Not all manicurists are created equal. The very best will leave your cuticles pristine and neat, meticulously ensure that each nail is evenly shaped and consider matters such as strengthening the apex of your nails (the point on your nail where it’s most likely to break) as they apply polish. Be warned, however: once you experience the artistry of a top-notch mani, it will be near impossible to accept anything less than the best.
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Julia Diogo
One of London’s most in-demand nail artists, Julia Diogo (known as @paintedbyjools on Instagram) is particularly popular among fashion editors. She’s been working in the nail business for over 12 years, has had residencies at Shoreditch House, and has collaborated with Chanel and Dior. Diogo focuses on gel nails, working with cruelty-free Bio Sculpture products to achieve a clean, sleek manicure. She specialises in natural nail health, and is known for her incredible attention to detail. Prices begin at £250. To book email [email protected]
Townhouse
With locations all across the UK, Townhouse is the solution for those looking for a reliably great and speedy manicure. The space is all marble and sleek, neutral colours, with high-tech features such as a virtual booking and check-in panel at the entrance. Don’t confuse this with a lack of quality though, the nail techs at Townhouse have serious experience under their belt. Not only does Townhouse offer everything from regular polish and gel to extensions, but you can also book in for chic nail art that is sure to turn heads. There is also a private pod for pedicures. Manicures begin at about £40. To book visit townhouse.co.uk
Georgia Rae
The celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae is known for her fresh and minimalist manicures — Sofia Richie flew her out to Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera to create her two wedding looks last year — but what an Instagram picture won’t show you is that she is the queen of prep.
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Rae will spend masses of time gently finessing cuticles and buffing fingernails so that they look good enough to be seen bare in public — and that’s before the expert polish job is even done. Rae uses Bio Sculpture gel, which helps to give the polish longevity. She then massages hands with a Jo Malone body treatment scrub before applying La Prairie Cellular Hand Cream before the treatment is finished off with Diptyque Satin Oil, leaving hands and nails gleaming. Rae visits clients wherever they happen to find themselves in the world, for an unhurried experience with exacting standards. POA, to book email [email protected]
Josh Wood Nail Ceremony at Claridge’s
Hair colour expert Josh Wood’s latest beauty outpost is located three floors underground in the Zen new Claridge’s spa. The nail ceremony includes an OPI foot soak, a buff and scrub, and uses rosehip cuticle balm and Kalmar lotion. While your hands and feet are attended to, you’ll also be offered a complimentary glass of chilled champagne, or a cucumber, apple and celery juice. While the nail space is small — there are only two chairs — those staying at the hotel can request the Josh Wood glam squad visit their room. Claridge’s Nail Ceremony, £160. To book visit claridges.co.uk. 90-minute treatments include access to the spa
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Megan Evans
One of the UK’s top nail artists, Evans will see clients at the Corinthia hotel in their rooms, or in the their homes. At the Corinthia a manicure station can be set up for a private salon experience, while for home visits Evans travels with a trunk of high-end products from La Mer, Chanel and Jo Malone. She also has a huge range of colours, and offers both gel and regular manicures and pedicures, encouraging guests to mix colours to find the perfect hue. What makes Evans so special is her experience and precision. She will examine your hands and make recommendations on colour and nail shape, which may transform the way you think about them. At-home pricing begins at £120, and Evans also offers manicures at DryBy Mortimer Street beginning at £90. To book email [email protected]
Neville Hair and Beauty
The Pont Street salon’s manicurists are top-notch, offering the high-tech IBX nail treatment. This add-on penetrates the nail, rather than sitting on top, to help strengthen and lengthen. The nail experts at Nevilles are diligent about shaping and moisturising your nails, and are also well versed in chic, minimalistic nail art. Manicures begin at £44. To book visit nevillehairandbeauty.net
L’Atelier Green at the Lanesborough
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The Lanesborough’s new partnership with L’Atelier Green, the Painting Room, is the perfect place for those looking for a high-end, eco nail experience. It’s the first nail bar in the UK to offer a plant-based, breathable alternative to normal polish, and guests can also opt for an organic rose petal hand and foot mask, as well as 24-carat gold enhancements such as gold leaves applied to the hand to aid in skin cell renewal coupled with LED light therapy to reduce inflammation and decrease cell degradation. L’Atelier Green’s non-toxic products also make them perfect for those with sensitive skin and children — there are special nail services for those aged 12 and under. Manicures begin at £60. To book visit lanesboroughclubandspa.com
Bastien Duo at the Mandarin Oriental
The Bastien Duo falls somewhere between a medical pedicure and luxurious spa experience. Situated in the glamorous Mandarin Oriental hotel spa, the treatment is performed by two therapists, so none of your extremities are neglected. Bastien Gonzalez, a trained podiatrist and a favourite among celebrities, created the method for clients looking to address the medical elements of their foot and hand health while also keeping them looking neat and spruced. The treatment lasts 90 minutes, including foot and hand massages and buffing that makes your nails shine without the need for a polish. All the therapists who perform the Bastien Duo method are selected and trained by Gonzalez himself, meaning that you can rest assured you’ll have a top-notch experience. Treatment £220, to book visit mandarinoriental.com
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Cowshed, Primrose Hill
Cowshed’s Primrose Hill spa has the feel of a countryside escape, except you’re in the middle of London. The manicure includes a hydrating mask for your hands and just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll be treated to a scalp and shoulder massage. Once your hands are free you can browse the spa’s extensive product shop, where youwill find all your favourite Cowshed products. You can also book yourself in for another one of Cowshed’s treatments, whether that’s an LED facial or a CBD massage. Manicures begin at £40. To book visit cowshed.com
