Finding a good nail salon in Singapore is easy; finding one you trust with your hands, your health and your money takes a little more care. With hundreds of studios spread across malls, heartland shophouses and quiet HDB units, the choice can feel overwhelming, whether you want a quick classic manicure before a wedding or intricate nail art that turns heads.
This guide is written for locals who want a reliable regular spot, and for newcomers still learning the lay of the land. Rather than hand you a ranked list that may be out of date by next month, we explain what actually separates a great studio from an average one, what a manicure or pedicure in Singapore should cost, and what to expect when you sit down in the chair.
How to choose
The right nail salon for you depends on the service you want, but a few things matter no matter what. Use these as your checklist.
- Hygiene and tool sterilisation. This is non-negotiable. Look for tools that come out of sealed pouches or a visible autoclave or UV steriliser, fresh files and buffers per client (or ones you can keep), and clean, dry foot basins with disposable liners. Staff should wash or sanitise their hands between clients. If the space looks grubby or tools are reused straight from a drawer, walk away; poorly cleaned equipment can spread fungal and bacterial infections.
- Gel vs regular vs extensions. Know what you are booking. Regular polish is quick, cheap and dries soft, so it chips within days. Gel nails are cured under a lamp, last two to three weeks and stay glossy, but need proper soaking off. Gel extensions and other extension systems add length and strength to short or bitten nails, and cost more. A good salon will ask about your natural nails and steer you honestly rather than upselling.
- Nail art skill. If you want more than a single colour, ask to see a portfolio, ideally on the salon’s own social feed, and check the work is recent and consistent. Detailed hand-painted designs, chrome, 3D charms and precise French tips are a genuine skill; not every technician does them well. Match the artist to the look you want.
- Durability. A quality set should not lift, peel or chip within a few days. Longevity comes from careful prep: pushing back cuticles, buffing lightly, cleaning the nail plate and sealing the edges. Ask friends how their sets held up, and treat a studio’s repeat clients as a good sign.
- Booking. Popular technicians get booked out, especially before festive periods and long weekends. Check whether the salon takes online bookings, walk-ins or both, whether deposits are required, and its cancellation policy. Booking your preferred artist by name saves disappointment.
Red flags to watch for: pushy upselling, no clear pricing, reused files, painful or rushed cuticle work that leaves you bleeding, and heavy drilling on natural nails.
What to expect
Prices vary a lot by location and finish, so treat the figures below as a rough guide only; they change over time and premium studios sit well above these bands.
- Classic manicure: roughly $25 to $45. A pedicure is usually a little more, and a manicure pedicure combo in Singapore often lands somewhere around $60 to $90.
- Gel nails: roughly $45 to $80 for a gel manicure, more for elaborate colours or finishes. Soak-off removal is sometimes charged separately, so ask up front.
- Gel extensions and other extension sets: roughly $70 to $150 and up, depending on length, shape and reinforcement.
- Nail art: often priced per nail or per design, from a few dollars for simple accents to significantly more for detailed hand-painted or 3D work across a full set.
On timing, a classic manicure takes around 30 to 45 minutes, a gel manicure closer to 45 to 75 minutes, and extensions with detailed art can run two hours or more. Build in buffer time and do not rush the drying or curing.
For aftercare, keep nails and cuticles moisturised with oil daily, wear gloves for washing up and cleaning, and avoid using your nails as tools. For gel and extensions, book a proper soak-off rather than peeling them off, which strips the natural nail. If you notice lifting, redness, pain or any sign of infection, see a professional promptly.
Our picks
Last checked: August 2026. Outlets and details change, so please confirm directly before you visit.
These are established, widely known names, grouped by what they tend to do best. Menus, technicians and outlet lists change, so treat the areas and price tiers as a starting point and confirm before you book.
Nail art and detailed designs
Nail Palace
Good for: nail art and 3D designs · Area: islandwide (heartland malls) · Price guide: $$
One of Singapore’s longer-running nail chains, on the scene since the early 2000s with a large network of mall outlets. It is a dependable choice for creative gel work, Japanese-style 3D nail art and its signature sole renewal foot treatment.
Pixie Nail Spa
Good for: on-trend nail art in the malls · Area: islandwide (malls and MRT stations) · Price guide: $$
A familiar sight in shopping centres across the island, Pixie grew from a single store into a sizeable group known for intricate nail art alongside lashes and brows. Handy for a walk-in or a booked design while you are already out shopping.
Milly’s
Good for: nail art plus head-to-toe beauty · Area: central malls (including Orchard and Suntec) · Price guide: $$
A long-standing beauty and wellness brand offering everything from classic manicures to extensions and elaborate nail art. Convenient if you want nails, lashes, brows and waxing sorted under one roof.
Luxury and spa-style pampering
Nail Addiction
Good for: a premium, spa-like manicure · Area: Orchard and Suntec (Temasek Boulevard) · Price guide: $$$
Running since 2005, this established salon pairs certified technicians with a warm, spa-style setting and add-ons such as foot reflexology and nail masks. A good pick when you want the treatment to feel like a proper treat.
Painted Nail Bar
Good for: design-led, considered manicures · Area: central Singapore · Price guide: $$$
A design-focused studio that leans into a curated, boutique feel and a strong sense of aesthetics. Worth a look if you want a polished, contemporary set and a calmer, more private atmosphere.
Hygiene and non-toxic services
The Nail Social
Good for: non-toxic manicures with a conscience · Area: Kampong Glam (Haji Lane) · Price guide: $$
A socially and environmentally conscious studio in a Haji Lane shophouse, using carefully chosen non-toxic and cruelty-free products. Founded in 2014 with a mission to employ and train local women, it offers an intimate, thoughtful experience.
Express and value
Nailz Gallery
Good for: affordable classic mani-pedis · Area: islandwide (heartland malls) · Price guide: $
A wallet-friendly chain with outlets in malls across the island, popular for classic manicures, pedicures and express gel sets. A sensible everyday option when you want tidy nails without a big spend.
Nail Bliss
Good for: reliable value services · Area: multiple locations · Price guide: $$
One of the more established names around, with a reputation built over the years for solid, reasonably priced manicures and pedicures. A steady all-rounder that also handles lashes and waxing.
These are editorial picks curated from publicly available information, not paid placements. Details such as pricing and opening hours change, so please confirm directly before visiting.
FAQ
How long do gel nails last?
Most gel manicures hold up well for two to three weeks before regrowth at the base becomes obvious. Extensions can last longer with infills every two to three weeks. How well they wear depends on prep quality, your nail type and how gentle you are with your hands.
Are gel nails or extensions bad for my nails?
Applied and removed properly, gel and gel extensions are safe for most people. Damage usually comes from aggressive drilling, or from peeling product off instead of soaking it. Always ask for a gentle soak-off, and give your nails an occasional break if they feel thin.
How do I know a salon is hygienic?
Look for sealed or autoclaved tools, fresh files per client, clean basins with liners, and staff who sanitise their hands. A reputable studio is happy to answer questions about how it cleans its equipment; hesitation is a warning sign.
Should I book ahead or walk in?
For a simple classic manicure, walk-ins are often fine. For gel, extensions, detailed nail art or a specific technician, book ahead, especially before festive periods and weekends, as the most in-demand artists fill up fast.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is not expected in Singapore, though rounding up or leaving a little for exceptional work is always appreciated. Service charge, where it applies, is usually stated on your bill.
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