When it comes to nail art, the funkier, the better. While the booming nail art trend started as a fad in the beauty industry, it has quickly become synonymous with being chic, fashionable, and in the know. In a sense, the nail art trend has transformed into a status symbol- one that is reserved for the “it girls” of Manhattan.
Case and point, all of the cool kids are doing it. So you should hop on the bandwagon too! Below are the best places for a manicure that looks more like Picasso exploded on your nail beds than an upper-echelon beauty treatment. But we promise, these top of the art designs are worth every penny.
See Also: Celeb Nail Artist Naomi Yasuda Shares Her Fave Colors and Trends For Spring 2021
Glosslab
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Multiple Locations/Website
The mecca of sleek, stylish nail art needs no introduction. When New York City tastemakers want to get a manicure, they go to Glosslab. Famous for their unlimited membership plan, Glosslab is the gift that keeps on giving. Described as “polish on repeat," the Glosslab membership plan allows customers to get unlimited manicures and pedicures with choices of regular polish, gel polish, and of course, eye-catching nail art designs.
Color Nails Bar NYC
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427 3rd Ave, Manhattan/Website
Shockingly, Color Nails Bar is known for their wide array of bright, in your face colors. But in the absolute best way possible. Their vibrant color scheme just elevates their nail art designs that much more. If you’re a frequent visitor of Color Nails Bar (which you should be!), make sure to sign up for ClassPass: an exclusive service where you can select your preferred time and treatment, book online, and pre-pay using credits. The premise behind ClassPass is simple: “Getting Pampered shouldn’t be stressful."
Paintbox Nails
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20 E 69th Street, Manhattan/Website
If you’re in Manhattan’s inner circle, or at least know somebody’s sister, nanny, personal stylist, or dog in the inner circle, then you have definitely heard of Paintbox. This is the destination where all high-profile influencers flock to on autopilot. Branded as “manicures that tell a story," this Upper East Side Institution blurs the boundaries between beauty and art. Make sure to look super chic when you roll up to this nail art hot spot- you never know who you’ll see!
Vanity Projects
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99 Chrystie St 2nd Floor, Manhattan/Website
Marketed as “a luxury concept that merges high-end nail art atelier with video art programming," Vanity Projects is the future of nail art. And the future is brighter than your neon yellow and tangerine striped nails. By reinventing the way customers experience video art through the mode of nail art, Vanity Projects proves that art exists in every space of society- even, and especially, in beauty. The artist-in-residence program features the top international nail artists who use top of the line techniques and technology to create nail designs that are true artistic masterpieces. Book a highly-sought after appointment at Vanity Projects. You won’t be sorry.
Chillhouse
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75 Varick St, Manhattan/Website
What’s better than modern-self care and matcha? Chillhouse is the premier location for “finding your chill." Offering a wide-range of manicure and pedicure art services, as well as facials, massages, and your drink of choice, Chillhouse is redefining what a beauty salon looks and feels like. Looking for dope nails and a bolt of energy before your photoshoot downtown? Look no further than Chillhouse: the definition of “girls who can do both."
Art Up Nail Studio
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Japanese nail salon, Art Up Nail Studio, specializes in premium nail art manicures and pedicures, Gel-X tips and hard gel extensions. And better yet, this 34th street establishment is committed to non-toxic products and delivers unmatched “Made in Japan” quality. Basically, Art Up Nail Studio can do it all.
222 E 34th St Studio 24, Manhattan/Website
Bisou Nail Art Atelier
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6 Spring St, Manhattan/Website
Did somebody say a non-damaging gel manicure? And breathtaking, state of the art nail designs? Sign us up! Bisou NYC is famous for working with Paragel- a non-buffing/sanding, long-lasting gel from Japan. In layman's terms, a manicure at Bisou NYC will give you the quality and appearance of a gel manicure with intricate designs, without ruining your natural nails. In the words of Chandler Bing, could it BE any better?!
Dasha Nail Arts
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At Home Service/Website
If you’re feeling lazy, or just don’t have time to trek to the salon today, no worries. Dasha Nail Arts has your back. Dedicated to “infusing a colorful personality- a real piece of art on your nails," this mobile nail art service does not sacrifice quality for convenience. The mobile manicure prices are Dasha’s regular prices plus a 40 dollar travel fee. Invite your friends over and split the travel fee with them- the more the merrier (and cheaper!)
So there you have it, the trendiest places to get your nails did. Anyone wanna get a mani pedi?
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