10 Best Nail Salons in Singapore for Gel, Manicures and Nail Art (2026)

Singapore has hundreds of nail salons, from basement quick-service spots in malls to cosy Japanese-style studios tucked inside HDB shophouses. Whether you want a no-frills express gel mani on your lunch break or full-blown 3D nail art for a wedding, this list covers 10 salons worth your time and money in 2026.

What should you look for in a nail salon in Singapore?

Before we get into the list, a few things that separate the good salons from the "why did I pay $80 for this" ones:

• Hygiene. Tools should be sterilised between clients. If you see the same file used on multiple people without cleaning, leave.
• Gel quality. Cheap gel brands chip within days. Good salons use brands like Vetro, Presto, Leafgel, or OPI and are happy to tell you what they use.
• Nail health. A good nail technician will not over-file your nails or push cuticles aggressively. If your nails feel thin and painful after, that is a red flag.
• Transparent pricing. The price you see online should be the price you pay. No surprise charges for "gel removal" or "nail repair".

How much does a gel manicure cost in Singapore in 2026?

Prices vary quite a bit depending on location and salon tier:

• Budget (HDB salons, heartland malls): $25 to $38 for a basic gel manicure
• Mid-range (Tiong Bahru, Katong, Bugis): $40 to $60 for gel mani with simple art
• Premium (Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Japanese studios): $65 to $120+ for full nail art sets

Express gel manicures (no soak-off, no cuticle work) can go as low as $18 to $22 at some chains, but you generally get what you pay for.

Which are the best nail salons in Singapore right now?

1. The Nail Social

Location: Orchard Central, near Somerset MRT

Price range: $42 to $80

A social enterprise that trains and employs marginalised women. But do not come here just for the cause. The quality is genuinely excellent. Their gel manicures last a solid 3 to 4 weeks, and the nail art designs are creative without being over the top. The Orchard Central location is easy to pop into during a shopping trip. Booking online is recommended as they get busy on weekends.

2. Nail Ink

Location: Haji Lane, near Bugis MRT

Price range: $35 to $70

Tucked in a Haji Lane shophouse, Nail Ink is known for their freehand nail art. The artists here can do anything from minimalist line art to full watercolour florals. Their Instagram is worth browsing before your appointment so you can show them exactly what you want. Walk-ins are possible on weekdays but not on Saturdays.

3. Fleur Nails

Location: Tiong Bahru, near Tiong Bahru MRT

Price range: $48 to $90

A Japanese-style nail studio that uses premium Vetro and Presto gels. The space is small (just 3 stations) and the experience feels very personalised. Each appointment runs 90 minutes to 2 hours, which sounds long, but the attention to detail shows. Popular with brides and people who want designs that photograph well. Book at least a week in advance.

4. Nails By Mei

Location: Joo Chiat, near Paya Lebar MRT (10-minute walk)

Price range: $30 to $55

A one-woman studio run from a Joo Chiat shophouse. Mei built her following entirely through TikTok and word of mouth. Her specialty is Korean-style "clean girl" nails: subtle chromes, sheer tints, and cat-eye gels done with precision. No fancy decor, just good nails at fair prices. She books up fast, so check her Instagram for available slots.

5. Milly's

Location: Multiple outlets (Orchard, Bugis, Jurong East, Tampines)

Price range: $28 to $58

Milly's is the reliable all-rounder. They are not going to blow your mind with avant-garde nail art, but they deliver consistent quality across all their outlets. The Orchard Gateway branch is the most popular. Good for regular gel manis when you do not want to overthink it. They also do lash extensions and facials if you want to combine services.

6. Chez Nail Bar

Location: Keong Saik Road, near Outram Park MRT

Price range: $50 to $100

A boutique salon on one of Singapore's trendiest streets. Their signature is "editorial nails", the kind of designs you see in fashion magazines. If you want something unique that no one else at the office will have, this is your spot. They use a mix of Japanese and Korean gel brands and the technicians are clearly passionate about nail art as a craft.

7. Nailz Gallery

Location: Tanjong Pagar, near Tanjong Pagar MRT

Price range: $38 to $65

Popular with the CBD lunch crowd. They offer 45-minute express gel manicures that actually hold up well. The salon is clean, efficient, and the staff do not try to upsell you. A solid choice if you work in the area and want a no-fuss gel mani that lasts. They also have a branch in Novena.

8. Pixie Nail Spa

Location: Holland Village, near Holland Village MRT

Price range: $35 to $60

A neighbourhood favourite that has been around for years. The vibe is relaxed and the technicians know their regulars by name. Their classic gel manicure is well-priced and they do a particularly good job with pedicures. If you live in the Holland Village or Buona Vista area, this is probably your go-to already.

9. Leekaja Beauty Salon

Location: Tanjong Pagar, near Tanjong Pagar MRT

Price range: $45 to $85

Originally a Korean hair salon, Leekaja expanded into nails and they brought the same Korean beauty standards with them. Their nail artists specialise in trendy Korean designs: aurora nails, magnetic gels, and the "glass skin" nail finish that has been everywhere on social media. Great if you follow K-beauty trends closely.

10. The Nail Parlour

Location: Katong, near Paya Lebar MRT (15-minute walk or short bus ride)

Price range: $32 to $55

An East-side gem that locals guard fiercely. The Katong shophouse setting is charming, the prices are reasonable for the quality, and they use good gel brands. They are especially good at classic elegant styles: French tips, ombre, and sophisticated single-colour gels that look polished (pun intended) for weeks.

What questions should you ask before booking a nail salon?

• What gel brand do you use? If they cannot or will not answer this, it is a red flag.
• Is gel removal included in the price? Some salons charge $5 to $15 extra for soak-off, which adds up over time.
• How long will the appointment take? A proper gel mani should take at least 45 minutes. If they promise 20 minutes, corners are being cut.
• Do you sterilise tools between clients? Non-negotiable. Fungal infections from dirty tools are more common than you think.
• Can I see your portfolio? Most good nail artists have an Instagram or photo gallery. Check it before committing, especially for nail art.

How do you make gel nails last longer in Singapore's climate?

Singapore's heat and humidity can be tough on gel nails. A few tips:

• Avoid hot water for the first 24 hours. Let the gel fully cure before soaking your hands in anything hot.
• Use cuticle oil daily. The aircon-to-humidity cycle dries out your cuticles fast. A drop of jojoba oil before bed makes a real difference.
• Wear gloves for housework. Cleaning chemicals are gel's worst enemy. Those $2 rubber gloves from Daiso will extend your mani by a week.
• Do not peel off your gel. We know it is tempting when one corner lifts. But peeling takes layers of your actual nail with it. Go back to the salon for proper removal.