The nail edit — where to go in London for the best mani
Shoreditch Nails are all about celebrating colourful London. Founded by Tina Michael, the salon is a vibrant hub right in the heart of East. They boast their own eco-conscious beauty brand with polishes named after their favourite neighbourhood spots, from ‘Broadway Market’ (inspired by the striped green stalls) to a peony pink named ‘Columbia Road’. As for their salons, the creative team work in both their eponymous store and a space round the corner in Dalston. Though Shoreditch Nails is all about the colour on top, the technicians also prioritise caring and protecting the natural nails underneath. You’ll get your fingertips back to their best self with their treatments, and you’ll look good doing it thanks to an extensive roster of nail designs. Broken down into five levels, they range from one to five in complexity, and you can peruse little extras to go on top. Think a Miffy-inspired design in May and a Jade stone-esque pattern in June — the nail design world is your oyster! If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can even discuss what you’re envisaging ahead of your appointment and the front of house team will accommodate your artistic vision.
At Young LDN in Notting Hill, founder Sue Carroll is all about catering to Gen Z and millennial comforts, and has opted for an technologically-enhanced approach to her salon. Set across two floors, the tables are fitted with Beats headphones and iPads so you can binge your latest TV obsession or listen to your favourite album whilst getting your nails done. Peaky Blinders and a pedi? Or is Madonna and a mani more your style? The nail technicians at Young LDN offer express treatments for those on a tight schedule, as well as classics like gels and BIAB. In terms of nail art, you can go for anything from french tips to chrome, to complex 3D designs. For those after something a little more deluxe, there’s pampering in the form of the Footlogix Medical Pedi, which will revive feet needing that extra TLC. Their throwback mani is for the young at heart, aiming to rejuvenate the skin around the nail beds. Young LDN also prides itself in being fully inclusive to all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Blush & Blow, situated in Parsons Green, are all about giving you a luxury pampering session. The family run boutique was founded by make-up artist and beauty blogger Bridget O’Keeffe, who wanted to create a one-stop-shop for all your beauty wants and needs. The team’s offerings include massages, tanning, hair removal, lashes, and, most importantly, nails. The nail technicians are all about offering the highest quality service, so you can sit comfortably knowing their meticulous attention to detail will leave you with the perfect set. The aesthetics are also important to the Blush & Blow team, and they’ve curated an Instagram-worthy space that’s as chic as the manicure you’ll leave their salon with. Recline at the pedicure station that’s complete with gold basins, and jump right into their extensive menu, which includes luxury gels, French manis and pedis, extensions, as well as a range of polishes to choose from.
Need a holiday? Trick your body into thinking you took one at So. Shell. Taking inspiration from the white sandy beaches of the most idyllic holiday destinations, the salon is all about creating a stress-free environment that allows you to enter full relaxation mode. With an OG store in Carnaby Street (recently joined by a sister salon in Fitzrovia), owners Yana Galiyeva and Maria Sharova aim to provide a space where you can check-out of the hustle and bustle of the city. So. Shell specialise in Ukrainian manicures and pedicures, which are all the rage on TikTok and amongst beauty experts. This method – which So. Shell is renowned for in London – focuses on precise cuticle work using an electric nail bit, and building up gel polish on the weaker areas of your nail so it lasts as long as possible. Wary of time efficiency, So. Shell also pride themselves on being able to complete a mani, pedi, and added eyebrow treatment in just ninety minutes. Better still, you can wash down your manicure with a soft drink, aperol spritz, or a glass of prosecco.
The team at Neville Hair and Beauty are experts in their field. Though renowned for their blow dries, no area of the salon goes a-miss, with nail artist Holly Wolff offering everything from flawless gels to restorative treatments. Right in the heart of Belgravia, Neville first opened in the early 90s, and has been bringing together the most innovative beauty technicians from around London ever since. Their Blowdry Mane & Mani Bar means you can get your locks refreshed and a manicure at the same time, all in just forty minutes. For Neville Hair and Beauty, beauty is a necessity, and time isn’t an excuse: they promise to have your tips and toes looking brand new in no time.
Awe London is a boutique nail salon that’s slap bang in the middle of Shoreditch. Founder Kamden Monplaisir first started Awe London back in 2019 with a salon in South Woodford, but with business booming for over four years, she decided to pack up and find her and her technicians a new home in Boxpark. Awe London doesn’t think that a relaxing mani-pedi should just be for the girls, and have made it their thing that all genders are welcome through their doors. Offering everything from gel to BIAB to deluxe nail extensions, the technicians at Awe London are mavens when it comes to design. Peruse their Instagram and you’ll see not only intricate, hand-painted artistry, but 3D designs that look straight off the hands of It girls like Iris Law. Expect a tranquil vibe, great customer service, and a set you’ll be sharing all over the gram.
