The Best Nail Salons In NYC

Feeling weary while navigating the busy streets of the Big Apple? Sounds like you could use a break. Step up your next pamper session with a trip to one of the best nail salons and nail bars in NYC, where you can treat yourself (and your hands) to a slice of bliss in this chaotic city.

The Best Nail Salons in NYC

The Places We Love

1. Paintbox | 20 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, paint-box.com
2. The Laq Lab | 41 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, thelaqlab.com
3. Chillhouse | 75 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013, chillhouse.com
4. Base Coat at Nordstrom Beauty Haven | 225 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, basecoatnailsalon.com
5. pH7 | Multiple locations in NYC, theph7.com
6. Bisou | 6 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012, bisouny.com

Paintbox

Best For: Contemporary designs (that no one else has)

This light and airy nail studio is a favourite among Millennials and Gen Z, known for its seasonal collections of nail designs (created by in-studio artists) and one-to-one bespoke nail services. Colour theory underpins many of the designs created at Paintbox, and a quick browse through its Instagram account will show rows upon rows of neatly painted nails in vibrant hues and rich textures. This is an ideal spot if you fancy a day out with the girls (we’ve heard you won’t be without a glass of champagne, should you wish) or a little act of self-love. Paintbox also sells its own range of polishes and nail kits online and in its studio, meaning you can continue the mani-pedi experience long after your visit.

Where? 20 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021

BOOK: paint-box.com

 

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The Laq Lab

Best For: Dramatic nail art 

Lined with Barbie pink armchairs, gold side tables and neon signs, Black women-owned nail salon The Laq Lab is the perfect reflection of its art: colourful, elegant and fun. Services cover nail repair, removals, gels, nail art, charms, rhinestones and stickers, as well as classic polish manicures and pedicures. The salon specialises in Aprés Gel X, a soak-off soft gel extension system that is long-lasting without causing damage your natural nails. If statement nails are your bag, this is the place to swing by. On a side note, make sure to grab one of The Laq Lab’s delicious-smelling signature candles on your way out (these are the ones lit around the boutique salon).

Where? 41 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

BOOK: thelaqlab.com

 

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Chillhouse

Best For: Winding down

A visit to a Chillhouse salon is described as ‘a celebration of me-time and self-care’, and we can see why. Founder Cyndi Ramirez wanted to create a chilled space for stressed out New Yorkers back in 2017, and has since built a little empire of salons and a thriving online store. With locations in NYC and Paris, the salon has built up a cult following with its summery-hued chic interiors, strong social media game and stunning nail designs. Chillhouse also donates one percent of its proceeds to mental health advocacy and effort, which you can find out more about here.

Where? 75 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013

BOOK: chillhouse.com

 

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Base Coat at Nordstrom Beauty Haven

Best For: Non-toxic treatments

American luxury department store Nordstrom is home to more than just a huge roster of designer brands; a visit to its Beauty Haven will introduce you to Base Coat, a salon chain from Denver that specialises in 21-free nail polishes as well as manicure and pedicure services. This is a fuss-free salon, so you’re out of look if you’re after some funky nail art, but there’s plenty of soft gel options and services for those aged 10 and under if you want to bring the kids along.

Where? 225 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019

BOOK: basecoatnailsalon.com

 

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pH7

Best For: Natural beauty services

This eco-friendly nail and sugar waxing studio was founded in 2014 by Cici Huang, who wanted to create planet-positive, non-toxic and guilt-free experience for weary urbanites. Upon entering the salon, visitors are sat down with a cup of organic herbal tea and encouraged to relax to their heart’s content, before chatting to a nail tech to choose their perfect nail design. Book a bespoke manicure to really treat your skin and cuticles, and then round off the experience with a manicure using the salon’s range of toxic-free polishes and gels (which create sophisticated and minimal nail designs you can wear anywhere).

Where? Multiple locations in NYC, see them all here

BOOK: theph7.com

 

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Bisou

Best For: Gel manicures

While it doesn’t offer pedicures or acrylics, Bisou excels in nail art and gel manicures that stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Slide into one of the four stations available in the salon (this is an intimate space, so if you have a small group you’ll likely have the place to yourselves) and let the nail techs work their magic. Bisou swears by Japanese nail technique Paragel, which avoids buffing and over-manipulating the nails, to ensure your nails stay their healthiest and strongest.

Where? 6 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012

BOOK: bisouny.com

 

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Featured image: Rodnae Productions, Pexels