and colour ranges are organised consistently across branches, although prices and appointment availability can vary by location.

Townhouse focuses on polish, gel, BIAB-style overlays and gel extensions rather than acrylics. This makes it less suitable for clients who specifically want acrylic sculpting or an infill over an existing acrylic set.

The salon publishes a repair promise for qualifying gel services. As with other guarantees, it is not a promise that all wear or accidental damage will be repaired regardless of cause. Contact the branch promptly and follow its assessment process.

Townhouse’s current menu includes nail art, chrome, French finishes and gel extensions. The relevant issue is whether the selected technician and appointment duration cover the complexity of the requested design.

Pros

• Central Victoria location
• Standardised multi-location booking format
• Offers gel extensions, overlays and nail-art add-ons
• Published repair process for qualifying gel services

Best for: A polished, consistent salon experience near Victoria station.

What to confirm: Choose every add-on during booking; arriving with unbooked removal or nail art may leave insufficient appointment time.

Shoreditch Nails

Locations: Studios in East London, including Shoreditch and Dalston; confirm the selected studio during booking
Published price: Gel manicure £51; gel pedicure £56; BIAB infill manicure £75
Graduate price: Graduate gel manicure £35; graduate gel pedicure £40
Service limitation: No acrylics or conventional nail extensions
Cancellation: Full charge can apply for late cancellations, no-shows and significant lateness
Website

Shoreditch Nails is distinct for its focus on natural nails, graphic nail art and a connected training academy. Its standard services use polish, gel and BIAB overlays rather than acrylic extensions.

The regular gel manicure is currently £51, with art charged according to the selected level. The studio also offers lower-cost graduate appointments with qualified nail artists who completed training through its academy. Graduate appointments are longer, making them useful for clients who have more time and want a reduced rate.

The salon provides both hand-filed and e-file removal options for products previously applied at Shoreditch Nails. Products from another salon carry a separate first-visit removal charge. It does not infill hard gel, SNS or acrylic, so clients with those systems should contact the studio before booking.

Its cancellation policy is strict. Card details are held, and late cancellations or missed appointments can be charged in full. Arriving more than five minutes late may shorten the service, while longer delays may result in cancellation.

The brand markets several products as vegan or cruelty-free. Those characteristics may matter ethically, but they do not mean a product is allergy-free or harmless to every client.

Pros

• Strong nail-art identity
• Transparent standard and graduate prices
• Lower-cost academy-graduate appointments
• Clear explanation of products it will and will not remove or infill

Best for: Natural-nail clients, graphic art and lower-cost graduate appointments in East London.

Planning tip: Identify the art level from the salon’s menu before booking and allow extra time for a graduate service.

DryBy

Fitzrovia: 29 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR; 020 7434 1747
Belgravia: 8A West Halkin Street, London SW1X 8JE; 020 3961 0255
Opening: Daily, 10am–7pm
Published price: Current treatment pricing is provided through the live booking system
Website

DryBy operates appointment-led nail studios in Fitzrovia and Belgravia. It is known for curated, editorial-style manicures and is a useful choice for clients who already have a clear design reference or prefer a quieter studio format over a cocktail bar.

The current public website is visually led and directs clients into the booking system rather than displaying a stable full treatment list. That makes it important to check the final price, duration and removal requirements before confirming.

DryBy’s older public terms refer to a former Mortimer Street address and should not be relied upon for current practical details. The live site now lists Berners Street and West Halkin Street. This is a good example of why directory information and cached terms can be misleading.

Clients should send complex inspiration images before the appointment. Fine-line work, negative space and multi-colour designs require enough booked time, and not every technician necessarily offers the same art level.

Because current pricing and cancellation terms are not presented as clearly as at PAINT or Shoreditch Nails, screenshot or save the booking conditions shown at checkout.

Pros

• Two central London studio locations
• Appointment-led format
• Suitable for refined and editorial nail art
• Daily opening

Best for: Clients seeking editorial-style manicures in Fitzrovia or Belgravia.

What to confirm: Obtain the final price, art level, removal charge, cancellation deadline and exact studio before paying.

Nails & Brows Mayfair

Address: 31 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EJ
Phone: 020 7499 5245
Published price: File and polish £34; 20-minute manicure £47; Haute manicure £64; Shellac £81; gel manicure £83
Additional services: Pedicures, BIAB, brows, lashes, waxing and selected facial services
Website

Nails & Brows Mayfair is the most traditional premium beauty boutique in this guide. Its manicure menu is unusually detailed and ranges from a 15-minute file and polish to longer treatments with exfoliation, massage, paraffin wax or gel systems.

The published prices make it easy to see how service time affects cost. A basic file and polish is £34, while a 40-minute Haute manicure is £64 and a gel manicure is £83. The premium reflects both the Mayfair location and the extended treatment format.

This salon is useful for clients who value cuticle work, hand care and a conventional polished finish as much as nail art. It also offers brows, lashes and waxing, though combining services increases both time and cost.

Marketing descriptions refer to “non-toxic” gel. That term is not a regulated guarantee that a product cannot cause irritation or allergy. Gel systems contain reactive ingredients and must be used and cured correctly. Anyone with a known acrylate allergy should not assume a product is safe because it is described as clean, vegan or non-toxic.

The salon publishes claims about how long Shellac or gel may remain chip-free. Treat these as expected wear under suitable conditions, not a guarantee for every client.

Pros

• Detailed public treatment and duration list
• Traditional manicure options alongside gel and BIAB
• Mayfair location
• Brows and other beauty services available in the same boutique

Best for: A longer traditional manicure or combined beauty appointment in Mayfair.

What to confirm: Ask whether removal, polish choice, paraffin, massage and any repair policy are included in the selected treatment.

Comparing nail-service quotations properly

Two manicure prices are comparable only when they cover the same preparation, product and removal.

Ask each salon to confirm:

• Service duration
• Cuticle work
• Product brand and system
• Removal
• Removal of another salon’s work
• Nail-art tier
• French or chrome supplement
• Repair charge
• Added length
• Infill or full removal
• Technician level
• Complete checkout total

A lower headline manicure price may become more expensive once removal and art are added.

Choosing between salon formats

Different formats suit different priorities:

• Nail-focused salon: broad product choice and specialist technicians.
• Combined beauty venue: useful for nails, brows, lashes or other appointments in one visit.
• Natural-nail studio: focuses on polish, gel, BIAB and art without acrylics.
• Appointment-led art studio: suitable for complex or editorial designs booked in advance.
• Premium traditional salon: places greater emphasis on cuticle work, massage and hand care.

The most suitable salon depends on the required system and technician rather than one universal ranking.

Gel, Shellac, BIAB, hard gel and acrylic: what is the difference?

Gel polish

Gel polish is a coloured coating cured under a lamp. “Shellac” is a CND brand name commonly used informally for gel-polish manicures. Removal normally involves filing the top layer and soaking with an appropriate remover.

BIAB or builder gel

BIAB is The Gel Bottle’s trademarked “Builder In A Bottle” product, though salons often use the term loosely for other soak-off builder gels. It creates a thicker overlay than standard gel polish and can add structure to the natural nail.

Builder gel does not permanently strengthen the nail itself. Poor removal or picking can leave the natural nail thin or damaged.

Hard gel

Hard gel is a stronger enhancement system that generally cannot be soaked off in the same way as soft gel. It is filed down for removal or maintenance. Confirm whether a salon accepts another technician’s hard-gel work.

Acrylic

Acrylic combines liquid monomer and powder polymer to create an enhancement. It is useful for added length and strong structure but produces dust and vapours that require appropriate controls.

Gel-X or full-cover gel tips

These are pre-shaped soft-gel tips adhered over the natural nail. They differ from sculpted hard gel and acrylic, so repair and infill options vary.

Consent and treatment boundaries

Clients should be able to stop or change the treatment at any point.

Tell the technician about:

• Pain
• Previous allergy
• Nail separation
• Cuts or broken skin
• Infection concerns
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Circulation problems
• Recent surgery
• Medication affecting bleeding or healing

A salon should refuse or postpone treatment where safe cosmetic work is not possible.

Hygiene: what should a nail salon actually do?

Nail salons are not operating theatres, so claims of “medical-grade” or sterile hygiene should not be accepted without clear evidence.

Good practice includes:

• washing or sanitising hands before treatment;
• examining nails and surrounding skin for signs of infection;
• refusing treatment where infection or an open wound is suspected;
• cleaning and disinfecting reusable metal tools between clients;
• using single-use files, buffers and wooden sticks where they cannot be effectively disinfected;
• cleaning foot baths between clients;
• keeping products labelled and covered;
• using suitable dust and vapour extraction;
• avoiding product contact with skin;
• maintaining equipment and lamps according to manufacturer instructions.

HSE guidance specifically identifies nail bars as workplaces needing controls for chemical exposure. London borough licensing conditions can also require trained therapists, disinfection and suitable extraction, but rules vary by borough and treatment.

A salon licence or polished interior is not proof of perfect practice. Clients can ask directly how files, drill bits, clippers and foot-spa equipment are managed.

Acrylate allergy and skin reactions

Gel, builder gel and acrylic products can cause allergic contact dermatitis when uncured ingredients contact the skin or products are inadequately cured.

Possible signs include:

• itching;
• redness;
• swelling;
• blistering;
• skin cracking;
• lifting of the nail from the nail bed;
• rash on the fingers, eyelids or face.

Stop using the product and seek medical advice if a reaction is suspected. Repeated exposure can worsen sensitisation, and acrylates are also used in some dental and medical materials.

A patch test does not necessarily rule out allergy to every ingredient or prevent a future reaction. The safest practice is avoiding skin contact and using the correct compatible lamp and curing process.

Lamp and product compatibility

Gel products should be cured using a lamp and timing suitable for that system. A lamp that appears bright is not proof that the product has cured fully.

Ask:

• Whether the lamp is recommended for the product
• Whether bulbs or units are maintained
• How curing times are set
• Whether mixed-brand systems are used
• What happens if wrinkling or under-curing appears

Incorrect curing can leave reactive ingredients in contact with the nail or skin.

What to look for before booking

Ask the salon:

• Which product brand and system will be used?
• Is the lamp recommended for that product?
• Is removal included?
• Will the salon remove another brand’s work?
• Are files and buffers single use?
• How are reusable tools disinfected?
• Is an e-file used on the natural nail?
• Which technician can perform the requested art?
• How long is the appointment?
• What is the repair window?
• What is the cancellation deadline?
• Are card details retained for no-show charges?
• Can treatment be declined if infection is suspected?

Clear answers are more useful than broad claims about being “luxury”, “healthy” or “non-toxic”.

E-file safety

Electric files can be useful for removing bulk product, but over-filing can thin the natural nail or cause heat and discomfort.

A technician should:

• Use an appropriate bit
• Control speed and pressure
• Avoid prolonged contact
• Stop if heat or pain occurs
• Keep bits clean and disinfected
• Avoid unnecessary filing of the natural nail

Safe removal and maintenance

Do not peel or pull off gel, BIAB or extensions. Peeling can remove layers of the natural nail.

Professional removal may involve controlled filing and soaking depending on the system. Hard gel and acrylic require different methods from soft gel polish. Tell the technician exactly what product is on the nails if known.

Infills are not always appropriate indefinitely. Lifting, trapped moisture, discolouration or changes in the nail may require full removal and assessment.

Pedicures and foot health

A nail salon pedicure is cosmetic, not podiatric treatment. Do not ask a technician to cut into an ingrown nail, treat infection or manage a diabetic foot complication unless they hold appropriate healthcare qualifications.

Seek medical or podiatry advice for:

• suspected fungal infection;
• painful ingrown nails;
• ulcers or open wounds;
• reduced sensation;
• significant swelling;
• unexplained discolouration;
• poor circulation;
• persistent pain.

Tell the salon about diabetes, circulation issues, blood-thinning medication and recent foot surgery.

If a treatment causes pain or damage

Raise the issue promptly and keep:

• Booking confirmation
• Technician name
• Product details
• Photographs
• Messages
• Receipts
• Medical advice where required

Severe pain, swelling, blistering, infection or nail separation should not be managed only through a repair appointment.

Cancellation and repair policies

London salons commonly require 24 hours’ notice. Some hold card details and charge the full service price for late cancellation or non-attendance.

A repair guarantee usually covers premature lifting or chipping attributed to the application. It may exclude:

• accidental breaks;
• picking;
• impact damage;
• use of harsh chemicals;
• work performed by another salon;
• repairs requested after the published period;
• changes of mind about colour or design.

Contact the salon as soon as an issue appears and provide clear photographs.

Nail art pricing

Nail art is usually grouped by complexity rather than charged per image. French tips and chrome may be separate add-ons, while portraits, 3D work or different designs on every nail require a higher tier.

Before booking:

1. Send a reference image.
2. State the desired nail length and shape.
3. Explain what product is already on the nails.
4. Ask which art tier applies.
5. Confirm whether the quoted time includes removal.
6. Be prepared for the technician to simplify a design if time is limited.

Frequently asked questions

How long should gel nails last?

Many salons describe roughly two weeks as expected wear, but individual results vary. Nail condition, length, preparation, occupation and aftercare all matter.

Is BIAB healthier than acrylic?

Neither system is automatically “healthy” or harmful. Product quality, correct application, skin contact, curing and removal are more important than marketing labels.

Can a salon treat nail fungus?

A cosmetic salon should not diagnose or treat fungal infection. Seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or podiatrist.

Should cuticles be cut?

Some salons trim non-living excess tissue, while others mainly push cuticles back. Aggressive cutting can cause injury. Ask for a conservative approach if you are concerned.

Can I bring my own polish?

Some salons permit this for conventional polish but may refuse external gel products because lamp compatibility and insurance are unclear.

Are UV nail lamps dangerous?

Gel lamps use ultraviolet radiation. Exposure per appointment is limited, but people concerned about cumulative exposure can discuss fingerless UV-protective gloves or broad-spectrum sunscreen, while ensuring neither interferes with the service.

Do men need a different manicure?

No. “Men’s manicure” usually means grooming and buffing without coloured polish. Any client can book the treatment that matches the desired finish.

Can children have gel nails?

Policies vary. Salons may require parental consent or refuse gel and enhancement services for younger clients. Conventional child-friendly polish is easier to remove.

Choosing with confidence

PAINT provides a broad central menu, while Iris Avenue combines nails with other beauty services. Trieu offers later East London appointments, and Townhouse uses a standardised multi-location format.

Shoreditch Nails focuses on natural nails, art and academy-graduate pricing. DryBy suits clients seeking appointment-led editorial designs, while Nails & Brows Mayfair offers longer traditional manicure formats.

Choose according to product system, removal policy, technician skill and hygiene rather than interiors or social-media photographs. A good appointment should leave the client understanding what was applied, how to maintain it and how it will be removed.

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