The 10 Best Nail Salons in New York City for a Manicure
Our editors’ favorite destinations including Chillhouse, Vanity Projects and more.
Whether you’re a polished gel mani girl or a salon regular who gets the works, acrylics, nail art and your signature stiletto nail, you want the absolute best. Nothing makes a ‘fit pop like a fresh manicure or pedicure. No matter your look, your bi-weekly nail salon visit should feel more like a pampering experience than maintenance.
New York City has a ton of nail salons and if you’re only traveling, you probably won’t have time to visit them all, which is why we rounded up our favorites. Our picks include luxe experiences, covetable nail art, meditation and lots of prosecco. A few of the top locations include the design gem, Chillhouse, as well as the beloved go-to nail art space, Vanity Projects. Keep scrolling to see which NYC salons are must-visits for locals and those vacationing in the city that never sleeps.
Vanity Projects
From ultra-trendy neons and marble, to anime and jeweled art, there’s no nail art the nail techs at Vanity Projects can’t do. If you’re looking for nail inspiration, its constantly updated Instagram account with over 100k devoted nail art lovers is the place to look. Be sure to hit follow to stay updated on the salon’s artists in residence as it is constantly updating followers on when popular nail artists will be taking appointments. Hit up the #VPGelSpecial for its weekly $50 USD nail art deal. The salon is by appointment only but it updates its Instagram followers with available appointments daily.
99 Chrystie St
2nd Floor
New York, NY
Chillhouse
Consider Chillhouse your self-care oasis. Its services go far beyond your average nail salon but you can still, of course, get a cute manicure. Book an appointment to choose nail art from its extensive and constantly updated lookbook or sip on matcha lattes and browse through candles and merch before you receive your services. If you really need to unwind, you can book an appointment for one of their massages. Its extensive menu includes focused sessions targeted to your specific needs to revive tired muscles.
149 Essex St
New York, NY 10002
tenoverten
For minimal nail art, a luxe experience and clean beauty, look no further than tenoverten. The salon has four New York locations, each chicer than the last (we recommend the Soho location). Pop in for its signature mani or explore its menu of services which also includes sugaring and waxing at some locations. The salon also offers brow shaping and brow and lash tinting. If you’re looking for a quick manicure or pedicure, choose from the salon’s own non-toxic polish in a range of chic muted nudes and bright reds, or its range of high end polishes like Chanel, NARS and Christian Louboutin.
132 W Houston Street
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10012
Paintbox
Whether your go-to design includes dots and stripes or curvy reverse manicures with pops of color, this Soho-based studio is a must-visit for abstract nail art. Choose from its frequently updated lookbook of designs which spans edgy lines and shapes worthy of hanging in a gallery. Browse its Instagram for color combinations and ideas that will really make your mani pop. The modern studio also offers chic interior design.
7 Crosby St
New York, NY 10013
Paintbucket
Paintbucket’s salon and Instagram are a pastel pink dream — consider this a treat for your inner rosé lover. At this destination, you can pick a must-have design from its on-site lookbook. The Brooklyn-based salon offers manicures, soft extensions and luxe pedicures. You can also choose pedicure treatments like “The Unicorn Pedi” or “Mint Mimosa Pedi” which both include targeted soaks, scrubs and masks. Additionally, this salon offers complimentary prosecco. Along with a few staple brands like essie, it also offers the cruelty-free and vegan polish brand Floss Gloss.
2014 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Akiko Nails
For a top tier experience and Japanese nail art, Akiko Nails is the next editor-approved pick. At this salon, you can choose a design from its lookbook or create your own custom design. You can also add gems, jewels, glitter, and any additional embellishments. Browse its Instagram for inspiration which includes the trendy flame manicure, designer logos, and its monthly manicure design specials. Be sure to grab a quick photo of your manicure in front of the shop’s neon sign.
135 Eldridge St
New York, NY 10002
Ohmynails
Founder and owner, MoMo has an impressive celebrity clientele which includes Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber and Ashley Graham. MoMo documents her celebrity work and nail art from the salon on Instagram, where you can find a plethora of design inspiration. Whether you want something red carpet-worthy or fun and trendy, the techs can do it all. Along with an extensive menu of manicure, pedicure and waxing options, the salon also offers Calgel manicures and buzzy nail art.
273 E 10th St
New York, NY 10009
JINsoon
This spa offers more than your average services. At this space, you can indulge in a number of refreshing services to get your feet and hands summer-ready. Services like the “Flower Petal Float” manicure and pedicure let you soak your hands and feet in a basin of rose petals, while the “Summer Oasis” manicure and pedicure sallow you to soak in hydrating and cooling cucumber and mint. Finish up your appointment with JINsoon’s popular polishes in a wide array of shades from iridescent tones to neutrals and nudes. The salon also offers an extensive waxing menu with specially formulated waxes depending on your skin type. Book an appointment in one of its four locations in the city.
37 Walker St
New York, NY 10013
Sundays
You may have spotted this studio’s ten-free polishes at one of your favorite boutiques. Sundays Studio goes above and beyond to prioritize wellness and self-care, boasting everything from non-toxic and cruelty-free polishes, to a minimally designed studio that seems like an escape from the noise of the city. If your weekly manicure is your moment of zen, you’ll love its 30-minute guided meditation service. Of Sundays’ three locations in NYC, its Hudson Yards location offers a mindful tea bar and its Instagram offers plenty of self-care tips along with manicure ideas.
20 Hudson Yards 500 West 33rd St
Unit RU 301
New York, NY 10001
Marie Nails
A must-visit for stunning designs, Marie Nails has locations all over the world and two in New York City. The Japanese salon creates any nail art you can dream up on any nail length — from bold neon flames to twists on classics like a modern french manicure. If you’re looking to ditch the mascara and falsies, this destination also offers lash extensions. Take a peek at its Instagram for examples of its natural-looking lash extensions and of course, the best nail art the salon has to offer.
155 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
