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

Facials glow, blow-dries bounce — but a killer mani? That’s the real game-changer. Effortless, mood-boosting and style-defining, a fresh set of nails takes you from meh to main character energy in one swipe of the gel brush. Melbourne’s best nail salons are serving flawless finishes, serene spaces and artists who can freestyle tiny masterpieces or nail the perfect nude.

From bold chrome claws to chic, minimalist manis, here’s your hit list of the best nail salons in Melbourne.

Texas Nails by Mie

Serving precision with polish, Texas Nails by Mie in Malvern is a suburban star with serious cult energy. This bright, modern studio has nailed a loyal following thanks to flawless manis, luxe pedis, gel, acrylic and dip powder finishes — all executed with meticulous detail. Nail art? On point. Service? Always warm. With a sparkling 5-star rating and a schedule that keeps you covered most of the week, it’s the kind of spot that proves neighbourhood salons can slay just as hard as city icons.

265B Glenferrie Road, Malvern

Nailology

At Nailology, a mani comes with a side of cafe culture. With multiple locations across Melbourne — including Kew, Alphington, Hampton and Truganina — this studio has built a reputation for pairing meticulous nail artistry with a latte in hand. Sip matcha, velvet lattes or a flat white from their in-house coffee bar while your gel, SNS or acrylic set takes shape. Products are free from banned nasties, service is sleek, and the vibe is pure Melbourne: equal parts caffeine hit and polish-perfect ritual.

Kew, Alphington, Truganina & Hampton

NailXpert

On Clarendon Street, NailXpert is the all-rounder every beauty list needs. From immaculate SNS and acrylic overlays to classic manis, pedis, waxing and lash extensions, this full-service studio does it all with enviable precision. Open late on weeknights and across the weekend, it’s as convenient as it is polished. The team’s attention to detail is what keeps clients coming back — whether you’re after a quick refresh or a full glam set, NailXpert makes every appointment feel flawless.

1/319 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Milk Nails

Milk Nails is the dreamy Northcote studio redefining modern manicures with minimalist cool. Specialising in waterless pedicures, intricate nail art and long-lasting builder gel, this serene spot has already racked up cult status — 329 five-star reviews in less than 12 months. Expect spa-level calm, faultless hygiene, and designs that nail Scandi chic: flawless nudes, delicate detail, or a statement set to show off. Your new nail obsession? Found.

270 High Street, Northcote 

JW Nails

Eastern suburbs babes, rejoice — JW Nails is where jaw-dropping nail art meets pure Netflix comfort. Founder Jess only launched in late 2023, but her Gel X sets rival artists with decades under their belt. She can do complex designs or keep it simple with natural polish, all while you binge your favourite show on the in-salon iPad. The serotonin boost of walking out with an iconic set? Immeasurable.

DM to Book

Doncaster East

Steph Fortuna

For bold, intricate and a little bit extra, Steph Fortuna is your go-to. From 3D nail art to festive Grinch sets, she’s fearless with a gel brush. Prefer something more pared back? Her Gel X manis are as chic and long-lasting as they come. Short on time? Steph’s luxe press-ons let you wear salon-quality style at home. Every set is creativity dialled up.

1134B Mount Alexander Road, Essendon

Miss Jay’s Nails & Beauty

Miss Jay’s Nails & Beauty is more than a salon — it’s a celebration of individuality. This Thornbury space is fun, inclusive and designed with accessibility at its core, with the team trained to support sensory, emotional and physical needs. The result? A safe, welcoming environment where self-expression is encouraged. From bold, artistic designs to sleek polished finishes, it’s a space where nails become a statement of you.

667 High Street, Thornbury

Buff Studios 

Chic, calming, and detail-obsessed, Buff Studios is where nail health meets style. Their speciality lies in natural nail care, waterless pedicures, and elegant design. Short on time? The 25-minute Bare Manicure or 35-minute Express option will rescue your week. Premium products, precise execution and a serene vibe make Buff your go-to for long-lasting, healthy nails.

Locations in Brighton, Fitzroy, South Yarra and Camberwell

Manicure Laundry

Gel-only and unapologetically cool, Manicure Laundry transforms nails into wearable art. From chrome finishes and classic French tips to custom creations that push boundaries, this Toorak spot has become a destination for Melbourne’s coolest crowd. Beyond perfect manis, it doubles as a training hub, with expert-led masterclasses for the next wave of nail artists.

607 Malvern Road, Toorak

Peachi Nail Bar

It may be pocket-sized, but Peachi Nail Bar comes with serious personality. This studio has earned a cult following for its intricate, hand-painted nail art—miniature masterpieces designed to stop traffic. Bold patterns, delicate detailing, or completely custom creations are all fair game, with every brushstroke delivered in flawless precision. Bring your wildest ideas and watch them come to life, or let the team dream something up just for you. Small in footprint, huge in creativity — Peachi is one of the best nail salons in Melbourne, and impossible to overlook.

DM to book and for location

Missy Lui

This chic, Zen-like salon is as clean as it is stylish — 100% non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor. At Missy Lui, nail care is all about natural pampering. Indulge in their signature Japanese manicure or pedicure, featuring a soothing lemongrass and kelp healing bath tea soak, followed by an exfoliation using a luxe scrub from Shea Terra Organics. A visit here leaves your nails healthy, nourished, and beautifully polished.

1/1161 High Street, Armadale

SOAK Bar + Beauty

Some salons polish your nails; SOAK Bar + Beauty stages an entire affair. Behind its blush-pink counters and velvet touches lies Victoria’s first fully licensed beauty bar, where martinis and manicures share the same menu. Order champagne or a crafted cocktail as technicians perfect gel polish, BIAB sets or waterless pedicures, and let petit fours or cheese platters blur the line between treatment and indulgence. With a second space now open in Elwood, SOAK has perfected the art of beauty as celebration — luxurious, playful, and impossible to resist.

657 Chapel Street, South Yarra

5 Ormond Road, Elwood

Trophy Wife

Trophy Wife is Melbourne nail art royalty. Known for bold, Instagram-ready designs, this Richmond studio is where technicolour dreams come true — psychedelic swirls, fruit motifs, pop art perfection. No request is too playful; no detail too small. It’s where nails become conversation starters.

2B Bridge Road, Richmond

299 Bourke Street, Melbourne

MONSTERA Nails & Spa

Affordable, versatile and always reliable, Monstera Nails & Spa in Prahran covers every base: gel, acrylics, shellac, SNS and spa treatments. Skilled technicians, budget-friendly prices and a menu that ranges from sleek nudes to intricate designs make it a favourite for good reason.

11 King Street, Prahran

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.