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!"
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.”
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.”
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.”
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."
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.”
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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