The best manicures in London

See the Bazaar directory of the capital's must-visit manicure spots

"I believe in manicures… I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls," said Audrey Hepburn, of the fact that a perfectly polished nail makes us feel instantly more chic, pulled together and confident.

To appreciate a fabulous blow-dry or the results of a radiance-enhancing facial you have to look in the mirror; yet to reap the uplifting benefits of a manicure you simply have to glance down at your hands. With this in mind, here are the best London salons, spas and nail bars to visit, whether you are in need of a quick fix or want something a little more indulgent…

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Fans of Cowshed's luxurious hands, home and body range may already be familiar with its array of sophisticated London spots. Located within East London's buzziest streets, its Shoreditch House spa ranks among our favourite self-care destinations, complete with an elegant farmhouse-style treatment space and indulgent private rooms.

Here you can enjoy a generous menu of treatments including lava shell massages, reflexology and, of course, a signature Cowshed manicure,

BOOK NOW Nestled in the heart of Islington, Pre- is your one-stop destination for an all-round luxury pamper. With a generous menu of facials, waxing and brow and lash treatments, this modern beauty hub offers everything from diamond-tip microdermabrasion to head-to-toe hair removal, including a lavish curation of indulgent nail treatments.

Whether you're looking for a quick colour fix or intricate nail art, a rejuvenating hand massage or a glossy gel pedicure, Pre-'s extended catalogue of prettifying services, which feature the highest performance products from The Gel Bottle, Nailberry, Le Manucurist, and Grown Alchemist, will guarantee you nail this season's mani-pedi trends and leave the salon looking chic and neat.

Best for... The full worksPre- Trademark Manicure, from £32

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Manicures for the modern age: at Townhouse you get cutting edge in-salon technology (including a 'nailfie' photo booth for your social media) and timely treatments, plus the classics. Their speciality, though, is sophisticated nail art.

With spots spanning from Liverpool Street to Kensington, the beloved Townhouse manicure is available throughout London's hotspots; December saw the beloved brand open its ninth home in Covent Garden. The nail bar has also settled into the 5th floor of Harrods, with a menu of striking signature nail-art treatments alongside a couple of ultra-decadent exclusives. For the ultimate indulgence, book The Manicure: a 90-minute extravaganza involving Chantecaille products, an extended hand and arm massage, and even pair of gold eye masks to slip on while you switch off.

Best for... London-wide locations (and luxury)Townhouse Signature Manicure, from £40

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Whether you're looking for precision nail art, tidy french tips or acrylic nail extensions, Paint Nails London provide professional, clean and neat manicures - we particularly recommend their BIAB nail treatment which works to strengthen and protect your nails beneath your polish, especially if you're a gel mani regular.

You'll find Paint Nails London inside The Beauty Club in Oxford Circus, home to Edy London's iconic lash extensions, a full range of hair services and a cocktail bar, so it's easy to make yourself at home for the day here. Settle in and enjoy a coffee or a cocktail, a casual atmosphere and professional treatments provided by pros.

Best for... neat nail artClassic Manicure from £30

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Situated on Windmill St, throwing distance from the buzz of Oxford St, this cute and welcoming nail bar is the perfect way to begin (or end) a weekend shopping spree. There's a classic range of services on offer (including gel and acrylic) and a coffee bar for your post-treatment catch-up. Even better, you can book easily online via Treatwell.

Best for... a weekend catch-upRachel's Nails and Coffee manicure, from £28

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Offering everything from a plant-rich café to an extensive medi-spa (and, of course, a nail salon) Linnean has swiftly become one of Battersea's prized beauty spots.

Whether you opt for a minimalist Naked Manicure or a Green Flash pedicure, care and condition takes priority over gels and nail-art here. Each enlivening treatment is delivered using ‘non-toxic’ gels and 90% natural, vegan and cruelty free polishes, for a manicure that not only looks luxury, but that feels better after application.

Settle in with a coffee for a solo pampering session or enjoy a cosy girl's day with a group manicure or a table for tea.

Best for... care, conditioning and a slice of cakeLinnaean Naked Manicure from £30

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Seated in The Londoner's exquisite spa, AMA recently launched its second stunning manicure spot in the heart of Leicester Square. Co-founded by session and celebrity manicurist Ama Quashie, this deluxe new nail bar offers the same opulent offering as its Brixton sister location, tucked cosily next to the hotel's pool, salon and treatment rooms.

Either drop in for a chic and convenient tidy up in the Centre of London's hustle and bustle, or make an afternoon of it browsing The Retreat's generous menu of blow dries, massages and facials.

Best for... an unwinding afternoonAMA Manicure from £30

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Iris Avenue's cosy Goodge Street salon was an immediate win with the Bazaar beauty team. Whether you're popping in for an express mani on your lunch break or are planning long-overdue pamper hour with your girls, this warm and friendly location on the doorstep of Central London comes fully equipped with hot drinks, cocktails, mocktails and smoothies, all tied up with an vibrant Iris Avenue bow.

Best for... a coffee and a catch-upIris Avenue Manicure from £25

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Reecey Roo's, in Camberwell, is making a name for itself on the nail scene. The mani/pedi bar offers all the traditional services, but for something a little different opt for nail art – their experts will treat your nails like a painter's canvas

Best for… South London localsReecey Roo's Manicure, from £15

BOOK NOWIf you're a regular Brick Lane wanderer or avid polish collector, you may already be familiar with Shoreditch Nails and its covetable high-fashion hues. So much more than just a nail spot, Shoreditch Nails is a hub for its East London community, self-described as "a space for creativity, a centre for self-care, and a place to work and grow."

From the impeccable attention to detail to the incredibly welcoming atmosphere, we'd pin this studio as one of our top East London nail salons. And with every stylish shade named after a beloved London locations, its impossible not to fall in love with (and inevitably go home with) one of its eco-friendly colours.

Best for... East London localsShoreditch Nails Manicure from £32

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If you're looking to make an occasion of it, Duck & Dry's Mayfair offers the epitome of pre-party pampering. From deluxe manicures to stylish blow-dries, treat yourself to a prettifying treatment followed up by a glass of bubbles at the cosy cocktail and prosecco bar.

Even the prices are joy-inducing, with an express manicure at your fingertips for just £20.

Best for... a pre-party treatDuck & Dry Express Polish Manicure from £20

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For the times when a girl needs a glam squad, you can find yours at the Hershesons salons in Belgravia and Fitzrovia, where DryBy therapists will nail a manicure (and pedicure) between hair and beauty appointments. There are facials from the likes of The Light Salon, Murad and Sarah Bradden, and threading with the famously good Suman Brows. Your call.

Best for… a one-stop-shopHershesons DryBy manicure from £25

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If you’re after something a little more thorough than the usual file and polish, Margaret Dabbs offers the ultimate treatment menu. The brand's classic manicure involves flawless filing and buffing, as well as a hand and arm massage. As for the main event? It can be performed with CND gel or Dabbs’ own nail-kind varnish line, which is unbelievably glossy and hardwearing. The manicurists here are total perfectionists – not to mention some of the loveliest around – so expect an all-round flawless experience.

While you're there, don't miss out on the Medical Pedicure: it's a must-book for long-neglected feet, or for anyone with a specific concern. Performed by a qualified podiatrist, this forensically thorough treatment involves a foot health analysis, fling and softening with advanced tools, surgical removal of any calluses (should you need it) and a perfect buff and file to finish. It's a complete overhaul for feet in dire need.

Best for... nail health and perfect paintingMargaret Dabbs Supreme Manicure, £63 and Medical Pedicure, from £90

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On Kingsland Road, Shian Nails & Beauty is one of our Dalston go-tos. Founder Shian Paul has created a bright, fun space with the welcoming feel of a local salon – there's even a custom-build dog bed for resident pup Pudding.

Express manicures start from just £15, while gels and intricate nail art are also on the menu. With brow and beauty treatments in the works, you'll soon be able to make this your one-stop salon.

Best for... friendly vibes (and a resident dog)Shian Nails & Beauty manicure from £15

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Previously situated in Harrods, Urban Retreat now has its own sprawling Knightsbridge townhouse to call home. A complete pampering paradise, the nail bar is just one reason to plan your visit. Settle in for a manicure with one of their experts, where you can even design your own nail art, then explore the rest of the house – there's everything from a hair salon to a piercing studio inside.

Best for... a weekend with friendsUrban Retreat CND manicure, from £30

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A go-to pamper spot for beauty editors (and the likes of Meghan Markle, no less), Nails & Brows always delivers long-lasting manis both with gel or regular polish. There's a choice of multiple brands, from CND to Kure Bazaar and Essie, plus add-on bespoke nail treatments should you wish.

Best for... choiceNails & Brows manicure from £24

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Since DryBy opened up on Mortimer Street, it has become the go-to salon for the Bazaar office. The wide benches make it ideal for catching up with friends and the salon has an impressive range of brands and shades, including Lauren B Beauty, Smith & Cult and Soigné polishes. They also offer chic, minimal nail art, which you can view on the DryBy Instagram account.

Best for… catching up with friendsDryBy Classic Manicure, £55

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Stratford's Olympic Park is fast becoming a weekend staple for East London locals, boasting a wealth of independent businesses from brunch spots to beauty salons.Aura Organics is a new holistic wellbeing space, offering everything from classic waxing to CBD spray tanning, yoga and dance classes, and of course a flawless manicure.

Best for... East London localsAura Organics Manicure, from £27.20

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If your nails are looking damaged, dry and tired, be it through over-use of gels (or too much hard work), then Agua Spa's hot oil manicures and pedicures are a must – think of it as a nail version of an intensive hair mask. Based in the calming basement at the Sea Containers London, over the course of an hour, technicians will apply organic oils to soften the cuticles and hydrate nails before using ancient Japanese techniques to buff nutrients deep into the nails. The results leave your nails looking shiny and healthy.

A full spa menu offers delicious healthy treats, including energy bowls and delicious canapés. To reward yourself for giving your nails some much-needed TLC (and not covering them in yet another coat of gel) why not order a glass of champagne?

Best for… neglected nailsAgua Spa Hot Oils Manicure, £55

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After 10 years in the business, fashion favourite Ama Quashie has finally opened the first natural nail salon in Brixton, where she grew up. So what does that mean? While Ama's team of skilled technicians do offer traditional manicure and pedicures at extremely good prices, the 'free from' menu is all about polishes that are 90 per cent natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. The intimate space has the feeling of sitting in a friend's stylish living room - the art is well-curated and the music is well-chosen. Staff give the impression of genuine friendliness; you'll leave feeling you've had a chat with friends who are really good at manicures.

Best for... natural nailsAMA naked manicures, from £25

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