Getting your nails done is a great way to spend an afternoon, alone or with friends. It’s also essential for special occasions, like weddings and proms. It’s great to leave with your nails looking and feeling awesome, but just as important is the experience you have while your at the salon.

A great nail salon offers professional and friendly service that makes you feel right at home for your entire stay. And, comfort is key: the atmosphere, aesthetic, and appeal of the salon has to be expertly crafted.

Cornwall is home to some amazing nail salons that double as a day at the spa. Here are the best 3 Nail Salons and Nail Spas in Cornwall Ontario to book in at for your monthly manicure.

Victorious Nails

Victorious Nails is a service run by Victoria Hunter, a Certified Advanced Nail Technician who does all kinds of nail services, included acrylic nails and nail art in Cornwall.

Victoria came to Cornwall from Quebec and moved her business here. She is an award-winning nail technician who offers great service and is amazing at what she does.

Victoria is a Certified Advanced Nail Technologist, a Certified Grand Master Nail Stylist, and a Certified Nail Technology Educator. She teaches other Nail Techs in the ins and outs of the best techniques and trends.

Her award winning services include: Shellac & Gel Polish Manicures, IBX Natural Nail Repair & Strengthening Treatments, UV Gel & Acrylic Nail Enhancements, Dip Nails, Unique Nail Art, Couture Nails and Nail Reconstruction.

Here’s a look at her awesome nail art work, all from her instagram.

We love the bling on these nails, including the rose!

Love the colour combination and nail art on these.

Angele’s Esthetics

What sets Angele’s Esthetics apart from other Cornwall Nail Salons is that she is completely mobile – she comes to you! This includes Pedicures, Manicures, Nail Art, Gel Polish and Shellac Manicures, all at your door anywhere in Cornwall.

Angele offers a super warm, friendly, and knowledgeable service. She is efficient and experienced, with a 5 out of 5 rating on her Facebook Page.

Here’s a look at some of her work (also via her Facebook).

These nails are so pretty with a great shape and gorgeous accent nail.

We love these gorgeous and fresh manicure, too!

Le’s Nails

Le’s Nails on Pitt Street, Cornwall is like a hidden gem for nail art and acrylic nail lovers, as well as Manicure and Pedicure lovers! This spot does amazing work and has a quaint and clean salon that will provide a relaxing spa experience for you.

Le’s Nails offers a full range of services at competitive prices, and they are service oriented (they have a good amount of great reviews here).

Here’s a look at some of their work, via customer reviews, which shows their true talent and experience.

Cornwall Nail Salons: Costs, Tips, & Helpful Information

How much does it cost to get your nails done in Cornwall? Of course, the cost varies from salon to salon. Higher end salons and spas will charge a bit more for their service because they offer a luxury atmosphere with better amenities. But, it should be noted that this is not an indication of the quality or cleanliness of their service.

Regular manicures and pedicures in Cornwall will start at about $15, and can go up to around $50, depending on the full extent of the service. If you are using enhanced polishes, like BioGel, the service can cost anywhere from $25 to $60.

Artificial nails in Cornwall will start at about $20 (Shellac Nails in Cornwall) or $30 (Acrylic Nails in Cornwall).

Pedicures in Cornwall start at about $15 and can go up to $60 for luxury treatments that include massage, aromatherapy, and more.

Cornwall Nail Salon Etiquette: Tipping

Tipping is expected for salon services in Cornwall, just like servers. The standard is about 15 – 20%, with 20% indicating great or exceptional service. A tip on tipping: use cash to tip if you can (post-pandemic restrictions) and pay for the actual service before you begin. This prevents possible chipping and smudging of your nails by using the machine right after your nails are done (been there, done that!). So come with some cash in anticipation of tipping.

Common Questions and Concerns

Nail Shapes

Along with choosing the colour and type of nail you want (your technician will be able to guide you on the options, upkeep, and costs associated with each) you’ll be able to choose a nail shape. This especially applies to acrylic and dip nails, and will apply to natural nails if they are long enough. Below is a guide to common nail shapes.

Showing Up With Nails Done

Nail technicians don’t mind if you show up with some old polish already on your nails. In fact, it is expected for regular clients who use non-ship products like Bio Gel. But, if you have full shellac or acrylic nails, there is a fee for removal. Whatever you do, don’t pick away your old polish before coming in! This can severely damage your nails and rip away the top layer.

Pedicure Problems

Technicians have seen it all when it comes to feet. Don’t stress about shaving beforehand or clipping your nails. They would prefer if you came in with your toenails a bit grown out, because they can properly trim them. According to salon gurus, post people don’t properly trim their toenails.

Technicians (pedicurists) are trained on where to touch your feet to minimize ticklishness, it’s true! So don’t worry about your ticklish feet. They won’t be a problem. And, if you do experience some discomfort (in the way of tickles), make sure to let your technician know, and they can be extra careful in making sure to hit the least ticklish points on your feet.

Salon Etiquette: What Not To Do

There’s only a few things that are poor etiquette when it comes to getting your nails done.

Talking On Your Cellphone

People come to the salon to relax. While chatter between technicians and friends is totally expected, talking on your cell phone while others are also getting their nails done is a huge pet peeve for nail technicians.

Changing Colours

There is nothing wrong with changing your mind on the colour you want after seeing it applied, but don’t wait till all nails have been painted to do so. Technicians don’t mind if you make a change, but again, let them know after one or two nails are done.

Making Appointments

A really great practice (for you) is to make your next appointment before you leave. A lot of salons fill up fast, but love regulars, and hate having to ‘squeeze people in’. They want your trip to the salon to be relaxing and worry free. So, its good practice to book in early.