Check out our round-up of nail ninjas to keep your manicures on point
Black creatives are well represented in the hair and beauty industry and the nail community is no exception. Whether you’re into blingy looks or neutral nudes, we found seven of the best nail salons and manicurists in the UK and Ireland that you should definitely take a look at.
By Trishad Atanga
Nuka Nails
They call themselves ‘The freshest nail art duo in London’, and for good reason! Nuka Nails is all about bright colours and bold looks, like these free-hand painted nails inspired by South Asian truck art. Founded by the intrepid young duo Kaddy and Nush, both self-taught nail artists, the salon has collaborated with many fashion brands, from Nike, Depop, to London Fashion Week. If you’re looking for 3D nails or need to make those good times last longer, Nuka Nails is the right place to go.
Price: From £30
Where: Gravity Salon, 144 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5NE
Website: nukanails.com
Instagram: @nuka.nails
Nail At The Candi Bar
Based in Ballincollig, Ireland, Candice Kenny from Nail At The Candi Bar knows how to bring out the best in natural nails. If you’re looking for discreet and elegant nail art, trust the process and just visit her studio! Candice offers precious and luxury manicure services, from a simple French mani to bespoke gel extensions. A delicious mix of nude colours, jewels, with –sometimes– a touch of gold.
Price: From £18
Where: Coolroe Heights, Ballincollig, Ireland
Social: @nailsatthecandibar
Ama
Ama Quashie is one of the most influential manicurists in the entertainment industry. After collaborating with luxury brands and celebrities (Dior, Celine, Pink, Rita Ora…), she opened Ama The Salon in the heart of Brixton in 2018. “I wanted it to be […] a home from home that you can come and catch up with friends, meet new ones, listen to great music and have a cup of tea – and happen to have great nails at the end of it!” Ama said to Vogue. What’s on the menu? Traditional manicure and pedicure treatments, with vegan nail polishes options, all taking place in an elegant decor with soft tones, rustic leather chairs and vintage pictures.
Price: From £22
Where: 340 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8QH
Instagram: @amathesalon
Website: amathesalon.com
Awe London
Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or glitter on your nails? Your call. Awe London is an East London-based nail salon founded by Kamden Monplaisir. Her team of four nail art queens specialise in nail treatments (like diabetic pedicures). They also offer a wide range of stunning manicure looks, with acrylic extensions, using premium brands like OPI and Voesh. Oh, and the salon is elegantly decorated in a symphony of blues – literally a haven of peace.
Price: From £10
Where: 153 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2PA
Website: awelondon.co.uk/
Instagram:@awelondon
Shea’d Beauty
Nude, browns, glitter, press-on nails… There are plenty of looks you can choose at Shea’d Beauty! We’ll have to say that the salon is an adept at those glossy and long nail looks, but bring your template and the manicurists will weave their magic! Renewed for its creativity, the salon, founded by Shea Moss, even collaborated with brand Ego Shoes, and now offers an extensive range of press-on nails.
Price: From £15
Where: 37 Vicarage Lane, London E15 4HG
Website: sheadbeauty.com
Instagram: @sheadbeauty
Queen Esther Spa
Queen Esther Spa is literally a haven of peace. Everything is made to make you feel like a queen: a feminine decor with purple tones, comfortable chairs, complimentary drinks and snacks and a friendly team ready to highlight your natural beauty. Manicures are just one of the many beauty treatments you can choose from their wide range of beauty treatments, but Esther’s team knows how to make your nails shine with classic treatments.
Price: From £25
Where: 80 Atlantic Road, Brixton, London SW9 8PX
Instagram: @thenailroomchats
Website: queenestherspa.co.uk
Colour Riot Nails
Colour Riot Nails lives… In Living Colour! The bespoke nail looks created by Tinu Bello’s team of nail ninjas reflect the salon’s brand’s identity: pop, colourful and avant-garde! Based in trendy Shoreditch, Colour Riot Nails offers bespoke creative nail art, from leopard patterns to rainbows nails with acrylics. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, you can also get pampered there, as they also offer waxing and lash services.
Price: From £15
Where: 48 Hanbury Street, Spitalfields, London E1 5JL
Website: colourriotnails.co.uk
Instagram: @colourriotnails
Nail Dit Pinner
Looking for one of the best French manicure in the Pinner and London area? Head up to Nail Dit Pinner! Founder Christina Pinnock is a specialised gel nail technician, and creates beautiful soft nail art, in partnership with nail tool brand Navy. Need to change your nails as quickly as your outfit? Nail Dit Pinner also offers a wide range of luxury press-on nails.
Price: From £18
Where: Pinner and North West London
Instagram: @naildit_pinner
The Nail Room & Co
Specializing in natural nails only, the Nail Room & Co is a small and cute salon operated by Lucy Francis. Located in the heart of Hackney, the salon pays special attention to the nail health, which means that no acrylic or chemical powders are used to design nail looks. Lucy’s team combine over 40 years of experience in the beauty industry and they certainly know how to style your nails according to the latest trends: Picasso-inspired designs, swirls, dots or plain colours, the choice is yours!
Price: From £12
Where: 42 Chatsworth Road, London E5 0LP
Instagram: @thenailroomchats
Website: thenailroom.co
Polished by Lolo
Short nails don’t care! If you’re based in East London, let Lois from Polished by Lolo look after your natural nails, especially if you’re not a fan of acrylics. This natural nail mobile manicurist knows what colours suit black skin and is very creative: from plain and matte colours to discreet golden stripes and decals, she’s also very flexible, which will ensure that your nails can get that wow factor almost anytime.
Price: From £25
Where: Currently mobile only. East London
Instagram: @polishedbylolo
