While we struggle to find matching socks in the morning, Beyoncé was rumoured to have switched up her nail polish three times during her Coachella set on Sunday. Though it may have been fake news for Bey, we do know the secret to a speedy salon trip – express manicures. No, we won’t be changing our polish by the hour, but an express mani is the perfect match to a busy socialising schedule. So if you’re making the most of that 45 minute lunch break, here’s our round up of the best London-based nail bars, to get those fingertips in formation in under an hour (we’ll sort you out next time, B).
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Nail Club at Skinnydip London, Covent Garden
The 'Skinny Mini File and Polish' is the ultimate quick-fix for fierce fingertips, so set aside 15 minutes for your appointment at Nail Club. Cleaned, prepped, shaped and painted, if you’re heading out for the eve and have neglected your nails, the Skinny Mani will get you back on track. 30 minutes free? Try the 'Kitty Got Claws Mani', to really get to work on the health of your hands. This treatment puts nail beds in the spotlight, pushing back the cuticles, pre-polish, for a sharp and well-shaped mani. If you’ve got a 45 minute slot, try ‘The Works’. This real-deal manicure layers up the lotion and serum for hands so soft, they’re ready to headline (even at your office desk).
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2 ColourRiotNails, Shoreditch
So maybe her mani was monochrome, but Bey’s canary-yellow hoodie has us craving colour on our fingertips for the sunshine season. If 15 minutes is all the time you’ve got, swing by ColourRiotNails for a quick file and polish (and choose from an endless spectrum of sorbet shades). For a little more TLC, opt for the 'Express' mani: the 20 minute appointment will spruce up your shape and nurture nail beds with cuticle oil, to keep those hands mic-ready for all karaoke opportunities. Stretch your Express treatment to 45 minutes, and make it a mani-pedi for real luxury on your lunch break – what would Beyoncé do? Probably that.
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3 Selfish, Shoreditch
No we don’t have time to text you back, but we do have 30 minutes spare for a shape and paint at Selfish. Cuticles pushed back, nails shaped and buffed, and a quick lick of polish, make for nails so good, Beyoncé will be proud (promise). Why not channel that Coachella vibe further with a little nail art? Allow Selfish to add extra flair to your polish, with polka dots, glitter, or rhinestones – yep, you’ll still be out the door in 45 minutes, nails looking fresh.
FAQs
What is an express manicure and how long does it take?
An express manicure is a quick salon treatment that focuses on cleaning, shaping, and polishing your nails. You can get a basic file and polish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for tight schedules or a fast refresh before an event.
Which nail bars in London offer fast manicures for busy schedules?
You can find speedy manicure options at Nail Club at Skinnydip London, ColourRiotNails in Shoreditch, and Selfish in Shoreditch. Each salon offers treatments that start at just 15 minutes, so you can easily fit a nail appointment into your lunch break or before heading out.
What treatments are included in the 15-minute file and polish?
A 15-minute file and polish includes cleaning, prepping, shaping, and painting your nails. This fast treatment is ideal when you need your nails looking fresh but don’t have time for a full manicure session.
Can you get nail art in a 30-minute manicure?
Yes, you can add nail art like polka dots, glitter, or rhinestones in a 30-minute manicure at salons such as Selfish. Even with the extra flair, you’ll still be finished and out the door in 45 minutes or less, with nails looking standout.
How can you upgrade your express mani during your lunch break?
If you have 30 to 45 minutes, you can opt for more thorough treatments like cuticle care, lotion, serum applications, or a combination mani-pedi. Salons such as Nail Club and ColourRiotNails provide advanced options, making your lunchtime nail appointment feel like a luxury break.