Getting a blow-dry is always a treat, but there’s no pick-me-up quite like getting your nails done. Whether you love your tips painted candy-coloured bright or prefer au naturel with a hint of French elegance, these are the best nail salons in Adelaide that will transform your nails into wearable art.

LK Salon Nails & Beauty

This central Adelaide beauty salon is trusted by time-poor businesswomen across the city. Exceptional attention to detail and top-quality products ensures that you won’t be running back with chipped nails anytime soon. Alex and her team of nail art professionals are on hand should you wish to try the latest techniques and products for a completely stand-out look.

98 Wright Street, Adelaide

Artistry by Zoe at the Artistry Collective Studio

Self-professed nail witch, Artistry by Zoe, is a sculptured acrylic specialist based in the Artistry Collective Studio, alongside Sandy Z Nail Bar (currently closed to new clients). For gels and gorgeous nail art, these are the girls to beat, with nail art running the gamut from sweet to saucy and everything in between. We love Zoe’s earth-toned marble looks, chrome add-ons and colour matches.

We also recommend keeping the witchy vibes aligned with Artistry by Zoe and booking in her Tarot Set – you pick the length and shape, the cards pick your design. But these aren’t at random; Zoe has personally corresponded each design with each tarot card meaning, so that you’ll receive a design that’s meant for you.

Sitchu tip: Artistry by Zoe is currently taking on new clients, so be sure to read her highlights on Instagram to quickly nab an appointment – DM here to book.

S3/73-39 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood

Adelaide Nails & Beauty

For over 10 years, this independently owned nail salon has been offering clients the best in beauty treatments – and never cuts corners. A simple file and polish or durable Shellac application are expertly applied, while the deluxe manicure or pedicure options include a heavenly sea salt soak, scrub, and mᴀssage. Go on, treat yourself!

7-17 Gawler Place, Adelaide

Nailist Cindy

If you’re looking for some seriously cool nail art, look no further than Nailist Cindy. Your local nail art dealer, with a focus on nail art, gel-x and builder gel (BIAB) and press-ons, this is one of the best private nail salons in Adelaide for conversation-inducing talons. Her nail services have tiers, from a Basic Set of 1-2 solid colours and your choice of matte and gloss finish, through to the Diamond Set, which involves complex hand-painted nail art, custom handmade 3D gel sculptures, luxury nail gems and charms, freestyle and L-XXXL nail length all included.

The Nail & Beauty Lounge

The Nail & Beauty Lounge is one of the best nail salons in North Adelaide, offering fun and fresh designs for affordable prices. When it comes to nail art, the results are high-quality with expert artists carving out polished designs to suit every style – think 3D crystal creations and colour-blocking to the perfect French tips. An inviting space, this is the perfect place to experiment with playful takes on a classic manicure. Even if you don’t want to opt for wild nails, it’s worth coming here for a simple refresh as well.

Shop 5/16 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

The Gel Girl

The Gel Girl is one of the best nail salons in Adelaide for an Insta-worthy manicure. She’s a wickedly talented Adelaide nail technician, who has helped found a collaborative beauty studio in which she’s set up to deliver some of the chicest nails around. Her skills at BIAB and gel-x, airbrushing, charm add-ons, French tip designs and crafting some seriously gorgeous hand-painted nail art press-ons all help to bring in a dedicated following of nail salon loving queens. No matter the occasion, The Gel Girl knows the exact look to ensure your nails make a statement.

Studio Collab, 18 Metro Parade, Mawson Lakes

Prospect Bio Nails & Beauty

For those who like their tips and toes to stand out (and we mean really stand out), Prospect Bio Nails offers the kind of technicolour nail art that Instagram dreams are made of. From bejewelled ʙuттerflies to shimmering stars, neon pop art, and bold animal prints – whatever you’re into, these talented designers have it covered. 

5/81 Prospect Rd, Prospect       

Mimi Nails & Beauty

If you’re looking to get your nails done at one of the best nail salons in Glenelg, the team at Mimi Nails & Beauty has you sorted. Offering gel, acrylics, shellac, SNS, and spa nail treatments, there is something to suit every nail preference; and their unique array of nail art designs will have you swooning. Phone bookings only. 

Shop 1/ 128 Jetty Road, Glenelg 

Starfingers Nails & Beauty

The city’s original purveyor of crisp, clean mani-pedis, these guys know their stuff. With over 80 years of combined experience among the staff, Starfingers is known for its professional treatments (think acrylic and gel), and natural looking finishes. You pay a little more, but the level of service and attention to detail make it well worth your while.

128A Unley Road, Unley

Suburban Nails

While the sign might read Suburban, there is nothing humdrum about the sleek sets that come out of this northern Adelaide nail salon. You’ll feel completely pampered from the moment you enter, with their classic manicure, gel treatment or SNS options applied with mastery under the guidance of owners, Kelly and John. Don’t stop at your fingernails, be sure to add their spa pedicure with shellac so your nails are looking good, from tip to, well, toe.

Shop 3, 9-29 Desmond Avenue, Pooraka

Hidden Leaf Beauty Salon

Striving towards greater confidence and self-ᴀssurance for all of their customers, Hidden Leaf Beauty Salon provides a personalised approach to beauty and self-care with the aim to empower women. Select a service to care for your every nail need, from a speedy 30-minute manicure (perfect for lunch breaks) to a luxury manicure complete with exfoliation and mᴀssage with non-toxic nail art.

140B King William Road, Hyde Park

The Nail Bar

Get the manicure that sends your self-confidence sky-high at one of the many Adelaide and South Australian locations of The Nail Bar. Their skilled technicians will take care of you in relaxed, pastel-hued surroundings, using top-quality products to achieve magnificent manicures from a normal polish, gel and gelee, to acrylic and the dipping nail system aka the healthier manicure alternative.

Locations in: Norwood, Adelaide, Port Pirie, Edwardstown, Murray Bridge

Excel Nails

If you’re after a manicure that really excels, then Excel Nails is the North Adelaide nail salon for you. From a simple manicure to buff up your everyday nails to extravagant nail art and a sharp shape to suit, their team of pᴀssionate professionals will pamper your hands to perfection.

25A O’Connell Street, North Adelaide

Mi & Co. The Nail and Beauty

Sitting pretty in the popular suburb of St Peters is Mi & Co. The Nail and Beauty with their fabulous nail expertise. They offer manicures of all styles and techniques depending on your personal preference from soft, romantic blush tones to intricate art designs hand painted by the pros.

Shop 1B/103-111 Payneham Road, St Peters

Hali Nails & Beauty

Prepare to be pampered at Hali Nails & Beauty. This gorgeous salon is a reliable haven for all the mani/pedi lovers, offering clients the latest and best treatments and techniques in all things nails. Their friendly team is also highly trained across all aspects of nail and beauty and on top of the latest trends in nail design. with specialised expertise in strengthening your natural nail base to ensure your manicure lasts longer and with greater shine. Perfect nails, everytime.

3/77 Prospect Road, Prospect 

Inspired by our pick of the best nail salons in Adelaide and looking to treat yourself this weekend? From the city’s best hairdressers to a relaxing spa day, all you have to do is sit back, read on, zen out and be pampered.