We’ve all seen them—those neat little nail kits at the store. Sure, for a quick fix before a night out, they can be a lifesaver. But longevity isn’t their strongest suit. 

Two days in, and you’re probably already missing half of your nails. Most people are after something that can handle real life and still look fabulous. 

So, if that sounds like you, you’re in luck. We, the Top Reviews writing team, researched the best nail salons in Tauranga to give you a list of salons that won’t have your nails falling off after a few days. 

1. Majestic Nails & Beauty

We love that Majestic Nails & Beauty is all about the colours and spa-like mani-pedis. They take their time to exfoliate your heels, give you a foot massage and polish your nails right.

The space instantly gave us a good impression. Every workstation we saw was very clean, and no old nail tools lying around, which made us feel confident about the salon’s hygiene standards.

Several people told us their go-to here is the Shellac gel manicure, especially when they want something long-lasting. One of our researchers tried it and was genuinely impressed with how shiny her nails looked afterwards.

Many of those we talked to pointed out how much effort the nail artists take when applying the colour coats—and we noticed that too. The polish comes out smooth and shiny. We also like that they don’t rush the cuticle work. 

Others bragged about their SNS dipping powder nails being scratch-free for weeks. While we love the durability and finish, we have to admit that the removal process was a bit of a drag. It often takes over an hour, which feels too long for us.

The gel is still perfect and nails are strong, no chips or peeling

“I had my nails done here on Boxing Day and a month later (despite regrowth) the gel is still perfect and nails are strong, no chips or peeling. I’m amazed at the quality of the manicure and how quick and lovely the ladies were considering the final product! Would highly recommend.”

• Leah Bank, Google Reviews

Today was the first time I have had nail art and I’m loving them

“Kelly does my nails and she is awesome. Today was the first time I have had nail art and I’m loving them. Thanks so much Kelly”

• Lorrelle Martin, Google Reviews

2. Idol Nail & Beauty

Idol Nail & Beauty isn’t the fanciest salon in town, but it’s comfortable and relaxing. We like how the workstations are kept clean and well-lit. 

We heard a lot of buzz about their durable acrylic nails, and it’s easy to see why. We saw how their nail artists carefully prep customers’ natural nails with cuticle oil and a nail hardener to prevent damage after applying the acrylics. 

Their builder gel nails are another standout. They’re definitely gentler on your nails than acrylics, but sturdy enough not to fall off within seconds. 

A few clients proudly showed us their classic French gel manicures and pedicures, and we were honestly impressed. We liked how the white tips were crisp and even, and the nude base polish wasn’t clumpy. 

In terms of nail art, we think their artists are limited in what they can do. While we saw lots of florals, simple lines, and polka dots,they aren’t the place to go if you want character-art nails. 

💯 recommend you go here

“Lovely and relaxing. I was so happy with the outcome. I am normally an acrylic nails type of gal, however it was kindly suggested that I get full tip nails as I wanted them longer. I am really happy I did. I will become a regular here. 💯 recommend you go here!”

• Sade Clarke, Google Reviews

The ladies who work here are super friendly

“Always a lovely experience, the ladies who work here are super friendly and the pricing is really great compared to other nail salons”

• Brie Hodson, Google Reviews

3. Nails by Hannah – Tauranga Home Salon

Nails by Hannah is a cute little home salon that got on our radar for their awesome nail art. We genuinely love how creative and versatile Hannah is. She does everything, from delicate flowers to galaxy-themed nails. 

Hannah herself is very friendly and down-to-earth. We love that she warmly welcomes her clients and makes them feel comfortable right away. 

We also appreciate her patience. She takes the time to show you all your different options, from extensions to the colour range she has. 

Several clients also told us she made their Pinterest nail inspirations a reality. 

Her acrylic gel nails get a lot of love, and it’s honestly not surprising. They have the strength of an acrylic nail but are lighter on your natural nail, and the odor isn’t so strong. 

Customers also praised the longevity of Hannah’s manicures, saying their polish stayed shiny and fresh for weeks. We also like that she does removals and does damaged nail repair too. 

If we had to nitpick, her studio salon space is quite small. 

Has turned my nails from brittle and bendy to perfectly manicured and healthy

“Hannah is amazing at what she does – has turned my nails from brittle and bendy to perfectly manicured and healthy. I couldn’t be happier with the results every time I see her. She’s a pro and incredibly lovely as well. I can’t recommend her enough. Her salon at home is perfect and there is parking as well.”

• Sarah W, Google Reviews

I love how she does my nails

“My experience with Hannah is always amazing!  I love how she does my nails.  She is friendly but happy to discuss options if you are unsure of what colours to use.   Hannah has an incredible talent with her free hand art work on my nails….”

• Dianne Newton, Google Reviews

4.  Breathe Salon and Spa

Breathe Salon and Spa is where you go if you want to truly unwind and be pampered. The moment we stepped in, the quiet and calming atmosphere instantly made us feel relaxed.

While they offer a full range of services, their Tropical Paradise gel manicure was the standout for us (and just about everyone we spoke to). We loved the large selection of gel polish colours and the soothing hand soak in pure Fiji coconut milk.

After a few minutes, my hands and cuticles were noticeably softer. Their pure Fiji sugar rub exfoliates gently but effectively. Plus, knowing it’s made with natural ingredients made us feel even better about the service.

We also love that they use an amazing body butter that hydrates your hands before the actual gel polish application. It helps make not just the nails look flawless, but the skin in the hand too.

Now, while they do have nail art, we noticed that they don’t do anything too extravagant. They stick to subtle glitter accents and basic florals. 

The salon is always clean, and the staff is both friendly and professional

“Having been to many salons over the years, Anastasia is by far the best nail tech I’ve had. Her talent and attention to detail are exceptional, she always takes the time to ensure my nails are perfect. Whether I choose something simple or more intricate, the quality of her work is consistently outstanding. The salon is always clean, and the staff is both friendly and professional. Anastasia makes sure I’m always happy with the final result, and I never leave disappointed. Highly recommend her services!”

• Bobbi Rose Holmes, Google Reviews

My nails always look incredible

“Loved that I’ve found this place. Great that they offer builder gel and my nails always look incredible. Lush salon and will definitely be getting my hair, toes, facials done here ☺️”

• Jenny Llewellyn, Google Reviews

5.  Allure Nail Studio

Allure Nail Studio is in a gorgeous old villa that is as inviting on the inside as it is on the outside. Their chairs are comfortable and everything is very clean inside. 

Everyone who got gel manicures here told us their sad-looking nails were given a makeover—and we saw the results ourselves.

One thing we really liked was that the nail artists here don’t force small talk. Instead, they give thoughtful suggestions based on your nail shape and what would look best on you. This makes the sessions personal without being pushy.

We also appreciate that they take their time with the cuticle work. We’ve all had those painful experiences where rushed trimming leads to sore cuticles or bleeding nail beds. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case here.

Other clients we talked to loved the smooth gel application. They also loved that their nails lasted four weeks without any chips. 

Another thing that stood out to us was how natural their nail enhancements looked. We’ve seen plenty of overdone acrylics elsewhere, but the ones we saw here were subtle and sophisticated. 

When it comes to their pedicures, they are quite luxurious. We love their large foot soak tubs and that soothing paraffin dip treatment. It’s basically warm melted wax that you can dip your feet into for ultra-moisturised skin. 

The only downside is the waxy residue left on your skin afterwards. 

My feet always feel amazing afterwards

“I love the luxury pedicure keeps me going till the next one 🫶🏾🫶🏾💗 my feet always feel amazing afterwards I do t want to walk around o  them … love love love”

• Kiri Reihana, Google Reviews

Love going to get my nails done at Allure

“Love going to get my nails done at Allure. ALWAYS greeted with a smile and a big thing is they make the effort to remember /take notes of things …  very willing to help in anyway possible.  Always professional and clean :)”

• Brenda Odendaal, Google Reviews

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