If there is anything that changes faster than Hong Kong’s seasons, it’s a ladies’ nails. With summertime firmly set on the city, it’s time to pull out our favourite sundresses and slip into our best beach attire, but of course not without a fresh coat of nails to match.

Offering bespoke manicures, pedicures and sassy nail art designs for the hands and feet, Hong Kong’s myriad nail salons can vary in price, design styles, products and services. If you’re anything like our resident beauty expert at Gafencu, then you’d find that the relaxing experience, artistic skill and quality of products trump all other factors when choosing a nail salon. We spotlight some of the best luxury nail salons for your visit – you’re welcome.

Eighty-Eight

To the delight of its many loyal clients, Eighty-Eight reopened this May after shutting its doors for remodeling. If its two-story structure isn’t impressive enough, its modern décor, propped with various artistic elements and installations, definitely stands out. Upon entering, customers are greeted by a gorgeous wall of eighty-eight nail polish bottles and fresh flowers that reflect the changing seasons, while mirrors glamourously stand between each area as partitions for privacy. Its second floor is dedicated to VIP suites for clients to enjoy an even more lavish experience.

As vibrant as its interiors, the salon offers a diverse collection of over 570 nail colours, 150 nail stickers, the latest tools and equipment, as well as top-notch aftercare products such as cuticle oil and special hand creams for longer lasting manicures and pedicures. It also highlights its non-toxic 5-free / 7-free nail polishes for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin.

Eighty-Eight prides itself for its hygienic and safe environment for both staff and customers. All equipment, tools, tables and chairs are disinfected before and after each service. Not to mention that their services that range from basic (HK$250) to intensive (HK$1280) are extremely affordable for the luxurious experience it offers.

The Nail Library

The Nail Library is a New York-inspired salon in Central. It first opened its doors in the summer of 2013 and immediately gained a huge following in the city for having the largest collection of nail polish brands and colours in the city (and possibly in the world). Among its arsenal of products are some of the best known brands, including Hermés, Christian Louboutin, Madam Gram and CND Shellac, to name just a few. It also stocks toxic-free and vegan options – basically something for everybody.

Its oeuvre of design options by its talented nail artists will have customers spoilt for choice with bespoke nail art, especially for those bold enough to get extra creative. It has seen many of the city’s most influencial personalities walk through its doors and has gained a reputation for the most visited nail salon by city’s most well-knwon beauty influencers, especially with prices ranging from HK$270 for basic manicures to HK$920 for signature treatments, the exchange for a relaxing day at the nail spa is undoubtedly one that will have you leaving happy and pampered.

The Chaless Wellness and Beauty

Another Central-set establishment is The Chaless Wellness and Beauty. Embodying the warmth and freshness of chalets in the mountains of Europe, one step into this serene boutique offers clients a fresh yet relaxing experience, putting busy bees’ minds at ease. 

Beyond the basic mani-and-pedi, it also offers shellac nails, stylistic nail art, nail and skin strengthening, as well as smoothing treatments for its sophisticated clientele. Here, the focus is not just on the beauty of the nails, but also their health, strength and well-being. 

Its signature Japanese manicure and pedicure treatments are the ultimate solution to treat your hands and feet to some tender, love and care. It works wonders for damaged, fragile and brittle nails because a natural paste is used comprised of health-giving ingredients like vitamins A and E, bee’s wax, keratin and silica from the Sea of Japan – providing the necessary nutrients for your skin and nails to stay healthy and restore their natural shine. Alternatively, its ‘Food for Your Sole’ pedicure helps relax the feet and reduce stress. Starting with a warm lavender-infused salt bath to soak your delicate hooves. Then, shaping and buffing the nails, before treating them to a cuticle care, callus removal and foot filing treatment. It also offers exfoliation for the feet to remove dead and coarse skin. If you think masks are only for the face, think again. The centre also provides a green tea mask with detoxifying properties for the feet – nourishing the skin with vital nutrients and rejuvenating them into great shape.

While a slew of OPI nail polish colours are available, Shellac Soft Gel polish is also a good option to consider if you want the coating to last longer. The blissful experience of hand-and-feet spa treatment starts at a mere HK$450, but we can be sure that you will be walking out its doors feeling like a million bucks!