Los Angeles · Directory · Updated July 2026
Salons worth knowing in Los Angeles
This isn't a phone book. We list a salon when its work, reviews, and specialties make it somewhere we'd send a friend — and we note what each one is actually best at. The list grows as we review more of the strip.
Kiss LA Nail Boutique
A women-owned boutique at Melrose near Fairfax specializing in exactly the techniques this site covers: Russian waterless manicures, Gel-X sets, cat-eye and chrome finishes, and hand-painted art. Reviewers consistently call out the meticulous, gentle cuticle work — the mark of proper e-file training — and sets that go a month without lifting. Walk-ins welcome; 4.6★ on Yelp with a verified California license.
Best for: Russian manicure, Gel-X, custom art · Book: (213) 539-3086 or Instagram DM
Mars The Salon
A Melrose outpost of the Japanese salon group, known for Japanese gel technique and fine-line art. We're completing our full review; early impressions put it on the list for intricate, gallery-grade nail art.
Best for: Japanese gel & fine art (review in progress)
Lanicure Nail Bar
A Hollywood staple minutes from the strip with a large team and walk-in-friendly hours — 4.4★ on Yelp across hundreds of reviews. Full review coming.
Best for: availability & classic gel services (review in progress)
Run a salon in LA that belongs here? Tell us: thenailguideco@gmail.com. Listing is free and editorial — we review; we don't sell directory spots. (Each city's single featured placement is the only paid position, and it's labeled as such.)