Pampering yourself doesn’t come much better than a sleek set of nails. A touch of sparkle and a pop of colour on your tips is the perfect way to add a touch of cheer to your outfit, or to your day. From hidden nail bars to world-class home salons, we're so very lucky to have a fabulous selection of the best nail salons in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at our very (well-manicured) fingertips.
Whether your cuticles are in serious need of a spruce up, or you fancy treating yourself to a touch of glamour—Urban List has done the hard work so you can make your mani-pedi dreams come true. So in no particular order, let's take a tour of the best nail salons Auckland has to offer.
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Jump to:
- Luxury Nail Experiences In Auckland
- Express Nail Services For Packed Schedules
- Auckland’s Best Nail Art Specialists
- Eco-Friendly And Non-Toxic Nail Salons
- Best Gel And SNS Salons For Nails That Last
- Auckland’s Best Nail Salons For Group Bookings
Luxury Nail Experiences In Auckland
Society
515 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Society | Website
Wander into this sleek Grey Lynn grooming spot and head downstairs to Society's hidden nail area for possibly the best manicure Auckland has on hand—and it's most retreat-like. Decked out in industrial chic-meets-cosy-boho style, you’ll find both a manicure bar and a couple of pedicure loungers, perfect for a double pedi date.
There are stunning gel and regular polish tones to choose from, and we hear the therapists paint a seriously chic tortoiseshell pattern. With a full-service array of hair and beauty treatments at your literally, well-polished, fingertips—there’s everything you need to settle in, sip your artisanal tea, and make a full day out of the pampering.
The Studio By East Day Spa
SkyCity Grand Hotel, 123 Albert Street, Auckland CBD
If you're looking for a luxury nail salon, Auckland stalwart East Day Spa (one of Tāmaki's most lauded day spas) is your spot. Not just any mani or pedi, their Warm Milk and Sandalwood treatment spoils you to a neck and shoulder massage while you’re at it. And by at it, we mean a soaking in a sumptuous vegan oat milk and sandalwood oil concoction—the kind that would make Cleopatra green with envy.
This award-winning spa is keeping up its lucky streak with another luxurious beauty offering. This time, it’s a slice of paradise devoted entirely to nails. Nestled away in the glimmering lobby of the Sky City Grand Hotel, The Studio by East Day Spa is a lesser-known, but on point destination for nails in Auckland CBD.
Luxe Spa At The Pullman
Corner Waterloo Quadrant & Princes Street, Auckland CBD
In what world can a manicure also grant you entry into one of the most sumptuous and vast wellness experiences? A spa mani or pedi at The Pullman’s Luxe Spa, that’s what. The experience is really in the name: a 60-minute nail appointment here grants you full pre and post-treatment access to their indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and wellness facilities.
That’s not the only luxurious thing about the experience: your hands and/or feet will be treated to one of the most thorough rejuvenating treatments there is by top-of-the-game beauty therapists, and finished off with a touch of polish. This is truly an Auckland nail salon, unlike any other.
The Beauty Merchant
238 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: The Beauty Merchant | Supplied
As the little sister beauty bar of top hairdressing spot Frenchie + co, you can be sure that The Beauty Merchant is one of the best nail bars Auckland has on offer. Stepping inside this oh-so-pretty pink and white studio will make you feel like you’re in a marshmallow-hued beauty dream—and, of course, have you leaving with a sweet set of nails.
The nail services on offer at this salon are short and sweet, focusing on classic shellac services. A shellac manicure here will see your nails filed, buffed, moisturised and painted to perfection, as will their pedicure, which also includes a relaxing foot massage. With waxing, massages, lash and brow treatments also on the menu here, consider The Beauty Merchants a one-stop for all your primping and pampering needs.
Endota Spa
253 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland (And Multiple Locations)
Dreaming of a resort getaway but annual leave balances and Grabaseat deals aren’t in your favour? Don’t fret. Here’s what you’re going to do.
Book yourself in for a Grounding Spa Pedicure at Endota Spa, which you may already know as one of Auckland's best brow studios. Alongside polish and classic nail care, you’ll be spoiled with a heel exfoliation and a leg and foot massage in this 1hr 15 treatment. It gets better, there’s even a mid-foot-mask head and shoulder massage.
And here’s the kicker: while your feet soak you’ll be looking straight out to a lush—dare we say, secret—garden. Resort-like indulgence in the time it takes to clear an airport check-in line? Now that’s better living.
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Express Nail Services For Packed Schedules
Victorian Bali Spa
Victoria Park, Unit 38/210 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
One of Auckland's best massage spots also offers one mighty fine manicure and pedicure (Auckland CBD workers, you're a lucky bunch). Yes, there’s just one nail treatment at Victorian Bali Spa: the Mini Mani-Pedi, and it's a goodie.
Decision fatigue no more. Just choose between hands or feet, and they’ll revive your talons with everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s a pint-sized pause of 30 minutes that will throw you back into the bustle of the city feeling perked up and pampered. After all, we’re talking about the work of one of Bali’s greatest massage therapists.
Verdo
245 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Not only is this boutique beauty destination one of the most coveted spots to get a fresh tan or eyebrow spruce up, but Verdo is also one of the best places in Auckland to get your nails done. If you’re short on time, their 30-minute mini-manicure is the perfect glam-on-the-go option and a contender for the best express manicure Auckland has to offer.
If you fancy splashing out a tad more, their 60-minute Deluxe Spa Manicure—complete with a coconut sugar scrub, paraffin wax treatment and an arm and hand massage—is utter bliss for both your claws and paws. Lads treatments aren’t left off the menu either as Verdo offers a short and sweet men’s manicure, with a cuticle cut, shape and tidy.
Smart Nails Studio
Unit 4/65 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead, Auckland
It’s about working smarter, not harder where your nails are concerned, dear Aucklanders. Northcote salon Smart Nails Studio has got the memo and offers a four hands service where—you guessed it—can get your tips and toes done at the same time.
In keeping with seamless user experience, they also offer a Full Smart Pedicure experience: a total pedicure with corn and callus treatments that removes all kind of gunk from your feet, from the comfort of an elevated spa recliner. Oh, and did we mention they have a spectacular choice of glitter, chromes, pearls and cat eye colours for Russian manicures and pedicures?
Auckland’s Best Nail Art Specialists
Hana Nail
2J/239 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Auckland CBD’s most hidden nail bar also happens to be one of the best in the city. Up above the bustle, just off Queen Street, is where you’ll find this haven of all things kawaii. Hana Nail is all about the more is more approach, and we’re here for it—just like the team is here for cutesy 3D decals and plushies to adorn your talons, alongside statement bling, confetti glitter and playful 3D piping.
As for the nail art, you’ll be treated to exquisite painting that covers everything from marbling to fades, character portraits to cutesy designs. See, the Hana Nail duo really do it all.
Savage Nails
Home Salon, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Adding to East Auckland’s incredible destinations for the best manicures is Savage Nails. Here, your bold, fabulous and downright extravagant alter ego can come alive at your very fingertips. Seriously, everything from intricate nail art to full-on metallics, rhinestone-encrusted creations to glitter galore.
It’s not just beautiful gel works of art that Natalie churns out here; monumental sculpted acrylic extensions, killer points embellishments and 3D creations are all fabulously a go here.
Nails By Chubs
Home Salon, New Lynn, Auckland
The chances are fellow manicure enthusiast, that you’ve stumbled upon and fawned over the intricate, Asian-style nails that have been taking over Instagram. You know the ones—a different style on each tip, a touch of texture, 3D moments, soft gel—all bound together in a curated colour scheme—oh, and ever-so-pretty.
At New Lynn’s Nails by Chubs you’ll find exactly this. Her Kawaii style features everything from pretty bows and 3D acrylic characters through to pops of metallic embellishments and of course, the skillfully painted gel to top it all off. Trust us when we say that even the most pared-back nail lovers will be converted by nail artist Carmen’s designs.
Calla Nail
Home Salon, North Harbour, Auckland
Image credit: Calla Nail | Supplied
We all know and love K-beauty, so let us introduce you to its nail-centric counterpart: Korean-style nails. Each and every style and taste can be indulged, K-nail style, at Calla Nail.
Opt for your classic favourites or branch out with jelly nails, endless glitter gel blends, mermaid powder, holographics and impossibly fine glitter. Your nails are a blank canvas, after all, and Calla Nail’s Mandy is nothing short of an extra artist.
Hello Tanya
Home Studio, Mount Eden, Auckland
For outstanding, one-of-a-kind nail art, Auckland manicurist Tanya Barlow aka Hello Tanya sets a very high bar. As the queen of the local nail art scene, her home studio is one of the best places to get your nails done if you want claws that scream coolness and creativity.
Pet portraits, cartoon characters, tiny food paintings—you name it, she’s hand-painted it. Not afraid to shy away from creative nail art requests, Tanya’s all about working her magic to create a set of claws that are truly unique to each client—using all sorts of fun colours, chromes, glitters, decals and accents as she goes.
Not only can you trust her to just doll up your hands, but she’s also a qualified hair and makeup artist with more than 10 years under her belt.
The Nail Lounge by Debbie Walsh
34 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Another of Auckland’s best manicures can be found in the chic little nail studio that is The Nail Lounge. Hidden away in ‘The Salon’ on Queen Street in Queen’s Arcade, this sumptuous little space is where serious nail magic happens.
This nail bar is an urban retreat for city-dwellers (who are lucky enough to score an appointment) who need a splash of glamour thrown into their nine-to-five grind. From a classic manicure to more elaborate nail art, every moment spent at the hands of nail guru Debbie Walsh and her 30-plus years of experience is sure to leave you with impossibly pretty nails.
Eco-Friendly And Non-Toxic Nail Salons
Inco Studio
182 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Inco Studio | Instagram
Fitted with plush peachy-pink, black and gold décor, Inco Studio is the perfect place in Auckland to treat your nails (and eyes) to a little TLC. If that TLC goes a bit beyond a quick lick of varnish, their re-balance manicure—designed to restore the health, structure and look of your nail—is where you want to look.
As for their gel polish manicures, they’ve got everything from classic manis and pedis right through to four tiers of nail art: basic, simple, detailed and intricate, as well as BIAB hard gel extensions. Plus, there’s even a free-from-toxins polish manicure on the cards for something a little more natural, without skimping on the chic.
The Nail Studio
5 Keystone Avenue, Three Kings, Auckland
Image credit: The Nail Studio | Instagram
Treating yourself to a well-deserved manicure is always a feel-good moment. It’s even better when the polish (and every product) on your fingers is 100% cruelty-free. Enter The Nail Studio: a nail haven dedicated to caring for nails holistically.
Here you won’t find just any nail products being used. From the hand lotion to the nail varnish, owner Mardi Smith has handpicked a range of top-of-the-line products that are completely vegan and free from chemical nasties.
As well as classic shellac and polish applications, you’ll find rebalancing rituals to structurally support your nails and natural colour enhancements on the treatment list. As for the toes, a Deluxe Spa Pedicure is the ultimate treat—complete with Lalicious bubble bath to soften, whipped sugar scrub to exfoliate and ultra-hydrating body butter foot and leg massage.
Best Gel And SNS Salons For Nails That Last
Studio Ten Nails
Upstairs At 12 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Studio Ten Nails | Instagram
Is there an obscure foreign word that describes the joy of choosing from oodles of nail colour shades? We don’t know. But we do know that you’ll feel *exactly that* at Studio Ten Nails. Statement wall of Gel Bottle colours aside, this studio—hand curated by owner Gemma Lloyd aka one of the most talented nail technicians Auckland has ever seen—screams joy. It’s bold, bright and a little tropical. Tucked up above a Ponsonby hair salon, it’s a real retreat from the world.
Gel nails are the name of Gemma’s game. Choose statement nail art, mesmerising marbles in tones of your choosing, a touch of 3D detailing, or ultra-crisp french manicures—Studio Ten does it all. Expertly.
Oh, and if you’ve got a pesky chip, broken or shorter nail than the other, you can count on Gemma to sort you out with a smooth, natural looking nail extension that meets the other nails where they are—and stays put for ages.
But don’t take our gushing word for it. Starlets like Jenna Ortega, Rita Ora and Hollywood big-wigs have handpicked Gemma to work absolute magic on their claws.
The Nail Story
Unit 32/210-218 Victoria Street West, Victoria Park & 7C Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland (Skin & Nail Story)
Image credit: The Nail Story | Instagram
When it comes to gel nails, Auckland local The Nail Story is held in the highest regard. Every kind of nail service can be found at this salon tucked away in Victoria Park markets, however, the shining jewel in The Nail Story's crown is the European, aka Russian-style manicure. Much like a jewel, this type of manicure is hard to find in Auckland—but when stumbled upon, spoils you with the most polished, robust and luxurious results.
It’s a more intensive and precise take on your deluxe mani: where the cuticles get expertly shaped, dead skin cells are thoroughly dealt with, and your nail strength is gently built up over time—not to mention, it runs circles around the lifespan of any other gel application. Oh, and preening-focused busy folk will love the option to get your mani-pedi done at the very same time. Minimal time and maximum glam, how’s that for premium preening?
Nails Love Auckland
Home Salon, Meadowbank, Auckland
Nothing hits quite like a Russian Style manicure. The durability, the cuticles that stay symmetrical for yonks, the strengthening of your natural nails, the seamless regrowth. It’s all. Pure. magic.
Magic that you can see for yourself at Meadowbank’s Nails Love Auckland, an #IYKYK spot among fans of this iconic manicure. Both manicures and pedicures are taken care of, alongside classic colours and mesmerising glitters of all kinds.
Auckland’s Best Nail Salons For Group Bookings
Valet
182 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Valet | Facebook
For a nail bar that feels somewhere in between a resort day spa and a sleek brasserie, head to Ponsonby’s Valet. A day spa experience for your digits you shall indeed find, because they’re home to one of the most extravagant nail service in Auckland: The Premium Valet Service—capital T and all. Here, a rejuvenating mask, paraffin mask and—you know it—an extended massage complete the polish, buff, shape et. al. experience. And get this, it’s available across manicures, pedicures, gel or normal polish. Worth noting too are their kids mani.
Spring Spa
228 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
You know those beauty salon scenes in early 2000’s movies where gaggles of girls bond and bubble, mid-manicure? You’ll find just that vibe—only much more soothing (thank you coastal decor)—at Spring Spa’s Ponsonby spot.
Their social manicure and pedicure area plays host to one of the most sweeping nail treatment menus in Auckland. There’s everything from a no-nonsense clip and buff service through to extensive Margaret Dabbs Supreme treatments.
If you ask us, this serene space is also a keen contenter for the first stop of a bachelorette ‘do.
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Main image credit: Dune Nails | Supplied