On a quick getaway to Hamilton, I decided to treat myself to a pedicure after weeks of wearing close-toed shoes. I picked the nearest salon in my hotel without checking the reviews—big mistake.

I ended up with a nail tech who acted like they were in a wrestling match with my cuticles. The foot scrub felt like they were using industrial-grade sandpaper. And the polish? I probably could’ve done a better job myself.

By the time I left, my feet felt more traumatised than pampered.

Ever since that disaster, I’ve made it a point to scope out the best nail salons in Hamilton before booking anything. If you’re looking to give your nails some real TLC, here are the spots that actually deliver.

1. Nails by sj Limited

Nails by SJ Limited is known for their gel extensions, judging by the number of people I’ve seen getting them. Naturally, I had to try them myself.

I appreciated that the process went by pretty quickly. I was in and out within an hour, but the results didn’t feel rushed. My nails looked clean, polished, and well-shaped. The gel polish was also not overly thick, and my nail artist didn’t cut my nails too short. 

One thing I really loved was the variety of nail shapes they offered, from almond to cat-like claws. It gives clients the chance to pick something that really suits them instead of settling on something that’s available.

They also had a great range of colours and finishes. Some of the women I talked to said they really loved the glitter and ombre looks they got from Nails by SJ.

I also like that the spa chairs they use for pedicures are comfy. They made the whole experience so much better.

The only thing I wasn’t too big on was that it took a few days to schedule an appointment. I had to play phone tag with them a few times just to get ahold of them.

She is amazing with her nail art

“Susan is an amazing artist. She always makes me feel welcomed. She is amazing with her nail art. I’ve been going to her for over a year and a half and won’t ever go anywhere else 🩷 she is amazing!! Very talented woman.”

• Tamieka Taggart, Google Reviews

Takes her time and does an amazing job

“SJ Nails is the go to for manicure and pedicure in Hamilton. She has been doing my pedicure and manicure for over a year now. She recommended builder gel and I have not been disappointed as this has made my nails healthy and stronger. I highly recommend her services as she is so professional and takes her time and does an amazing job.”

• Gamu Ncube, Google Reviews

2. Nails by Pranthai

What stood out to me right away about Nails by Pranthai was how clean and organised the space was. The music playing in the background wasn’t overly loud too, so it was easy to relax.

Their gel manicures are quite popular, and when I visited, I was impressed with the range of colours they offer. I especially liked one of their dusty rose shades and some glitter polishes.

One thing I appreciate is that the removal process is not very damaging. I had some extensions removed here, and they kept an eye on my nails while they soaked in the acetone. I liked that they didn’t just set a timer and forget all about me.

I’ve also heard great things about their acrylic shaping. Customers liked how the nail artists do their best to ensure the nails aren’t too sharp but also not dull-looking.

While I didn’t go all out with the nail art myself, I did see one woman getting cute little stars added to her nails. I have also seen different hand-painted florals, geometric designs, and more.

My only complaint is that I had to wait about 30 minutes before I could be seen by the nail artist.

The lines are so clean they look photoshopped

“Real perfectionists, knowledgeable and attentive. The first experience I had was actually a removal, but I could tell by the way she used her tools that she is a real master. So I booked in for these and I don’t think I will ever go anywhere else as long as I live in Hamilton. She did the thinnest, most natural looking acrylic extensions I have ever seen, the lines are so clean they look photoshopped. Will be back…”

• Melissa Hargreaves, Google Reviews

They are friendly and always smiling

“Finally found the perfect nail salon in Hamilton❤️ The place is clean and staffs are professional with what they are doing. In addition they are friendly and always smiling. Definitely come back😍”

• Lenva Tyson, Google Reviews

3. Nails and More – Beauty Spa

One of the first things that stood out to me about Nails and More was the wide range of services they offer. I love how they handle it all—from doing a full set of sculpted acrylics to just a basic mani-pedi. 

I like that they use reputable brands too. I saw names like Young Nails and Enail Couture for acrylics and Cigisii for their rubber-based gel polishes. Seeing these brands gives me the confidence that my nails will last long.

I went for their rubber-base gel manicure, which is basically a more flexible gel polish. It’s also great for your natural nail as it’s not prone to lifting. 

I love that my nails felt strong but not rock solid. They also lasted about two weeks without a single chip. 

Many of those I talked to also appreciated the durability of their poly-gel extensions. We recommend these for anxious nail-biters because the nail is sturdy and helps curb the urge. 

The one thing that I didn’t really like was their pedicures. The one time I got one here, my nails chipped within two days, which made it clear that the polish application was rushed. 

Gorgeous nails

“Gorgeous nails!! And very nice lady’s 😍can’t wait to come back 💖”

• Christina Scalisi, Google Reviews

Great conversation, inviting atmosphere and loved my nails

“A lovely friend shouted me this manicure and what a relaxing enjoyable experience it was. Great conversation, inviting atmosphere and loved my nails. Will definitely make some me time again and go back.”

• Kathryn C, Google Reviews

4. Sof Nails NZ

Sof Nails is where you go if you want your natural nails to truly shine. I love how they use BIAB, a super strong gel polish that goes over your natural nails to give them strength and help them grow. 

While the polish is a bit thicker than normal gel, I like how it doesn’t come out clunky. The nails also lasted for about three weeks without any scratches, which can be hard to find these days.

For those who prefer more dramatic nails, I’ve heard rave reviews about Sof Nails’ sculpted acrylic extensions. Though I haven’t tried them myself, all the looks I’ve seen were beautiful. 

I also like how the nail artists here consider their clients’ colour inspiration when creating their nail art. They put a lot of effort into making the nails reflect the customers’ style, so there are barely any identical designs in their portfolio.

I wasn’t too crazy about the overly strong chemical smell in the salon, though. I wished they had more ventilation to fan out the smell.

Makes sure each nail is perfect and evenly shaped

“I’ve had my nails done now 4 times and each time loved each set more and more! Sof is super professional at what she does and makes sure each nail is perfect and evenly shaped. The design work she can do is incredible with so much detail! Couldn’t recommend enough!!”

• Georgia Shephard, Google Reviews

The nail art is outstanding

“Constantly recommending this place to everyone who compliments my nails. The nail art is outstanding and Sof is such a nice person to sit with for 2-3 hours at a time. If you’re sick of the substandard service and quality of mall places, for a little bit more money you will get so much better quality of product and service!”

• Emily Makay, Google Reviews

5. Lavender Nail Art

Lavender Nail Art has a whole dictionary of options—from BIAB to SNS and all sorts of gel and acrylics. It’s impressive how many choices they have, making it easy for anyone to find exactly what they’re looking for.

Many people bragged about their hard gel extensions. I saw one set of golden, sharp stiletto nails during my visit, and they looked flawless. The precision and quality was impressive, so it’s easy to understand why so many people love them. 

Personally, I loved their SNS (dipping powder). I got SNS nails done here, and I loved how the red shade I picked stayed shiny for two weeks before showing any signs of wear and tear. 

I just wished my nail artist was a bit more gentle when I got my extensions removed. The lady had scraped some of my nail line off, and I started to bleed a bit. 

Amazing, takes her time and pays the most attention to detail!

“Had the best experience with Hannah! Shes amazing, takes her time and pays the most attention to detail! I came from auckland to get my nails done and was so worth it! Really reasonable price too ill be back every three weeks for sure!”

• Shanae Donaldson, Google Reviews

Highly recommend Lavender Nail Art!!

“Highly recommend Lavender Nail Art!! I have been coming regularly for a while now. She is amazing at what she does, very attentive, friendly, well priced, the salon is always clean and organised. I leave feeling beautiful.”

• Olivia Studer, Google Reviews

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