I’m not a high maintenance girl but I’m afraid a standard file and polish just doesn’t nail it anymore! On work trips to New York, I was often envious of friends getting manicures together over champagne.
It was seen as a social experience, the beauty bit was just a given. I’m delighted that London Citizen Femmes can now partake and here are my picks of the bunch.
#1 Dryby
If there is one place that embodies the new nail salon trend, it’s Dryby. Part living room, part fashion studio this place is all muted greys, wooden floors and soft pinks. Their staff are so talented that one manicurist even has her own nail polish line! You can also get your hair blow dried by their army of miracle workers. I love to go on a Friday evening, after a workout, to indulge in a glass of champagne and start the weekend with very pretty nails. Dryby stock Nailberry, my go to organic polish and all the nudes, brights and glitters you want. I’m a regular here and still get excited every time I visit. Bookings are a breeze on their app and don’t be scared to ask for nail art, their designs are extremely chic.
#2 Nails and Brows
This small salon packs a big punch! Just off Bond Street, they present me with such a wonderful pallet of Essie and Kure nail colours that I often struggle to make up my mind! They cater to the quintessential Mayfair lady but ask nicely and they will indulge you in some cheeky nail art too! I have always had the neatest manicures here but what keeps me coming back is their 24/7 commitment to playing Fashion TV and chick flicks on their giant plasma. Between meetings I’ve been known to jump in the salon for a quick file and polish and leave re-energised following my mini rom-com interlude . If that doesn’t bring out your inner Girlboss I’m not sure what can!
#3 Wah
This recommendation is for the Citizen Femmes that like to walk on the wild side. Sharmadean Reid opened this salon as a homage to artistic masterpieces that just happen to live on your talons. These girls are so talented I have had Keith Haring, neon leopard print and items from my fruit bowl painted on my nails! For the more modest femmes, try a classic marble effect. They are bona fide artistes! I welled up when they shut down their Oxford Street salon but if this doesn’t get you down to Dalston nothing will! Oh, and Margot Robbie goes here.
#4 MW Nails
As a child of the eighties, I missed out on air travel being a glamorous aspirational affair. I was absolutely delighted to stumble upon MW Nails in the corner of Spitalfields market. It’s modelled on an airplane, the staff wear air hostess uniform and on board extras include bubbles. Fly away with me already! This is sophisticated fun at its best, invite your squad for a private pamper party as Team MW fly you around the world! My top tip is to ask for a “69 Captains Cockpit”. Try to keep a straight face while you do it and you will get a luxury manicure with nails that don’t chip for two weeks! Now where’s my return flight to Bora Bora….
Any Questions or Tips to add?