The 5 Best Manicure Salons in Sydney for Nails Polished to Perfection
Self-care doesn’t end at hair salons. When you want to look put together, you need to avoid chipped polish and rough cuticles, even when you think others won’t notice.
If you’re looking to pamper yourself, we’ve got you covered! We gathered the best manicure salons in Sydney to keep your hands looking sharp, whether you need a quick lunchtime tidy or show-stopping art.
Taking proper care of your natural nails is essential for daily confidence and health, so read on!
How much does a manicure cost in Sydney?
A manicure in Sydney usually costs between $35 and $75 for standard care, whilst premium gel sets and extensions run from $75 to over $150.
| Manicure Service Type | Typical Price Range | Service Highlights |
| Basic or Express Manicure | $25 – $50 | Nail shaping, cuticle care, buffing, and standard lacquer |
| Shellac or Gel Manicure | $50 – $85 | Long-lasting gel polish cured under a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp |
| Signature Nail Systems (SNS) or Dipping Powder | $70 – $130 | Powder coating intended to add structure to natural nails |
| Acrylic or Gel Extensions | $75 – $160 | Artificial extensions for custom length and shape |
| Deluxe or Spa Manicure | $90 – $180 | Extended hand care with exfoliation, massage, and hot towels |
1. Secret Butterfly Nails & Beauty
Website: https://www.secretbutterfly.online/
Address: Level 1, 70 – 72 Druitt Street
Contact: 0410 909 951
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Night owls who work late in the Central Business District (CBD) will appreciate Secret Butterfly Nails & Beauty. This salon is open daily with evening appointments until 9:00 PM, so you won’t have to hurry after work.
They offer a wide range of services, such as Builder in a Bottle (BIAB), Russian manicures, Japanese hard gel, Gel-X tips, and custom nail art. The team even creates cat-eye patterns, French tips, chrome finishes, and sculpted 3D designs.
You can conveniently request a consultation and quote if you’re unsure which enhancement suits your lifestyle.
Keep in mind that most menu prices are starting estimates. Custom art may require an individual quote, so the final total could quickly climb beyond the baseline rate.
Customer Reviews
My nails turned out flawless
I had an amazing experience getting my gel manicure here! The service was top-notch, with incredible care and attention to detail. They were able to book me in on short notice, and the salon was so clean -one of the cleanest I’ve been to. My nails turned out flawless, and the level of precision has set a new standard for me. Coming from the U.S., I now have high expectations for my nails, and this place absolutely delivered. I’ll definitely be returning next time I’m in Sydney!
- Steph Perry | Google Review
Got out with a fresh beautiful manicure in less than an hour
I went in with a broken nail and got out with a fresh beautiful manicure in less than an hour. The service was exceptional. I’m a tourist but if I lived here I’d go back every month without a doubt.
- Ana Moraru | Google Review
2. Vivid Nail Salon
Website: https://vividnailsalon.com.au/
Address: Level 4, 90 Pitt Street, Martin Place
Contact: 02 9279 1116 | Text: 0430 172 731 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (by appointment only)
Operating since 1996, Vivid Nail Salon has been a local favourite for their expertise. In 2012, they ran the Vogue Fashion Week’s nail section, and in 2015, they became an official distributor of b-r-s nail brushes.
They focus on Calgel, an organic gel offering long-lasting reinforcement. Plus, they’re an official Calgel educator, and their academy was approved by Calgel Australia.
On top of that, they offer five hand-care tiers, from a mini manicure to an aesthetic total manicure and a dedicated men’s option.
Additionally, their team shapes acrylic sets entirely by hand rather than using machine drills. Their dedicated disinfectant machines are one of the most important features to keep things safe.
Just know that they’re strictly by appointment only. The salon is closed on weekends too, so it’s best to book as soon as you can.
Customer Reviews
The most meticulous manicure and pedicure
My very first time to vivid nails and for sure it will be my fav nail salon from now on! The most meticulous manicure and pedicure, no other salon has ever been so detailed in cleaning my cuticles and dry skins on my feet and hands. No cutting corners, I honestly still prefer their water cuticle removal method instead of the e drill. And the tidiest colour application for my nails (no bumps, no colour bleeds into the cuticle) and toes. Definitely will be coming back!!
– E E | Google Review
The best manicure I’ve ever had!
The best manicure I’ve ever had! Attention to detail was phenomenal, nothing rushed and the utmost care taken! A very relaxing atmosphere, quiet, clean and sanitary. The girls fit me in as a walk-in last minute too – wonderful service and incredibly kind. Thank you!!
– georgia hartwig | Google Review
3. Margaret’s Nails
Website: https://www.margaretsnails.com.au/
Address: Mezzanine Level, 259 Clarence Street
Contact: 0413 779 447 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Margaret’s Nails is an owner-run CBD studio led by founder Margaret, who trained with nail experts across three countries. She offers mini, full, and deluxe manicures finished with Vinylux or Shellac polish.
Her manicure packages offer good value. The full manicure adds hand exfoliation and massage, whilst the deluxe service includes a moisturising mask and extended hand care.
Clients can also add an IBX strengthening treatment for weak or damaged nails or a warm paraffin treatment for dry hands.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, their studio is open until 8:00 PM, which can help with after-work appointments.
One drawback is pricing for extras. Gel polish removal costs another $20 with any of the three manicure tiers, whilst nail art with the deluxe option is priced separately upon application.
Customer Reviews
Was blown away by my manicure
I went to Margaret’s Nails for the first time today and was blown away by my manicure. After having a very poor experience at a different salon where they left my nails stained and weak, I didn’t want to get my nails done again. But having experienced Margaret giving me a manicure, I think I will get my nails done more often! Margaret took so much time and care cleaning up my cuticles, and I gave her a hard job painting my very short nails. However, my CND Shellac was applied perfectly, I have never seen such a professional job,…
– Elinna Yao | Google Review
This nail bar sits well above all others in every aspect
What a pleasant surprise to find this lovely gem at Margaret’s Nails. I had both manicure and pedicure and the experience was relaxing, professional and friendly. This nail bar sits well above all others in every aspect.
– Jo Berzins | Google Review
4. Sumi Nails
Website: https://suminails.com/
Address: Shop 15, 227 Elizabeth Street
Contact: 02 8592 3556
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (appointments are preferred)
Soft Japanese hospitality is paired with modern nail techniques at Sumi Nails. This Elizabeth Street studio specialises in Ladiposh, a breathable, soft-gel system from Japan.
Plus, Ladiposh is flexible and safe. It’s easy to remove and doesn’t need UV, so you won’t end up with damaged nails in the long run.
They offer basic, deluxe, men’s, Shellac, acrylic, and soft-gel manicure choices. They can also do gradient finishes, rhinestones, French tips, and other nail-art accents.
Even better, their work is completed by hand without drills, preventing friction and damage to your nails.
Spontaneous visits can be tricky, though, because appointments are preferred. You have to call to confirm if there’s a slot for walk-ins.
Customer Reviews
The manicure lasts 4 weeks
I have been to Suminails many times over the past year. The staff are very professional and helpful if you have any questions about their services. I always get Ladiposh and the manicure lasts 4 weeks. The quality of the manicure is perfect and I love getting my nails done here.
- Komal Kumar | Google Review
They are amazing, I have never experienced such professionalism
What an amazing service! Came in with an old set of nails that I wanted to get off, the ladies worked super fast and were very kind. Me and my sister ended up getting gellac done and a manicure! They are amazing, I have never experienced such professionalism and effective work. 11/10 would recommend.
- Julie Due | Google Review
5. MD Nails
Website: https://www.mdnails.com.au/
Address: One Dixon Shopping Centre, Shop 75/1 Dixon Street
Contact: 02 9267 5000 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Affordable prices and great versatility make MD Nails and Beauty a reliable favourite in Sydney’s Chinatown. Operating since 2007, this salon pairs classic manicures with SNS, Shellac, and acrylic.
If you’re interested in BIAB, Gel-X, builder gel, or custom nail art, their nail tech can confidently handle those as well.
We like their strict hygiene process, including sanitising and disinfecting reusable tools and using clean towels or manicure mats for each client.
Plus, they carefully remove filing dust at the source and reduce exposure to odours and vapours. This detailed process ensures a cleaner, healthier environment.
Quick buff-and-shape sessions start at a reasonable $15, which is the same price as a children’s manicure for customers under 10.
However, booking doesn’t secure your slot. On peak days, your preferred time slot may not always be available, so scheduling flexibility isn’t the best for next-day appointments.
Customer Reviews
My nail technician was able to replicate my nail design inspiration perfectly
This was my first time getting my nails done and I was more than happy by the outstanding service the ladies here delivered. I got a shellac manicure and my nail technician was able to replicate my nail design inspiration perfectly while taking a lot of care to shape, clean and buff my nails beautifully. From start to finish, it was a relaxing and enjoyable experience and the staff were incredibly friendly, patient and professional. I highly recommend MD Nails for a high quality service and if you want beautiful nails at fairly affordable prices! Simply put, I cannot stop…
- Lindy Ung | Google Review
The salon was clean, relaxing, and beautiful
I had such a great experience getting my manicure done here! All the time!! The salon was clean, relaxing, and beautiful. The nail technician was friendly, professional, and very detail. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality service!
- Ericka Christian | Google Review