The Best Nail Salons in Every Major City, According to Editors

Getty/Tanja Ivanova
Getty/Tanja Ivanova

Whenever you're in a new city, finding the best nail salon near you can be a bit of a challenge. There are so many different options (especially in major cities), and sifting through the countless Yelp, Google, and Facebook reviews can be time-consuming and . . . well, let's face it, boring. By the same token, not everyone has all day to scroll through endless Instagram posts searching for the closest nail salon that gives the perfect "glazed doughnut" manicure or carries the special powder needed for chrome finishes. Luckily, we're here to help.

We've asked our POPSUGAR editors, who have spent countless hours trying out different salons across the country, to share the best places to get your nails done, categorized by major American cities. Whether you're searching for the perfect spot to finally test out a waterless pedicure or just want a nail artist who can execute the polarizing "vagina" nail trend, we've got you covered — and we're speaking from experience.

Ahead, we've rounded up the best editor-tested nail salons in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Keep reading for our picks.

Best Nail Salon in New York: Jinsoon Hand and Foot Spa

Ready to relax? Jinsoon Hand and Foot Spa, founded by veteran manicurist Jin Soon Choi, has everything you're searching for, whether it be a hand pampering involving warm milk or a clay facial for your feet. A regular manicure is priced at $23 while a pedicure starts at $35. Don't miss the complimentary green tea upon arrival.

Location: There are four spas across Manhattan that you can visit. See the full list of New York locations here.

Best Nail Salon in New York: Sundays

If you've been searching for a nail salon that uses vegan and nontoxic products, look no further than Sundays. This chic salon has everything you could ever want and is honestly more like a wellness center than a nail salon. Pedicures start at $40 while manicures start at $35.

Location: There are three locations located throughout New York, which you can see in full here, but we especially love the Hudson Yards salon.

Best Nail Salon in New York: Tenoverten

Tenoverten is as luxurious as it gets. This spot offers more than just your run-of-the-mill manicures and pedicures — they offer hand and feet facials, as well as treatments geared toward those who are pregnant. A signature manicure costs $28 while a signature pedicure costs $48.

Location: There is one location in New York City, located at 121 Fulton Street on the second floor.

Best Nail Salon in Los Angeles: My Little Beautique

My Little Beautique offers absolutely everything a beauty lover could ever want — including manicures, brow services, skin treatments, and even tooth gems. We fell in love after trying their russian manicure service with Jontel. A regular manicure starts at $40.

Best Nail Salon in Los Angeles: Nailbox

If you're on a mission to find the most chic nail studio out there, pop on over to Nailbox. The facilities are something out of a futuristic movie where everyone is relaxed all of the time (and has great nails). A signature manicure is priced at $30 while a signature pedicure is $45.

Location: A full list of locations can be found here, but our favorite is the one on South Santa Fe Avenue.

Best Nail Salon in Los Angeles: Bellacures

If you're looking for a nail salon that offers a little something extra, Bellacures is where you want to book your next appointment. They have offerings that include CBD gummies and crystals — yeah, you read that right — but also offer basic options, too. Prices start at $35 for a manicure and $45 for a pedicure.

Location: See all eight locations here, including our most-frequented salon, which is the one in Santa Monica.

Best Nail Salon in Los Angeles: Notox Nails

Notox Nails is known for their work with builder gel as well as their fun nail art. They're committed to cleanliness, and they often share information on how they sanitize their tools and stations on their social media accounts. Manicures start at $35 while pedicures start at $45.

Location: You can visit this salon at 368 South Maple Drive in Beverly Hills.

Best Nail Salon in Los Angeles: Gloss NailSpa

This editor-loved location is known for its intricate nail art. They're always on top of the latest trends, and you can always find a nail technician who can re-create any look you're after. A signature manicure is $25 while a signature pedicure costs $30.

Location: Gloss NailSpa has two locations, one in Pasadena and one in Los Angeles.

Best Nail Salon in Miami: Vanity Projects Miami

Vanity Projects will welcome you by appointment only, but the craftsmanship is worth making the call. Their technicians' nail art is something else — completely inspiring and totally original. Our favorite editor pick is the Glazed Donut Special, where you can pick any color and add a white chrome on top. A basic manicure and pedicure polish starts at $70.

Location: There's one location in Miami on 151 NE 41st Street, but you can also find Vanity Projects in New York City as well.

Best Nail Salon in Miami: Luv Nail Shop

Cute and trendy nail salon Luv Nail Shop is all about embracing self-care wherever you can, especially when it comes to your hands and feet. A basic manicure starts at $25 while a basic pedicure costs $35.

Location: There is one nail salon, located at 3246 North Miami Avenue in Miami.

Best Nail Salon in Miami: Mano Nail Studio

Mano Nail Studio features all nontoxic nail products and specializes in Japanese gel nails and nail art. Plus, if you have shorter nails, you can rejoice — their nail techs also specialize in detailed art for shorter nails. They only offer gel manicures and pedicures, which start at $60 for the former and $65 for the latter.

Location: They have one location at 3301 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 110, in Miami.

Best Nail Salon in Austin: Cute Nail Studio

It doesn't get any cuter than the nail offerings at Cute Nail Studio in Austin, TX. This LGBTQIA+-safe nail salon has it all, and in a fun, safe, friendly environment at that. Prices start at $43 for a regular manicure and $48 for a regular pedicure. Pro tip: they're cash only, so make sure you hit the bank before dropping by.

Location: They have two locations in Austin, one on Congress and one on East 7th.

Best Nail Salon in Austin: Embellish Nails

Embellish Nails has some of the most stunning facilities we've ever visited, and the salon splits space with a boutique that offers fun jewelry as well as knickknacks. Manicures start at $35 while pedicures start at $60.

Location: There are three salon locations, listed here.

Best Nail Salon in Austin: Lacquer

Lacquer offers waterless pedicures, which means they use hot towels instead of soaking feet in tubs. Their services are luxurious, and the prices match. A regular manicure costs $57 while a regular pedicure is $75.

Location: Lacquer has two locations, on 2nd Street and Burnet Road, which you can see here.

Best Nail Salon in Chicago: New Age Nail Studio

New Age Nail Studio has it all: simple manicures that will take you from day to night, as well as over-the-top manicures that will be the envy of everyone you come into contact with. A classic manicure or pedicure is priced at $28.

Location: This salon is located on 832 North State Street in Chicago.

Best Nail Salon in Chicago: Polish and Pour

If you like to really unwind when you get your nails done, Polish and Pour in Chicago may be the spot for you. The salon comes equipped with a full bar so you can sip while you get a luxurious nail treatment. Prices start at $25 for a regular manicure and $43 for a regular pedicure.

Location: The salon has two locations, one in Old Town and one in Streeterville.

Best Nail Salon in Atlanta: Les Mains Nail Bar

If you're searching for the best nail art in Atlanta, Les Mains is where you want to be. They're always on top of the latest trends, whether it's aura art or a simple floral design. Regular manicure pricing starts at $21, while pedicures start at $34.

Location: They have three locations, which are listed here.

Best Nail Salon in Atlanta: Sugarcoat

Sugarcoat has a host of enhancements that will make a trip to get your nails done feel like a five-star vacation. They have 10 different locations all over Atlanta, so no matter where you are, there's a location just around the bend. Regular manicures start at $30, while regular pedicures start at $33.

Location: There are 10 Sugarcoat salons across Atlanta. See the full list here.

Best Nail Salon in San Francisco: City Famous Nail Spa

Whether you're lookin for flaming-hot nail art or just a simple manicure, our editors love City Famous Nail Spa, one of our go-to spots for glazed-doughnut manicures. They have online booking, which makes appointments a breeze, and prices start at $35 for a regular manicure and $45 for a regular pedicure.

Location: They have one location, 2272 Lombard Street in San Francisco.

Best Nail Salon in San Francisco: Lux SF

Lux SF is known for their amazing add-ons in addition to their stunning manicures and pedicures, which utilize toxic-free nail polishes. They have basic options like hot-stone massages, but our editors love the Elemis offerings they have, like their Pro-Radiance Manicure Ritual. Prices start at $30 for a regular manicure and $40 for a regular pedicure.

Location: There is one Lux SF location, at 490 Hayes Street in San Francisco.

Best Nail Salon in San Francisc: SF House of Nails

If you're looking to get a flawless manicure and pedicure and maybe even some fun nail art, SF House of Nails is the way to go. The facilities are clean, the services are fast, and the nails are always perfection. Manicures start at $25 while pedicures start at $35. Pro tip: make an appointment, because although they take walk-ins, they're pretty much always booked and busy.

Location: They have two locations in San Francisco, one on Pierce Street and one on Polk Street.