The best nail salons in Canberra

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Jessica Peris

The Beautique owner Jessica Peris, one of Canberra’s most recommended nail salons. Photo: Region Media.

Our hands are the most exposed part of our bodies, on display all year round, and so they need special care and attention. In summer, our feet are also on show, which means you want them to be looking their best as well.

There are so many options to choose from – do you go for a long-lasting set of shellac nails, or a basic polish? Do you want a full spa treatment for your hands and feet or just a light pampering? A professional nail salon will be able to help you make your decision, and leave you with outstanding results.

The benefits of a regular manicure and pedicure don’t stop at the aesthetics. You will also enjoy some pretty exciting health benefits – with the massages included in your treatment increasing circulation to your extremities, and regular deep cleaning removing bacteria from our most exposed body parts. And besides, taking the time out for a pampering session is something we all deserve every now and then.

In this article we list the qualities that make a nail salon great, and share where to find the best nail salons in Canberra. Let’s get right into it.

What makes a great nail salon?

Here are some things to look out for when choosing a nail salon in Canberra.

  • Cleanliness. Undoubtedly, cleanliness is the most important thing to consider when choosing a nail salon. Ask yourself, is the floor clean? Are the benches wiped down? Is equipment sterilised correctly? The last thing you want is a risk of infection, so don’t be too shy to ask any questions. A professional technician will be happy to put your mind at ease.
  • Experience. Like anything, the more experience you have providing nail treatments, the better they’ll be. An established salon with a good reputation is usually a safe bet.
  • Qualifications. Nail technicians need to be trained correctly. It’s important that your technician has a thorough knowledge of the health and safety concerns associated with hand, foot, and nail treatments, as well as how to create a great looking finish for your fingers and toes.
  • Price. Prices can vary widely from salon to salon. However, there is such a thing as ‘too cheap’ Be cautious of very low prices, as this may indicate that a salon is cutting corners.
  • Friendliness. Part of a great manicure or pedicure can be a good old chat with your technician. On the other hand, if you prefer to drift off during your treatment, an experienced technician will be able to read the situation, and leave you to it if necessary.

The best nail salons in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Waramanga Beauty Spot

Waramanga Beauty Spot is owned and operated by international beauty trainer Amy Lam, whose extensive experience in the beauty industry keeps the team of friendly, highly qualified therapists at Waramanga Beauty Spot up to date with the latest treatments and technology, ensuring all customers benefit from the best treatments available.

Waramanga Beauty Spot offers an extensive range of nail care treatments. Whether you’re looking for nail polish, a full set of false nails, repair, a tidy up, or a deluxe spa treatment for your hands and feet, Waramanga Beauty Spot can cater to your needs exactly.

They also offer a 10% discount on gel nails for seniors and students. With affordable prices and efficient service, this salon will have you completely taken care of.

As Facebook reviewer Moo West said, "Amy and the team are great, the salon is lovely - I highly recommend their services!"

Vivid Nails

Vivid Nails aims to provide all customers with a luxurious, personalised experience, meeting all of your specific needs, set in an elegant and comfortable environment. Vivid Nails offers a wide range of services at affordable prices, such as mani-pedi spa treatments, acrylic and gel nails, SNS, and even facial and skin care treatments.

Facebook user Danni Sparkes left the following review for Vivid Nails, “Clean and professional salon. Each technician provided a great client experience. Will be back, and love to support a local business with a passionate owner.”

Foundation Beauty Therapy

Beautiful manicures and pedicures, express to deluxe, are a passion of award-winning Foundation Beauty Therapy. Services include bio sculpture gel nails, a healthy way to provide enduring colour and length to nails using a natural gel. Other nail salon services include shellac, nail art and pro drip nails. Foundation Beauty Therapy only uses the best products available and operates to the highest of standards.

Emma Renee wrote on Google, “Lovely staff, and extremely good manicures. Clean, professional and relaxing salon, 10/10 recommend.”

Gel-icious Nails

Gel-icious Nails is an accredited nail salon, specialising in nail enhancements and customised press-on nails, ensuring perfectly tailored nails that look beautiful and natural. With over twelve years of experience behind the team at Gel-icious Nails, clients can rest assured they are in knowledgeable company and will not be disappointed by the results.

As Google reviewer Teresa Rodz writes, "I have been a client of Paulette for 6 years now. She is a fantastic, professional and dedicated nail technician. I always receive compliments on my nails and my response each time she finishes my nails is 'perfect.' A true professional."

The Beautique by Jessica Peris

Headed up by passionate and dedicated beauty therapist Jessica Peris, The Beautique’s goal is to provide excellent service and yield high-quality results. In addition to classic mani-pedi treatments, Jessica and her team all specialise in nail art, including custom designs.

As ‘Local Guide’ Samantha Lear writes in their Google review, The staff are lovely. You can tell the whole place as a personal touch and such a welcoming feel. The girls are so skilled in their nail art and are so gentle with you. Couldn't recommend a better place.”

Elegance Beauty Therapy

Looking for award-winning service in a convenient location? The long-established Elegance Beauty Therapy could be the place for you. From mini manicures to the spa deluxe manicure or pedicure, indulge in the extensive range of treatments. If you’re not completely happy with your results, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can get a full refund or a total re-do of the service.

As Facebook user Korina Choundary writes in their review, “Tina and her team provide fabulous service and are very knowledgeable about their products. I highly recommend Elegance.”

If you’re looking for other beauty salons and services, check out our articles the best eyelash extension services in Canberra, the best beauty salons in Canberra, and the best hair salons in Canberra for some helpful guides!

Your experience with nail salons in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the nail salons listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a full mani-pedi?

A full manicure-pedicure service will vary depending on the service you have chosen. Most salons will have an array of treatments that can be included in a full service, so that you are able to fully customise your treatment. As a standard, however, a full service will include cleaning, scrubbing of dead skin, foot and hand massage, and a nail polish colour of your choice.

How often should I get a manicure?

Depending on what you want, you can get a manicure as often as once a week to as infrequent as once a month or so. Ask your nail technician how long your treatment lasts on average, and how your daily life might affect that.

Are there health benefits to getting a mani-pedi?

There are, actually, quite a few health benefits to getting a manicure-pedicure treatment. As your hands are constantly exposed to dirt and grime, they can build up quite a lot of bacteria - especially under the nails. A manicure will help remove any dirt from your cuticles that you might not be able to get to. The skin on your feet also needs attention, as a build up of callouses and dead skin can be uncomfortable. Fungi often grow on toe nails when your feet are exposed to excess moisture - a professional nail technician will be able to remove the buildup before infection occurs. And finally, the massage element of a mani-pedi stimulates healthy blood flow to your extremeties, which can reduce pain and help your body distribute heat during cold months.

Are mani-pedis expensive?

The price of your manicure-pedicure treatment really depends on what service you're after. The price will also depend on whether or not you're just getting a manicure, or just a pedicure. For a simple polish and topcoat, you're looking at a price as low as $20-$30, while a full spa treatment can cost upwards of $75. Your salon should have a full menu of the services available, so check those prices before settling into one purchase.

What different kinds of manicure treatments can I get?

Nail salons will offer a wide range of manicure treatments. You can get a simple clean and trim, which will help to revitalise and strengthen your skin and nails. You can have your nails painted with polish, gel, or even get press-ons for a more artistic look. There are numerous options to choose from, so check out your salon's website to see what services they can provide to figure out what's right for you.

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The Nail Project in Palmerston. Eliza works out of home so very personal, clean and does a fantastic job.

Caroline Zera10:20 pm 22 Nov 22

Florence nails spa in the Tuggeranong.
Perfect service, friendly, quality

No “cutting regime” will help severe (genetic) ingrown toenails. The “zap” or day surgery is the answer.

neanderthalsis said :

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Or you could man up and do a spot of home surgery with side cut wire shears, a pocket knife, a bottle of metho/detol, some cotton wool and a bandaid.

My right big toe has had regular growing-the-wrong-way sessions since I was a teenager as a result of some ill-fitting GP army boots. I sort things out with my swiss army knife, dettol, cotton wool and bandaid as described, and it’s all good for another 6 months.

I might consider the podiarist-toenail-corner-zapping technique though, as it seems to be becoming more frequent as I get older.

I don’t reckon a pedicure would do me much good somehow.

wierd. sakpase didn’t actually ask your opinion on her grooming regime yet people feel the need to comment! Not asking you to pay for it! sakpase if you’re worried about the cost vs cleanliness try the Canberra Beauty Academy they’re therapists in training which means they would have to follow proper procedures. Last check it was $34 the only thing is they’re only open Thursday 5pm to 9pm and school terms I’m guessing. When I was a student I used to go to CIT beauty unfortunately its only open during business hours. good luck.

qbngeek said :

deejay said :

Erg0 said :

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Unless they’ve started doing pedicures under a local anaesthetic, I’d recommend seeing a doctor for that.

I wouldn’t make a pedicurist deal with a currently ingrown nail (ew), but yes, a regime of regular pedicures can prevent them.

So can a regime of learning to cut your toenails properly. My doctor showed me how to cut my toenails properly after I was getting them regularly and I haven’t had one since.

I’m glad it worked for you. Cutting alone hasn’t for me. *shrug* I don’t really care who believes it or not, but for me, my pedicures make a difference to my day-to-day health and comfort. By all means, go and tell me how I have first world problems (that seems to be the current refrain for anything that doesn’t involve sleeping in the streets), but I don’t see how me having infected and painful feet in Australia is going to help developing and emerging countries to solve their problems.

deejay said :

Erg0 said :

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Unless they’ve started doing pedicures under a local anaesthetic, I’d recommend seeing a doctor for that.

I wouldn’t make a pedicurist deal with a currently ingrown nail (ew), but yes, a regime of regular pedicures can prevent them.

So can a regime of learning to cut your toenails properly. My doctor showed me how to cut my toenails properly after I was getting them regularly and I haven’t had one since.

Erg0 said :

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Unless they’ve started doing pedicures under a local anaesthetic, I’d recommend seeing a doctor for that.

I wouldn’t make a pedicurist deal with a currently ingrown nail (ew), but yes, a regime of regular pedicures can prevent them.

GardeningGirl1:05 pm 07 Dec 11

Jethro said :

As for my comment about my child throwing up, I was being facetious.

It was a reference to the fact that women who work in those places are exposed to seriously dangerous chemical carcinogens. The risk of cancer, etc for women who work in nail salons for long periods of time is very real. I think it is reasonable that I question the necessity of supporting an industry that caters to our vanity by placing its workers at serious risk of harm.

Choice had a worrying article about this some years ago. I feel sad for the babies in prams I sometimes see sitting right beside the tables.

I don’t have a problem with deejay feeling regular pedicures have an important benefit in such circumstances.

I do have a problem with something which typically is a luxury rather than a need, and this is the important bit, being sought cheaply. You can imagine in which direction businesses are going to go when customers quibble over price but don’t ask about ventilation systems or whether the business uses safer/expensive Chemical A or cheaper/more toxic Chemical B. I have to add though that the authorities should be doing their bit to regulate the industry and ensure an acceptable minimum standard. I don’t know if anything has changed since I read the article in Choice but the fumes that are still apparent just walking past one of those nail salons can’t be a good sign.

neanderthalsis12:41 pm 07 Dec 11

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Or you could man up and do a spot of home surgery with side cut wire shears, a pocket knife, a bottle of metho/detol, some cotton wool and a bandaid.

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Podiatrist.

also, they have this new technology where they “zap” the toe nail in the corner, and it never grows on that side again. Its a bit expensive, but if you continually get ingrowns, it might be worth it

forgoodnessake said :

bryansworld said :

forgoodnessake said :

Tsk tsk OP. How dare you spend money on yourself! Shame shame…. Far out people…. really??

!

Oh how terrible, someone’s grungy feet. FFS. First World Problem. Ridiculous.

yes and news flash – lucky for us all we live in the first world. Why should people feel guilty about that? I give donations on a regular basis to support those who can’t support themselves in this country and others. Soooo sick of the attitude that people can’t enjoy their life or money becdause others are not as fortunate. Life is not fair or equal deal with it.

Donations may not be enough. Perhaps we need to think critically about our current lifestyles and whether they are sustainable in the longer term.

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

Unless they’ve started doing pedicures under a local anaesthetic, I’d recommend seeing a doctor for that.

Solidarity said :

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

I think a podiatrist might be more suited to fixing this. Pedicures are more for aesthetic reasons only. If it’s really bad (infected) you could see a doctor.

Hmm, I have an ingrown toenail, these pedicure people can fix it forever?

I’ve never had one before cause i’m not a chick.

forgoodnessake10:06 am 07 Dec 11

bryansworld said :

forgoodnessake said :

Tsk tsk OP. How dare you spend money on yourself! Shame shame…. Far out people…. really??

!

Oh how terrible, someone’s grungy feet. FFS. First World Problem. Ridiculous.

yes and news flash – lucky for us all we live in the first world. Why should people feel guilty about that? I give donations on a regular basis to support those who can’t support themselves in this country and others. Soooo sick of the attitude that people can’t enjoy their life or money becdause others are not as fortunate. Life is not fair or equal deal with it.

qbninthecity9:59 am 07 Dec 11

Angelina said :

Jethro said :

sakpase said :

At this moment, I need (very much want, if you’re being pedantic) a pedicure. I would like to have one every three weeks, if I can find a decent place that’s not overpriced. Are you done being condescending now?

No.

I believe most pedicure shops use lowly paid immigrant workers, as Australian women refuse to work in them. The one at Belco Westfield springs to mind.

My kids almost pass out from the fumes every time they walk past that place.

Once one of them vomited in a plastic tree because we stopped outside there for too long.

Did you clean up your childs vomit or leave it there for the lowly paid (possibly) immigrant cleaner to clean up?

Well said Angelina 😀

forgoodnessake said :

Tsk tsk OP. How dare you spend money on yourself! Shame shame…. Far out people…. really??

There is nothing wrong with ‘wanting’ to maintain the look of your feet or hands if you can afford the luxury. Every 3 weeks is quite often, but if I could afford it I would totally do it. Who doesn’t want nice baby soft feet with pretty painted toenails as opposed to rough calloused gross toes poking disgustingly out of really nice shoes?? Sandal weather people. Have some consideration for other people who might catch a glimpse of your feet I say!

Oh how terrible, someone’s grungy feet. FFS. First World Problem. Ridiculous.

Elegance in the centrepoint building in civic are very good. They use new files for each customer and clean their implements between each customer. http://www.elegancebeauty.com.au/

People are free to spend their money however they want.

I don’t give a rat’s arse if you spend your entire income on novelty balls with bad puns on them.

But getting a pedicure every three weeks is not a need.

As for my comment about my child throwing up, I was being facetious.

It was a reference to the fact that women who work in those places are exposed to seriously dangerous chemical carcinogens. The risk of cancer, etc for women who work in nail salons for long periods of time is very real. I think it is reasonable that I question the necessity of supporting an industry that caters to our vanity by placing its workers at serious risk of harm.

you’d have to pay me $70 to cut someone else’s toenails. ewww

forgoodnessake9:12 am 07 Dec 11

Tsk tsk OP. How dare you spend money on yourself! Shame shame…. Far out people…. really??

There is nothing wrong with ‘wanting’ to maintain the look of your feet or hands if you can afford the luxury. Every 3 weeks is quite often, but if I could afford it I would totally do it. Who doesn’t want nice baby soft feet with pretty painted toenails as opposed to rough calloused gross toes poking disgustingly out of really nice shoes?? Sandal weather people. Have some consideration for other people who might catch a glimpse of your feet I say!

Jethro said :

Need?

Every three weeks?

I think somebody has mixed up the concept of needs and wants.

I’m not the original poster, but personally, I do need a pedicure regularly. I’m very prone to ingrown toenails that become painfully infected, and frankly, a preventative pedicure is cheaper than a curative podiatrist. I don’t care about the nail polish (sometimes I tell them not to bother, or to just use clear) but I need another person, who can look at my toenails head-on and has the right tools, to attend to them.

These places definitely need to be properly regulated. I had a similar experience when I saw files and other implements being used without being cleaned.

Jethro said :

sakpase said :

At this moment, I need (very much want, if you’re being pedantic) a pedicure. I would like to have one every three weeks, if I can find a decent place that’s not overpriced. Are you done being condescending now?

No.

I believe most pedicure shops use lowly paid immigrant workers, as Australian women refuse to work in them. The one at Belco Westfield springs to mind.

My kids almost pass out from the fumes every time they walk past that place.

Once one of them vomited in a plastic tree because we stopped outside there for too long.

Did you clean up your childs vomit or leave it there for the lowly paid (possibly) immigrant cleaner to clean up?

sakpase said :

At this moment, I need (very much want, if you’re being pedantic) a pedicure. I would like to have one every three weeks, if I can find a decent place that’s not overpriced. Are you done being condescending now?

Just bite ’em short with your teeth. It’s a good stretch, and think of the money you’ll save!

sakpase said :

At this moment, I need (very much want, if you’re being pedantic) a pedicure. I would like to have one every three weeks, if I can find a decent place that’s not overpriced. Are you done being condescending now?

No.

I believe most pedicure shops use lowly paid immigrant workers, as Australian women refuse to work in them. The one at Belco Westfield springs to mind.

My kids almost pass out from the fumes every time they walk past that place.

Once one of them vomited in a plastic tree because we stopped outside there for too long.

LSWCHP said :

Jethro said :

Need?

Every three weeks?

I think somebody has mixed up the concept of needs and wants.

+1 on that.

We need things like clean water, clean air, food, effective sanitation, employment, loving relationships with our families, freedom from oppression and torture by secret police, freedom from IEDs and incoming fire and a whole bunch of other stuff. Things that most of us in this truly fanstastic country actually have.

Somehow, pedicures don’t feature really highly on the list of things I think we need. Just sayin’.

+1 . Maybe the spray tan isn’t working without the pedicure?

At this moment, I need (very much want, if you’re being pedantic) a pedicure. I would like to have one every three weeks, if I can find a decent place that’s not overpriced. Are you done being condescending now?

You “need” a pedicure every 3w? I must be doing it wrong…

My grandfather used to cut his nails with the garden clippers, worked fine for him.

Jethro said :

Need?

Every three weeks?

I think somebody has mixed up the concept of needs and wants.

+1 on that.

We need things like clean water, clean air, food, effective sanitation, employment, loving relationships with our families, freedom from oppression and torture by secret police, freedom from IEDs and incoming fire and a whole bunch of other stuff. Things that most of us in this truly fanstastic country actually have.

Somehow, pedicures don’t feature really highly on the list of things I think we need. Just sayin’.

Need?

Every three weeks?

I think somebody has mixed up the concept of needs and wants.

I’ve been to Beaute 2 Suit in the City, great place, it was clean and quiet without the normal strong smell. Only paid $60 and worth every cent.

Looks great, but $70 is a bit more than I’d like to pay every 3 weeks 🙁

Try the day spa at the Waldorf… Canberra Day Spa

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