The Best Nail Salons in Melbourne for Flawless Manis and Cool-Girl Nail Art

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.

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

Texas Nails by Mie

Serving precision with polish, Texas Nails by Mie in Malvern is a suburban star with serious cult energy. This modern studio has built a loyal following for its immaculate manis, luxe pedis, and expertly executed gel, acrylic and dip powder finishes. Nail art is consistently on point, and the service is warm and welcoming. With a sparkling five-star rating and hours that cover most of the week, it’s a Melbourne nail salon that proves neighbourhood favourites can rival the very best in the city.

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

Milk Nails

Milk Nails keeps things tight. In Northcote, this studio focuses on waterless pedicures, intricate nail art and builder gel that actually lasts, with 329 five-star reviews in under a year. The space is calm, the standards are high, and the finish speaks for itself.

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.

21 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East

Miss Jay’s Nails & Beauty

In Thornbury, Miss Jay’s Nails & Beauty is built around accessibility. The team is trained to support sensory, emotional and physical needs, creating a space that feels thoughtful and easy to navigate. Designs range from expressive to understated, with a focus on work that feels personal rather than prescribed.

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

Peachi Nail Bar

Peachi Nail Bar may be small, but it holds its own. Known for intricate, hand-painted nail art, this studio works with a level of detail that feels considered rather than overdone. Bold patterns, fine line work and fully custom sets are all in play, with each design handled with a steady hand. Bring a reference or leave it open, either way, you will walk out with something that feels a little more interesting than expected.

DM to book and for location

Missy Lui

Missy Lui takes a more considered approach to nail care. The Armadale salon works exclusively with non-toxic formulas, free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP and camphor, with a focus on treatments that prioritise nail health. The Japanese manicure and pedicure are the drawcard, beginning with a lemongrass and kelp soak before moving into gentle exfoliation and careful finishing. It is a slower, more deliberate kind of appointment, with results that speak for themselves.

1/1161 High Street, Armadale

SOAK Bar + Beauty

Some salons polish your nails; SOAK Bar + Beauty stages an entire affair. Behind blush-pink counters and velvet touches sits Victoria’s first fully licensed beauty bar, where martinis and manicures share the same menu. Order champagne or a cocktail while gel polish, BIAB sets and waterless pedicures take shape, with petit fours or cheese plates somewhere in the mix. With a second space now open in Elwood, SOAK has turned nail appointments into something far more social.

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.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

15 April 2026

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.