The best Black-owned nail salons to book into for your next mani
One important way to continue to support the Black Lives Matter movement is to support Black-owned businesses and back the Black economy at every possible opportunity. And let's be honest, it's not exactly hard when there is a roster of hyper-talented Black creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators launching their own products or opening their own establishments.
Just look at the incredible selection of Black-owned beauty brands - from colour-popping makeup brand Uoma, to game-changing haircare solutions from Dizziak, to beautiful bath and body treats from Soapsmith, there's no shortage of products to treat yourself to this Black Pound Day (and every day).
As well as products, it's also important to show support for services and beauty salons, especially as they were arguably the worst hit during the lockdown earlier this year. After months of closures, salons now face the threat of further restrictions to business with confirmation of a second wave of Covid-19 upon us.
Luckily for us, salons are still very much open for the time being - and we should make the most of them while we can. Here, we take a look at some of the best Black-owned nail salons to book into for your next manicure, from founders who champion natural nails, to the nail art authorities.
Take Nails & Brows Mayfair. Founded by beauty expert and entrepreneur Sherrile Riley, the salon has enjoyed six years' success in one of London's most exclusive post codes, and is known as the go-to destination for affordable yet luxurious nail treatments. "After two decades working in the beauty industry, I wanted to bring a new customer experience to the market by offering mood and confidence boosting beauty services such as nails and brows treatments in an inviting setting, carried out by senior beauty experts, using natural products," says Sherrile.
Keep scrolling to discover the best Black owned nail salons...
Where: 31 Berkeley Street Mayfair, London W1J 8EJ
Price: from £26This ultra-chic salon is neatly nestled in the heart and hub of London's Mayfair, making it ultra convenient for a speedy lunch-time appointment or a post-shopping pamper.
Founder Sherrille Riley, a trained beauty therapist, who at the time of opening had 20 years' experience, wanted to make essential beauty treatments more accessible while retaining an element of luxury.
From the minimal, marble interiors to the expert knowledge of the hand-picked nail technicians, the salon has the sense of luxury you would expert from a Mayfair postcode, and yet the services are very reasonably priced with a 20-minute manicure costing £37 and their signature manicure, which includes an indulgent paraffin wax treatment and massage, costing £66.
Where: Gravity Salon, 144 Ladbrooke Grove, London, W10 5NE
Prices: From £20
Self taught nail artist duo Anouska and Kadimah are the visionaries behind the bespoke nail salon, which specialises in nail art and extensions.Their work ranges from graphic accent nails to full-on and fabulous multi-coloured, 3D designs.
@jemz_nailz_ / InstagramWhere: 38 Northampton Street, Birmingham, B18 6DX
Price: From £10
Founded by Jemma Harnett, Jemz Nailz in Birmingham specialises in acrylic nails and are renowned for their perfect ombre manicures. They can also adorn nails with Swarovski crystals, pearls and gold leaf if so desired, which is pretty apt, given the salon is located in the Jewellery Quarter.
Where: 48 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5JL
Price: From £15Founded by Tinu Bello, who not only directs the flagship salon in Shoreditch, but also oversees a number of pop up concessions as well as working with brands like Nike and Prada and celebrities like Bella Hadid, Jorja Smith, Nicole Scherzinger and Anne Marie.
Colour Riot Nails is true to its name, famed for its expressive, colourful nail designs, with the salon itself reflecting that with its bright interiors and playful vibe.
Where: 340 Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8QH
Price: From £22Having worked as a session manicurist for some of fashion industry's elite including Celine and Dior and worked with clients such as Rita Ora and Pink, Ama decided to set up shop in Brixton, London's multicultural hub and the place she grew up.
The salon itself is beautifully designed with photography and art hanging on its every wall. Muted tones and rustic tan leather chairs provide a sense of calm and comfort, while the treatments themselves focus on accentuating the natural nail, with a selection of 'free from' and vegan nail polishes to choose from.
Where: 153 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2PA
Price: From £10Founded by entrepreneur Kamden Monplaisir, Awe London provides expert treatments within its beautiful setting (think teal upholstery, brass foot baths and plenty of floral bouquets).
Service is everything to Kamden, with every client leaving feeling refreshed and uplifted, while the extensive treatment list caters to all nail preferences. Not only does the salon provide every type of manicure including acrylic extensions, but they also offer more specialised services including a diabetic pedicure to cater to more personal needs.
Where: 42 Chatsworth Road, London, E5 0LP
Price: From £10Don't let the neutral tones of this bright and airy salon fool you - the nail art packs a serious punch, with designs ranging from marble tips to expressionist doodles.
Founder Lucy Francis is passionate about the health of natural nails rather than extensions (although CND Shellac is on offer) and the salon incorporates natural ingredients like a brown sugar scrub and shea butter moisturisers into treatments.
@zakustudios / InstagramWhere: 33a South Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT1 87P
Price: From £10
For fans of a one-stop beauty shop, look no further than Zaku Artistry Studios, a co-working space for beauty therapists and nail technicians. Founder Shanice Zakuani was passionate about building a beauty community that supported local businesses while providing a chance for people to work alongside fellow creatives. Alongside micro-blading and lash extensions, Zaku is a destination for nail lovers, offering gel manicures and airbrush nail art.
