Overview
A great mani is arguably more hardworking than any jewellery stack or it-bag. It's an accessory that follows you around, injecting personal style into the most mundane moments. The right set can make even stumbling out of bed or sweating at the gym feel surprisingly chic.
We've curated a roundup of the best nail artists in Melbourne. Some have honed into a signature aesthetic, like a Y2K maximalist in a southeast suburb or a CBD creative behind a Tabi-inspired (yes, the Maison Margiela shoe) mani. Others have built spaces around strong community-minded values or a cheeky in-house cocktail bar. Whatever the base is gel, acrylic, BIAB or au naturel, these 15 best nail artists in Melbourne are up for bringing the inspiration in your camera roll to life.
Manicure Laundry
Whether it's simple studs or more complex designs, Manicure Laundry has an eye for creating cohesive sets. Flawless prep and execution equals manicures that grow out beautifully equals a long waiting list. The Toorak salon is usually booked out six weeks in advance.
Top Coat Studios
As the Hannah Montana nails suggest, no concept is too far-out at this Brunswick East studio. Maybe except boring. Even simple styles beget a twist, like these hand-sculpted bunnies hiding behind ombré claws.
Professionail
From tiny faces to cured water droplets, Professionail's linework is properly crisp. Chapel Street shoppers can pop in for sharp sets after a shopping spree – $37 gel manis from a bundle deal might soften the damage.
Maison Gel
Fashion obsessives are in good hands at Maison Gel. Founder Molly Jones went viral last year for Gel X tips mimicking the iconic Tabi split-toe. Her playful streak extends to custom press-ons made for gifting (or keeping), like this miniature ode to aperitivo hour.
Clarah Nails
Studio Ghibli scenes are a rite of passage for fan-art nail artists, and Clara Hwang doesn't stop there. From Monchhichii to Monet, the Sunbury-based artist has a knack for replicating beloved characters (and their art styles) into tiny nail illustrations.
Nail Flash
Strawberry matcha meeting Miffy is a peep into Nail Flash's cute and colourful world. The Carlton home-based salon turns out Gel X or BIAB sets, leaning into whimsical aesthetics and bright candy hues.
Soak
Southside's Soak is serious about being a beauty bar. Expect your-nail-but-better shades and delicate embellishments like Kylie Jenner's flower clusters at the 15-metre-long stone nail bar, which doubles up as an actual bar. There's cocktails, vinos and champagne, and don't miss out on the signature blowtorched sour.
Seraphic
On the market for over-the-top sets? This Point Cook artist places all bets on bold Y2K trends – think signature duck nails, rhinestones reminiscent of the McBling era and 3D charms galore. More is more, right down to the matching pedicures.
Buff Studios
Buff Studios was trusted by New Balance for Australian-Open-themed nails, so you know it produces consistently flawless results. A strong focus on nail health and clean prep brings "a sense of everyday luxury" to each appointment. It's got seven locations across Victoria for breezy bookings, including one in Mornington.
Trophy Wife
Founded in 2010, this veteran studio has gone from pop-ups to a permanent home in Mecca Bourke Street. The artists are super versatile, so bring along the Pinterest board of funky fishes. If time isn't an issue, budget-friendly appointments with artists-in-training start from $75.
Miss Jay's
Miss Jay's cheerful locations are designed as safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, with a compassionate team who understand sensory and accessibility needs. Self-expression of all forms is obviously encouraged here, from practical mixed-length manis to a 90-gem set inspired by Melbourne jeweller Millie Savage.
Nail Mood
This Bourke Street salon specialises in Korean gel manis. The style leans towards dreamy watercolour textures and abstract compositions, but you can add some bite to the look with these Chrome Hearts-inspired gothic cross charms.
Gelly Bomb
Brisbane import Gelly Bomb makes a strong case for short nails. It works exclusively with natural nails, filling each finger with playful doodles of cats, stars or even just plain scribbles. Each lively, detail-packed manicure gets glazed in a translucent, jelly-like topper.
Gel By Liv
Venture near Warrandyte for the queen of hand-sculpted embellishments. It might be sushi toppings, ladybugs or worms, but something always pops out of Liv's killer gel claws. Don't sleep on her tight painting technique either.
&
H Nail Garden
For elegant sets, H Nail Garden is hard to beat. The team are experts in Japanese hard gel manicures, and the long-lasting technique is paired with dainty bows, florals and other delicate statement details in its Kew and Prahran salons.
Top image: Professionail Prahran
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.