The 12 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. There are plenty of Buff Studio locations across Melbourne, including Fitzroy, South Yarra, Brighton, Camberwell and Mornington.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Mitty is a northside-based nail joint, with locations across Brunswick and Fitzroy. They're a 100% vegan and cruelty-free salon who pride themselves on longlasting nails that won't put any nasty chemicals on your hands in the process. They specialise in gel and normal polish, but their real shiner is their nail art. Think: cute flowers and blobs, painting recreations (Starry Night, anyone?) and colour-popping swirls. Whatever the vibe, you'll be able to express yourself with their nail art.

Nail aficionados, look no further. Manicure Laundry is a Toorak-based institution that prides itself on nail art. Really good nail art. The gel-only salon specialises in bespoke designs that are executed with incredible flair. But be warned -- this place is so popular that you'll need to book your appointment six weeks in advance.

Ever dreamt of your favourite cartoon characters on your digits? For fans of hand-painted nail art, Peachi Nail Bar is a shoo-in. While they tackle any nail art you can think of – from iridescent, 3D designs to unique colour-filled abstract designs – their specialty is in characters. Pop your childhood favourites on your fingers, tap into the Sonny Angel trends with a custom design, or heck, even get Shrek. Peachi’s done it all. 

10110 Nail Studio in Collingwood specialises in creating wearable art for "unique individuals". Sounds pretty tempting. They pride themselves on being a safe space for everyone and specialise in anything from your basic mani to 3D nail art on tips. Every set is custom and unique to the individual, so you know you'll be walking away with something that truly fits who you are. 

For something very left field, Horni Nails might be the place. They're known for creating pieces of mini art on your fingertips that push the boundaries of what nail art is. We're talking: 3D fishies, blobby pearls, and even teeth! If the 3D designs are a bit too out there, don't fret. They also have a bunch of simpler manicure options in funky colour combinations for that unique pizzaz.