Check out Humans of Hong Kong, our newest video series focused on telling Hong Kong stories!
Header image courtesy of Nail Jolly
Originally published by Sophie Pettit. Last updated by Beverly Ngai.
From quick and easy manicures to fancy nail art from France, Japan, and America, Hong Kong is overflowing with nail salons to suit every need and budget. Whether you’re after a no-frills affair or a full-on pamper session, we know just the place. So put your feet up and let the experts file, buff, and polish your paws to perfection at the best nail salons in Hong Kong!
Manned single-handedly by talented nail artist Jojo, this eponymous nail salon stocks a whopping collection of 700 colours and an impressive number of Japanese nail art accessories, jewels, and rhinestones to bring the nail designs of your dreams to life. You can request a specific design or let the nail connoisseur do her magic and turn your fingertips into miniature works of art. Either way, the hundreds of glowing reviews on Instagram will assure you that you are in good hands. An immaculate soft gel nail art manicure will cost you $398, and it’s cheaper if you go for a plain colour. Services are by appointment only, so make sure to snag a booking with Jojo via WhatsApp prior to your visit.
Jojo Nail, Room 106, 1/F, W Plaza, 608 Nathan Road, Mong Kok | (+852) 5702 8669
Outfitted in modern décor and sleek leather upholstery, and complete with welcoming beverages, blankets and throws, and phone charging ports, this upscale nail parlour is luxury pampering at its finest. But what has truly earned Eighty-Eight its strong reputation is the consistently stunning and professional nail results they deliver. Whether you opt for glittery galaxy and marble swirls or intricate floral and geometric designs, you will walk out of the salon feeling like royalty. And thanks to their high-quality polishes from trusty brands like Ace, Vetro, Gelish, OPI, and more, your nails will be kept in mint condition for up to three weeks!
Eighty-Eight, G/F & 1/F, 53 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 5334 3124
From the lavish, modern-chic environment to the complimentary coffee and friendly staff, Nail Jolly is dedicated to making customers feel right at home as they indulge in an array of top-notch beauty services including manicures, pedicures, massages, and spa treatments. Prices range from $120 for a 30-minute express manicure to $688 for a signature gel manicure that includes a nourishing hand soak, hand scrub, and massage. If you are worried about mysterious ingredients in your polish, go for the NCLA Gelous mani, which uses a vegan and toxin-free nail polish formula. Oh, and did we mention there’s an adorable resident cat to keep you company as you get your nails preened and pampered?
Tucked away in the trendy neighbourhood of Po Hing Fong in Sheung Wan, this chic, industrial-inspired salon has become wildly popular among the ladies of Hong Kong. As well as boasting one of the largest collections of nail polish brands and colours, it also offers bespoke nail art designs by its team of talented artists. Regular manicures cost $270 while pedicures are $400, and a full set of soft gel hands is $480. There is also a selection of herbal teas, coffee, or bubbles to help you relax while you’re getting your paws cared for.
The Nail Library, 1/F, 10–12 On Wo Lane, Central | (+852) 2618 8623
We could not do a round-up of top nail salons without mentioning the super plush, blissful spa perched on the seventy-second floor of the W Hong Kong. Opt for the upper hand treatment ($695) and sit back and enjoy a youth-inducing hand treatment and hot cream manicure, all while overlooking the stunning skyline of Kowloon. You can even invite a male companion along to enjoy the manly-cure treatment ($495). For the ultimate indulgence session, opt for the double choc ($795) and dip your feet in a skin-smoothing soak of hot chocolate milk while polishing off a tasty choccie treat as you watch. Now, how’s that for A-list treatment?
Bliss Spa at the W Hotel, 72/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3717 2797
From unique free-form painted designs to minimalist manicures, this Japanese style salon has it all. A team of four Japanese specialists are on hand to give you one funky little makeover and offer you the chance to browse their selection of 200 gels to find your perfect shade. Regular manicures cost $380, while pedicures check in at $580, and a full spa manicure costs $680. If you are feeling adventurous, why not opt for the 3D art, hologram, or peacock nails and really make an impression? While you’re there, you can get your eyelashes done, too.
Aquaeria, 1/F, Tung Yiu Commercial Building, 31A Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2526 9313
Claiming to be the ”hippest nail art studio in town,” this cosy little Hollywood Road salon is the place to go for nails with attitude. The team offer regular manicures and pedicures for $180 and $350 respectively, and those wanting something a little funkier can choose from eight different nail art styles, including Bling Bling, Dark Secret, Forever French, and Lady in Red. If you want to go really wild, however, you can jazz up your paws with some gemstones, rhinestones, or Swarovski for a little extra. And don’t forget to check out their first-time trial offers, too.
NailOne, Room 1019, Hollywood Plaza, 610 Nathan Road, Mong Kok | (+852) 6439 5265
Established in 1999, this nail salon is one of the oldest in Hong Kong. Over the years, it has expanded its services to include facials, waxing, threading, spray tans, and massages. Providing a warm and welcoming ambience, along with a wide selection of Australian, American, and European magazines, this is the ultimate place to immerse yourself in a pamper session. They also serve a selection of herbal tea or wine for those who prefer something a little stronger. A standard manicure costs $250, French manicures are $300, and a soft gel manicure will set you back $480—not bad for a relaxing spa experience with a few bubbles thrown in. Make sure to book ahead to secure your spot though.
Feel Good Factor, 2/F, Winsome House, 73 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2530 0610
If you’re looking for A-list treatment, then look no further than the award-winning Spa BPZ. Owned by Nigar Qureshi, a skincare specialist, cosmetologist, and make-up artist to the stars, this avant-garde gem uses the latest and most high-tech equipment from around the globe to create red carpet-worthy nails in a cosy environment that’s bursting with character. A professional manicure will set you back $210, while a pedicure with foot care costs $320. The spa also offers shellac manicures for $590, and nail art ranging from $30 to $50 per nail. A whole range of luxury massage, waxing, and spa treatments is also available—hot stone massage, anyone?
Spa BPZ, 12/F, Sea Bird House, 22–28 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2524 1272
This is one place that takes nails very seriously. Rainbow Nails offers one-stop OPI manicure and pedicure services, which use a set of fancy equipment specially designed for performing ”American manicures” instead of nail clippers and cuticle pushers. It also offers professional nail training courses for those who wish to polish their manicure skills and practice professional nail services one day. A standard manicure costs $200, a pedicure is $380, and a soft gel manicure will set you back $590. With cutting-edge designs, and a range of acrylic, soft gel, this is the perfect spot to get the coolest new looks without breaking the bank—or your nails.
Rainbow Nails, 8/F, Thyrse House, 16 Pottinger Street, Central | (+852) 2840 0660
Hailing from Japan, this spacious salon knows how to spruce up your nails to suit every mood, whether you’re feeling cute and feminine or cool and ready to party. Regular manicures cost $180, and pedicures are $390, while a full set of hard gel hands will set you back $650. Fancy nail art costs $20 per nail (hand or foot), and a range of eyelash extensions are also available in various lengths and curvatures to suit your own style and preference. The salon also offers first-time trial discounts on select treatments so you can enjoy a full makeover in one fell swoop.
Canary, 9/F, Man Cheung Building, 15–17 Wyndham Street, Central | (+852) 2537 0338
Escape to the tranquil and serene surroundings of this award-winning day spa off of the Central–Mid-Levels escalator. Specialising in facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, body scrubs, wraps, and massages (seriously, what do they not do?), Iyara caters to a diverse range of customers with a team who can speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Get comfy on the sofa, sip on a delicious lemongrass tea (or a glass of red or white wine if you arrive after 5 pm), and let the experts work their magic on your nails. A natural remedy manicure (which includes a relaxing hand and arm massage) costs $250, while an ultimate pedicure (with a 15-minute massage) will set you back $480. And if you are strapped on time, they also offer express nail services (starting from $160) to boot!
Iyara Day Spa, 1/F, 26 Cochrane Street, Central | (+852) 2545 8638
Tucked away on quiet Mee Lun Street between Central and Sheung Wan, this cosy pink retreat provides the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy some pampering time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Seating only six customers at a time, you know you will be looked after as the team of technicians transform your nails into a stylish work of art while giving your hands some tender love and care. From classic manicures and pedicures to soft and hard gels (and even ones for the kids), they cater to all your needs, with a price list that is fairly reasonable, given the location. If you’re looking to relax and have some undivided attention, then this is the spot.
Nail Wizard and Spa, Store D, 1/F, 9–11 Mee Lun Street, Central | (+852) 5728 5222
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your ‘local eyes’—and for that, you need two i’s.
Top