The acrylic manicure is sort of heroic. Extensions are added to your fingertips then set in place with cured acrylic. Simple. If you’re a nail biter who’s never experienced that sweet keyboard ‘tap tap’, or just love the look of lengthier tips, you should give it a try. There are a few stellar spots in London creating such glorious nails, so we’ve rounded up our top five (tricky, but we got there). From Chelsea, to Farringdon, here are the places to try.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Coco Nails Club
Yellow thrones (chairs), decadent interiors, and wonderful staff. That's our kind of club. Of course, it’s the manicure that draws us back.The Marylebone-based nail bar boasts 10 years’ experience in the industry, so the team know how to do acrylics right. Fancy surrounds, the best nail brands on the market, and a 10/10 Instagram shot all involved.
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2 The Nail Garden
The cosiest of nail bars. You’ll find The Nail Garden just a ten-minute walk from Farringdon station, so it’s the perfect spot to head to on your lunch break if you work in the area (calm feelings are guaranteed after 45 minutes in this sweet salon). Top Rated two-years-running, and queens of the mani-pedi, this is a great go-to for all things nails.
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3 The Nail Boutique Chelsea
If you’re looking for a plush spot in Chelsea, head to The Nail Boutique. Celebs’ favourite (and a cute one for the gram), the salon offers a range of acrylic treatments from gel power, to SNS. Located right inside the Chelsea Farmers Market, you could pop for a bite at their outdoor restaurant post-manicure. Well, it’s a must to show ‘em off.
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4 Tomoyuki & Co
This one is a luxury salon, right by Oxford Circus. Ideal for those or those, ‘get me off this sweaty high street’ moments. Rest up at Tomoyuki & Co. The boutique hair salon offers a reputable nail service too (evidence here). Their concise menu features our go-to nail choice: acrylic extensions.
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5 Nails & Beauty at 53
Not that comfy chairs should be the only reason to choose a nail bar, but… Located in North London, Nails & Beauty at 53 are acrylic nail specialists, boasting a detailed menu of all sorts of extension goodness. From full-set acrylics, to individual nail repair, these experts will ensure your fingertips look, well, tip-top.
FAQs
What is an acrylic manicure and who is it suitable for?
An acrylic manicure adds extensions to your fingertips using cured acrylic, creating lengthier and stronger nails. It’s especially great if you bite your nails and want to experience the satisfying ‘tap tap’ on your keyboard, or if you simply love the look of longer tips.
Where can you get a good acrylic manicure in London?
You can find expert acrylic manicures at several top-rated London salons, including Coco Nails Club, The Nail Garden, The Nail Boutique Chelsea, Tomoyuki & Co, and Nails & Beauty at 53. Each location is known for skilled teams, great interiors, and high-quality nail extension services.
How long does an acrylic manicure appointment usually take?
An acrylic manicure appointment can be completed in about 45 minutes at some salons. The Nail Garden, for example, promises calm feelings after this time spent at their cosy spot. Actual timing may vary depending on the specific treatment and salon.
What kind of special features do these nail salons offer?
These London salons stand out with features like decadent interiors, comfy chairs, and premium nail brands. Some salons, like The Nail Boutique Chelsea, even offer plush surroundings and opportunities for post-manicure dining at the Chelsea Farmers Market.
Can you repair a single nail with acrylic extensions?
Yes, you can request individual nail repair using acrylic extensions. Salons like Nails & Beauty at 53 offer detailed menus that include both full-set acrylics and individual nail fixes to keep your nails looking their best.