London offers some of the world’s best salons and day spas. But if you don’t have time for a massage or facial, a manicure is the perfect pampering treat. We’ve rebuilt our pick of the best nail bars in London for 2026 from scratch. Instead of relying on old listings, we checked each one against current, independently published sources. Whether you want a quick file and polish on a shopping trip, or a full afternoon of pampering, here’s where to go.
The Best Nail Bars in London Right Now
1. Nails and Brows
Tucked away between Piccadilly and Berkeley Square, this Mayfair salon was founded by Sherrille Riley in 2014. It counts the Duchess of Sussex among its clients when she’s in town. The marble-filled ground floor is devoted entirely to nails, and every product used is vegan and non-toxic. Simple file-and-polish appointments sit alongside speedy 20-minute treatments. There’s also a more extensive menu, including a popular Non-Toxic Gel Manicure and a nail-strengthening IBX treatment.
31 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8EJ
nailsandbrows.me — book a manicure
2. Paint Nails London
If time is tight, Paint Nails London is a strong pick. It’s based inside Beauty Club London at Oxford Circus, and it stays open until 8pm through the week. That makes it a genuinely useful after-work or lunchtime option. It also doubles as a hair salon, so you can fit in a blow-dry at the same time. There’s even a bar serving cocktails and fizz, if you’re turning your appointment into a catch-up. It’s particularly strong for BIAB manicures that reliably last up to three weeks.
28 Market Place, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8AW
paintnailslondon.co.uk — book a manicure
3. Townhouse
Townhouse launched in Fitzrovia in 2018. Since then, it’s grown into one of London’s most recognisable luxury nail brands, with more than 20 locations across the capital and counting. Expect sleek, minimalist interiors and meticulous hygiene standards throughout. The menu runs from quick gel treatments to an indulgent luxury manicure, including shaping, buffing, cuticle care, massage and a pampering hot cream finish. Townhouse also partners regularly with luxury brands like Chantecaille, Givenchy and Sisley on limited-edition collaborations.
Multiple London locations
mytownhouse.co.uk — find your nearest & book
4. AMA
Session nail stylist Ama Quashie founded AMA at the end of 2018. It was London’s first natural nail salon, and it remains one of the city’s most distinctive. Every product is eco-friendly, and the “free from” menu features polish and gel brands that are up to 90% natural, 10-free, vegan and cruelty-free. The décor is eclectic too — mismatched prints, local photography, a well-curated playlist — which gives this Brixton salon a genuinely homely feel, rare in London’s nail scene.
340 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, SW9 8QH
amathesalon.com — book a manicure
5. Shoreditch Nails
Shoreditch Nails runs two compact studios — one in Shoreditch, one in Dalston — and it’s popular with creatives, influencers and fashion insiders alike. The menu spans everything from classic Shellac to bold, art-inspired nail art and glitter fades. There’s BIAB too, for extra strength and structure. Thanks to its popularity, the studio even launched its own polish line: vegan, cruelty-free and 82% bio-sourced, under the tagline “Consciously Colourful”.
13 Cleeve Workshops, Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2 7JD & 48 Dalston Lane, Dalston, E8 3AH
shoreditchnails.com — book a manicure
6. Iris Avenue
Iris Avenue is one of Fitzrovia’s highest-rated independent salons. It’s built a strong reputation for precision BIAB and builder gel overlays with a naturally finished look. The interiors lean luxurious, but the real focus is nail health. Technicians place genuine emphasis on gentle cuticle care alongside the treatments themselves — a good pick if you want your nails strengthened, not just polished.
Fitzrovia, London — confirm exact address when booking
irisavenue.com — book a manicure
7. DryBy
DryBy has long been a favourite among editors and fashion insiders. It’s built its reputation on fashion-led, immaculately finished gel manicures, with a style menu that takes cues from current runway collections. Expect impeccable bespoke manicures here, plus sophisticated bridal nail options, all delivered with genuine attention to detail.
74 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 7RZ
dryby.co.uk — book a manicure
8. Margaret Dabbs London
Margaret Dabbs remains one of London’s most respected names for pedicures specifically. That’s thanks to its medical-inspired, podiatry-informed approach to foot and nail care. Manicures here are equally strong, and just as focused on genuine nail health rather than finish alone. So if you want your hands, and your feet, properly looked after rather than just painted, this is a smart choice.
7 New Cavendish Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 8UU
margaretdabbs.co.uk — book a manicure
9. GA Salons
Based in South Kensington, GA Salons combines hair, beauty and nail treatments under one roof. Manicure services range from classic polish and Shellac to BIAB and acrylic extensions. It’s a good option, then, if you want an indulgent, all-in-one beauty stop rather than a nails-only visit.
South Kensington, London — confirm exact address when booking
gasalons.com — book a treatment
10. Duck & Dry
Duck & Dry pairs professional blow-dry styling with a genuinely good nail menu. That makes it ideal for anyone who wants both sorted in a single visit. Expect gel polish, classic manicures, seasonal shades and well-finished pedicures, all using premium products in chic, efficient surroundings. It’s a favourite for pre-event pampering, but just as good for routine maintenance.
Chelsea & other London locations
duckanddry.com — find your nearest & book
Best Nail Bars in London: FAQs
How much does a manicure cost in London?
Manicures across London’s best nail bars typically start from around £25–£40 for a classic treatment. Gel, BIAB or luxury options tend to run £40–£70 or more, depending on the salon and finish.
What is BIAB and where can I get it in London?
BIAB, or Builder in a Bottle, is a strengthening gel overlay designed to protect and reinforce natural nails. Iris Avenue, Shoreditch Nails and Paint Nails London are all particularly well known for their BIAB treatments.
Which London nail bar is best for natural, eco-friendly products?
AMA in Brixton was London’s first natural nail salon, and it remains one of the most committed to eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free products. Nails and Brows in Mayfair is another strong option, since it uses vegan, non-toxic polishes throughout.
Can I get my nails and hair done in the same appointment?
Yes — both Paint Nails London and Duck & Dry combine nail treatments with hair styling services. That makes either a useful option if you want to sort both in one visit.
That’s our rebuilt list of the best nail bars in London for 2026. It’s sourced fresh, checked against current listings, and ready to book. Whichever you choose, book ahead where you can, and treat yourself properly.
