I remember when I sank into the plush chair at a trendy downtown salon with high hopes for my manicure. Little did I know my pampering experience would turn into a nail care nightmare.
The polish was done sloppily, with uneven acrylic nail lengths that made my hands look more like a DIY disaster.
Since then, I’ve recruited the rest of the Best Calgary team to help me check out the city’s nail salons and interview customers about their experiences.
Here’s who made it to our list of places where you can truly treat yourself to a pampering manicure.
How much does it cost to get a manicure in Calgary?
It costs at least 20 CAD to get a basic manicure in Calgary. The final cost will vary depending on if you get acrylics, gel, nail art, and more.
Table of Contents
1. Baby Cheva Studio
Address: 809 Manning Rd NE #100
Contact details: +1 (825) 561-0241
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Mariia, a certified nail tech and owner of Baby Cheva Studio, is an absolute joy to interact with. We spoke with her briefly, and she’s as friendly as everyone said she was.
Right away, she handed us a free loyalty card. Keep in mind, she thought we were just regular customers, so you’re likely to have the same experience.
The loyalty card gives you 15% off after your fifth visit, so we’ve been keeping ours safe and sound in our wallets!
The salon itself is simple and clean, with comfy chairs that have cute cushions. Plus, there’s free parking nearby under the sign for HQ Beauty Care.
Everyone we chatted with really appreciated her attention to detail and how Mariia takes the time to understand what you want for your manicure.
The shellac manicure is a fan favourite because of the long-lasting shellac polish that will keep your nails looking fresh for weeks. Many customers told us they got compliments everywhere they went!
And if you’re into something a bit more extravagant, the gel overlays and extensions are super popular, too! Plus, Mariia’s nail art is next-level—she can whip up anything from simple patterns to intricate designs.
The only downside is that she can get pretty busy, especially on weekends. So, if you’re planning to drop in without an appointment, be prepared to wait.
I always leave with the most perfect manicure
“I had the best experience at Baby Cheva! Maria and Evelina are both amazing nail techs. I always leave with the most perfect manicure, and Evelina’s nail art skills are top-notch. The salon is clean, the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was super friendly. I’ll definitely keep coming back 👏🏾”
– Rosetta Munezero, Google Reviews
I will recommend her to everyone
“Service is on top! Because I work in retail, I’m always having an issue with nail-breaking. Maria was super professional and helped me with my problem. Now I have beautiful acrylic and strong nails. I will recommend her to everyone and definitely will come back again! ❤️☺️”
– Anna Vorobiei, Google Reviews
2. Stella Nails & Spa LTD
Address: 6309 Bowness Rd NW
Contact details: +1 (403) 830-7887
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Stella Nails has a warm vibe that makes you want to kick back and relax. The nail techs are approachable and genuinely engage with their clients.
Moreover, they clean and disinfect their tools after every client. Single-use items are tossed out right after.
In addition, they have plenty of colours to choose from. And get this—they welcome walk-ins, which adds to the convenience.
During our visit, several people showed off their stunning acrylics. Everyone mentioned their nail tech was incredibly precise with the application.
The glue they use here doesn’t have a strong scent, either.
Furthermore, others rocked UV gel overlays with intricate nail art like butterflies, flowers, and mosaics. People love how the nail technicians patiently listened to their ideas and made them come to life.
Even kids love getting manicures here because their nail techs are super gentle and make the experience enjoyable.
For those who prefer something classic, they also do French manicures. All the ones we’ve seen had fresh, crisp white tips.
However, a lot of people’s polish started peeling after a week because the application of the top coat was rushed.
Good at what she does and created my dream nails
“First time here and everyone was so welcoming. Mandy was so fun and kind, she made sure I was still happy with my nails after every step and made me feel so comfortable. She also gave suggestions on how to make the design I showed her even better, showing me different options and educating me on the different polishes, making sure I loved my set. She’s so talented and good at what she does and created my dream nails. I absolutely adore her and would recommend her to everyone I know!”
– Ellie Martinez, Google Reviews
She always does a fabulous job
“I love getting my nails done by Tina!!! She always does a fabulous job. Tina always checks in with me to assure she is doing what I want. Stella nails has a calm professional and fun atmosphere. I look forward to my monthly visit :)”
– Natasha Reid, Google Reviews
3. AmanaiL Boutique
Address: 5124 Elbow Dr SW
Contact details: +1 (587) 830-0889
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
AmanaiL Boutique has a relaxing vibe the moment you walk in. The staff are friendly and welcoming too. It makes it easy to strike up a conversation while you wait for your nails to get done.
Those who treated themselves to the deluxe manicure raved about the paraffin treatment. Many said it left their hands feeling incredibly soft. Plus, the moisturising hand massage was the cherry on top.
Many who opted for the shellac manicure mentioned that the nail techs were super meticulous. There were no smudges or bubbles.
Moreover, men who booked the Gentleman’s Extreme Manicure said it was a nice way of keeping their hands looking sharp without feeling overly flashy.
For the little ones, they can choose from fun colours. This includes sparkly pink and lavender with the Diva Manicure for kids.
Several kids loved the adorable nail art that incorporated flowers, stars, and more.
When it comes to other enhancements, AmanaiL offers acrylics, bio-seaweed gel, and more.
That said, a few who got acrylics told us there were a few uneven edges. Others also complained about double-booked appointments.
Amazing really great technique
“Anna was amazing- really great technique and quick. She did a wonderful design for the NHL playoffs for me which I love ! I always love that you are checked on throughout your experience, asked for a beverage and at the end, the owner gave praise to Anna for her good work. It’s a great environment and I will always come back.”
– Keli Bulger, Google Reviews
Did a fantastic job, Im very happy with them
“I got these beautiful nails done here for my graduation party, my nail tech was Jayden and he did a fantastic job, Im very happy with them. The service was great, the owner brought me a delicious Vietnamese iced coffee, it was really good and I enjoyed it!”
– Keura Sager, Google Reviews
4. Radiance Nails & Spa
Address: 8330 Macleod Trail SE #3F
Contact details: +1 (403) 281-3939
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Radiance Nails has a cute, aesthetically pleasing vibe that makes you want to linger. Soft lighting, chic decor, and comfy chairs really set the mood for a pampering session.
Moreover, they emphasise sanitation. After every manicure, they disinfect and sterilise their tools, so you can rest assured that your well-being is their top priority.
They also have a team of trained staff who are all about giving you a relaxing spa experience without breaking the bank.
In addition, their online booking system lets you pick your nail tech. It’s a cool feature that gives you a bit of control right off the bat.
When we swung by, several people gushed about their solar gel nails; the colours really popped. They even mentioned that their techs were super attentive and ensured each layer cured perfectly under the UV light.
On the other hand, others loved how lightweight biogel nails felt. They also appreciated that their techs took the time to shape them just right.
However, some people felt their manicures were rushed. They said their nails ended up a bit crooked.
Furthermore, other customers complained that the interactions with the techs felt a little on the surface level.
A bit more connection and warmth during the process wouldn’t hurt, though we personally don’t mind this because it’s not necessarily part of their role to have deep conversations.
I left with beautiful nails and a smile on my face
“I recently visited Radiance Nails and Spa and had the pleasure of being attended by Kim. She was absolutely wonderful! Her attention to detail and professionalism exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere of the salon was relaxing and clean, and the entire staff was friendly. I left with beautiful nails and a smile on my face. I highly recommend Kim and the team at Radiance Nails and Spa for anyone looking for top-notch service. I will definitely be returning!”
– Ria Sojung Ahn, Google Reviews
The lady who did my nails absolutely killed it
“i’m not normally one to write reviews but i decided to get my nails done spontaneously so i called in at this salon and they were kind enough to let me in with short notice. i was a little hesitant trying a new salon but everyone there was super sweet and nice and made the experience really enjoyable. despite me going in with pretty ratched nails, the lady who did my nails absolutely killed it. i got an acrylic set for a pretty reasonable price in my opinion ($55 ish including tip). if you’re seeing this, i will be coming back for your service!”
– Lily Liu, Google Reviews
5. Organic Nail Lounge
Address: 19587 Seton Crescent SE #430
Contact details: +1 (403) 232-1381
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
If you’re in the market for a fresh manicure, Organic Nail Lounge is all about that eco-friendly vibe. In fact, they pride themselves on using organic products.
The decor of their store is chic and soothing. Plus, they offer a selection of wine, prosecco, cocktails, and beer. Of course, we got a glass of bubbly!
Almost everyone raved about the paraffin and collagen mask in their Organic 5 Star Manicure treatment. The combination of softening and hydrating made their hands feel like silk.
Moreover, kids can get in on the action too. Many kids liked that the nail tech made them feel special and even let them pick out some extra bling—think rhinestones and star stickers.
Adults loved pairing the 3D rhinestones with glitter ombre finishes or chrome nails, which have that perfect mirror finish.
However, a few people mentioned that the polish came out thicker than they expected. Some even reported that their nails chipped after just a few days.
Puts 110% into her work
“Sandy is AMAZING. She has attention to detail and puts 110% into her work. I’ve never had lifting issues and my nails last forever! I will always recommend her to my friends and would highly suggest going to her if you aren’t sure who to book with. The place is nice and calm with friendly staff. I always have a great experience here and probably won’t ever go to another clinic!”
– Casey Salango, Google Reviews
My nails still look incredible
“So beyond impressed with the services received here. Waited a couple days to do my review to see how they held up. My nails still look incredible and I am so happy with them! Annie was so careful to make sure my skin wasn’t glued in anywhere. There were no places that were sharp or causing issues. And the absolutely did amazing on my requested design.”
– Tallon Smith, Google Reviews
