There are more than a thousand nail salons in Washington, with a high concentration in Seattle, so it’s perfectly easy to find someone to do your nails. But what if you’re looking for a really great nail salon in Seattle? That becomes a bit trickier. Luckily, we have—ahem— nailed down the best salons in the city.
There’s a reason Habitude was featured in our article “The Most Beloved Salons and Best Spas in America.” This Ballard spa oasis with a Northwest vibe really focuses on relaxation, offering hand massages with all salon treatments and adding lengthy massages and Stress-Fix products to mani-pedis.
But where it stands out from other luxe spas is with its cannabis-infused treatments. These utilize CBD, a cannabinoid extract from the hemp plant that is nonpsychoactive. It may offer pain-relieving benefits, as well as relaxation benefits.
Location: Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Central Business District
Penelope & The Beauty Bar, located inside the upscale Fairmont Olympic Hotel, is among the best spas in Seattle. Its providers have graced the pages of Allure, Vogue, Elle, and other popular publications. It also offers some of the most exclusive beauty brands, including the cult-favorite Biologique Recherche skin resurfacer, the Hungarian skincare line Omorovicza, and the popular natural haircare brand Leonor Greyl. And its manicures and pedicures are completely waterless.
Sound strange, but Penelope & The Beauty Bar claims that it’s more sanitary to forgo water baths in favor of essential oils, hot towels, and body scrubs. It’s definitely just as relaxing.
The nail artists at this nail salon in West Seattle pride themselves on keeping up with the latest nail trends. That means 3D acrylic nails decorated with tiny gold beads, chrome polish in a range of colors, and negative-space nail designs. While technicians buff and file, clients sip on complimentary beverages.
Oui Salon and Spa offers a range of services, from hair color to facials, but people especially love the nail services at Oui. Check out what some of our customers have been saying:
“I've visited this salon several times and have been happy with my "deluxe gel manicure" every time. The staff are friendly and the environment is soothing. It is worth the 1 1/2 mile walk each way from where I live.” – Christine S.
“The staff was so kind, actually engages in conversation with you and does an exceptional job. They try to have multiple staff work on you at same time doing pedi and mani. This worked perfectly because I was in a bit of a time crunch this day. Parking is hard and the surrounding area is . . . busy. But it’s worth it when there’s good customer service. I will be back!” – Jasilynn S.
“I had a relaxing experience at this salon. The nail technician who served me did an excellent job. The pedicure has lasted a long time and still looks good.” – Susan P.
Complimentary wine. Did that get your attention? If you’re the type of person who doesn’t get much more than basic mani-pedis or gel manicures, then it’s much easier for you to find a great nail salon than someone who gets intense acrylics and intricate nail art. That’s when you look at the extras, such as the free wine offered at Pauline’s.
Pauline’s also stands out due to its decor. It actually looks more like a spa than a nail salon—it has a fireplace, for instance, and a cute lounge that’s completely separate from the nail-services area. Plus, Pauline’s has a proprietary silk-wrap nail process using 100% China silk and fiberglass resin to create long-lasting faux nails.