I admit that during the pandemic, I jumped on the trend of doing my nails at home. I bought some random UV lamp off the internet and a no-name brand gel polish. 

The online tutorials and my Pinterest inspiration made it seem easy enough to do. I started off well by gluing the almond extensions, but from there, it went downhill. The polish ended up as thick gel blobs and refused to cure properly. 

My sad attempt at nail art looked like sad, shaky squiggles instead of leaves. I was glad I didn’t have to go out and show off my hands to the world. 

That humbling experience had me lining up for the nail salon the next time I needed to do my nails. 

So, for anyone in Dunedin who has abandoned DIY nail salons, here are the places I found that will give you gorgeous nails. 

1. Nails and Beauty by Irish

Nails and Beauty by Irish has that one-on-one cosy vibe that I just adore. 

I like how Irish (aka the main nail aesthetician) takes the time to discuss your nail health before starting any sort of manicure or pedicure. She even offers advice on which extension shape is best if that’s the route you’re going with.  

I also appreciate how meticulous she is. Many told me that they love her colour selection and how their nails have excellent longevity, going past the standard wear of 3 weeks. 

Others were impressed with the shine of their dip powder nails and how Irish is good at setting the powder so it looks elegant and not thick. 

I love how she does all sorts of nail art too. I’ve seen everything from glitter and florals to French tips. 

However, since she is the only nail artist here, she can only accept a few clients at a time. But that just means you get 100% of her focus on you and your nails.

Absolutely lovely and professional

“Went to see Irish after having heard amazing things and seeing her work on other people and couldnt recommend her more, she is absolutely lovely and professional and does a beautiful job of nails, dont think I could ever go anywhere else after having them done so nicely, exactly how I wanted them!”

• chloe!!, Google Reviews

I now have beautiful manicured nails

“Fantastic service. Irish is awesome , my nails were terrible when I had my first appointment. I now have beautiful manicured nails. Highly recommend Nails by Irish.”

• Jude St Clair – Newman, Google Reviews

2. Blooming Nail Spa and Beauty

When I first walked into Blooming Nail Spa & Beauty, I loved how they opened sterilised tool packs for each client and the place’s overall relaxing vibe. 

I liked how the staff weren’t overly chatty either—they were focused on getting their clients’ nails done.

I ended up getting a gel manicure because their regular polish selection wasn’t huge. That said, they were thorough with the cuticle work—no painful nips—and the shaping was neat. 

The gel polish application was decent and tidy around the edges. Sure, it wasn’t the fastest manicure—about an hour and a half—but I’m glad they took their time to get it done right. I went a solid three weeks without any chips at all. 

Several people who got nail art loved how the technicians listened to their design ideas and did a wonderful job at replicating what they wanted. 

Others who got pedicures here raved about the soothing foot soak and scrub. I like how their technicians remove your dry skin without being too aggressive on your heels.

My nails last up to 5 weeks with no chips

“Perfect nails every time! Ellena is friendly and welcoming and an absolute perfectionist. The salon is clean and relaxing. My nails last up to 5 weeks with no chips of lifting at all. Highly recommend blooming nail spa!”

• Teagan Sinclair, Google Reviews 

3 weeks and I have no chips, and they’re still going strong. 

“3 weeks and I have no chips, and they’re still going strong. I usually have bendy, peeling and chipping nails, so it’s a delight to be normal for once😁”

• Highly_suspish, Google Reviews

3. THE NAIL SHOP DUNEDIN

I loved how at The Nail Shop‘s technicians consult with you beforehand about the look you want—discussing shape, length, colour, and design. They even let you check the nail shape from multiple angles before deciding on your extensions. 

People rave about their gel manis and pedis being durable, lasting 3+ weeks. From what I’ve seen, the gel application is very smooth, and the nail art is really intricate and detailed. I liked the way they do line art—nothing is crooked at all. 

Another thing they are popular for is their SNS (dipping powder), which is what I got this time. Instead of polish, they layer the powder, then sealant, and fill and shape your nails. 

I appreciated how they buffed my nails so smooth that they didn’t have that chunky feel that dip nails give you sometimes, and it was definitely a hard matte finish. 

My only complaint is that it’s difficult to get ahold of someone for an appointment here. Several people told me they called, and it took them about three tries before they could reach someone on the other end of the line. 

Most affordable, the most care & I always leave happy!! 

“I have always had the absolute best experiences here, I love getting my nails done and the nail shop is by far the best place. Most affordable, the most care & I always leave happy!! The owners are always ensuring satisfaction with every detail. I have pretty soft brittle nails and I started my nail journey here and I have never looked back. Jane is super knowledgeable and will always cater to you. I recently went in to get my nails done by her and she is always helping me figure out what’s best for my nails, how to maintain them etc 🙏🏼  100% recommend!!!! My most recent set, she is a star!!!”

• Teremoana Tana, Google Reviews

The application was skillfully done, and the results were not only long-lasting 

“I had another fantastic experience at The Nail Shop Dunedin for my gel manicure and pedicure. The application was skillfully done, and the results were not only long-lasting but also very close to the cuticles. Jane and Young, the owners, are absolutely lovely and create a welcoming atmosphere. This was my second visit, and it’s safe to say I’ll be a regular customer. Their attention to detail and the friendly environment make it my go-to place for nail care. Highly recommend!”

• Samira Dias, Google Reviews

4. Sy Nail Studio

For men looking to get their nails done, Sy Nail Studio is a great pick.

Many men liked how they properly cleaned, trimmed and shaped their nails. The nail techs also managed to get rid of any rough cuticles. 

Personally, I like how their nail aestheticians don’t push you to get anything extra, such as polish—unless you want it.

Others also raved about their Russian manicure. They use an electric file to remove the futile and the tiny bit of skin at the base of your nail to give you a super clean look and help your manicure last longer.  

I didn’t get one of these done, but I liked how their nail artists are very focused and leave you with neat nail lines. 

I did get a fish pedicure, and I love that they offer this unique pedicure. Yes, I dipped my feet into a tank of small fish and watched as they nibbled away at my dead skin. My feet were incredibly smooth afterwards. 

As for their standard pedicures, I appreciated the efficient nail trimming and shaping, but the foot massage was a little too short for my liking. 

Wonderful salon, gorgeous nails 

“Wonderful salon, gorgeous nails and Sy is lovely, through and great at what she does. Would absolutely recommend!”

• Cathrine Stensgaard, Google Reviews

She really gave my nails amazing care and was meticulous

“Love my nails. Syl is an amazing woman with a gentle and sweet presence, making you feel at home. She really gave my nails amazing care and was meticulous. 100% recommend this salon!”

• Marieke, Google Reviews

5. Nails After Hours Dunedin

Nails After Hours is a little home salon that specialises in nail biting treatment. I love how they care about getting your nails healthy and aren’t judgemental if you struggle with nail-biting. 

I like that they encourage regular shaping and cuticle oil application to increase your nail growth. 

Another thing that put Nails After Hours on my radar is their Japanese hard gel nails. Unlike traditional gel polish, this gel polish creates a hard, almost acrylic-like finish. 

I love how it’s chip-resistant. Others appreciate how it helps strengthen their natural nails and it’s lift proof. The only caveat is that removal of these nails require filling instead of those easy soak-off gel nails.

Despite that, their pedicures are super relaxing. Several people appreciated the quiet comfortable atmosphere and the large selection of colours. 

Best nail service I have ever had!

“Best nail service I have ever had! When I first came to Cindy (Nails After Hours) my nails were very damaged from acrylics I had got done somewhere else. Cindy has helped me grow and strengthen my natural nails and they’ve never been stronger (which is amazing given my nails have always been fragile and easily damaged). I have always walked away feeling better not just about my nails, but also about my life as I have loved talking to Cindy and learnt so much from her!”

• Becca Herman, Google Reviews`

My nails have never looked so perfect! 

“Highly recommend!! My nails have never looked so perfect! I got hard gel French tips (have never tried this before) & I’m so so happy with the result. I also had such a wonderful conversation and it was a beautiful at-home studio, set up perfectly for all your beauty needs! AND the bonus of late night bookings!!”

• Chloe White, Google Reviews

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