CityVettedCityvetted
Independent. Never pay-to-play.
Nail Salons · Columbia, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Nail Salons in Columbia, SC

In a city where nail care can vary significantly, knowing where to go can make all the difference. Avoiding poor experiences starts with choosing wisely.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceParis Luxury Nail Bar
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Columbia-metro nail salons businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Nail care is more than just a beauty routine in Columbia; it’s a way for many to relax and express personal style. However, a bad experience can lead to unsightly results or even infections, making the choice of salon critical.

To help you navigate this market, we analyzed ten local providers based on customer reviews, ratings, and overall service quality. Our rankings reflect real experiences from Columbia residents, ensuring you find a salon that meets your needs.

10nail salons evaluated in Columbia
4.71average rating across the field
8.2Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does nail salons cost in Columbia? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Paris Luxury Nail Bar

★★★★★5.0(304 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 304 reviews, Paris Luxury Nail Bar is a favorite among locals for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional customer service.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Em Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,525 reviews)

Em Nails & Spa has earned an impressive 4.9 stars from 1,525 reviews, making it a popular choice in Columbia.

Read full review
Best for Nail Art
93Score

Onyx Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,403 reviews)

Onyx Nails & Spa holds a strong rating of 4.9 stars from 1,403 reviews, favored for its creative nail designs and skilled technicians.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Paris Luxury Nail Bar
Paris Luxury Nail Bar
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
304Luxury nail experiences
2
Em Nails & Spa
Em Nails & Spa
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.9★★★★★
1,525A wide variety of nail services
3
Onyx Nails & Spa
Onyx Nails & Spa
Best for Nail Art
93Score
4.9★★★★★
1,403Creative and artistic nail designs
4
89Score
4.9★★★★★
807Social nail services
5
85Score
5.0★★★★★
74Relaxing nail treatments
6
83Score
4.7★★★★★
997Manicures and pedicures
7
81Score
4.6★★★★★
1,508Nail and med spa treatments
8
80Score
4.7★★★★★
92Convenient nail care
9
78Score
4.2★★★★★
396Chic nail experiences
10
78Score
4.2★★★★★
1,094Pedicures and friendly service
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 nail salons.

We evaluated the nail salons in Columbia by examining their Vetted Scores, which incorporate both customer ratings and the number of reviews. Each business was assessed on service quality, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction.

No salon paid for placement in our rankings, and we refresh our evaluations monthly to ensure accuracy. This transparency guarantees that you’re getting the best recommendations based on the latest feedback from clients.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Paris Luxury Nail Bar

★★★★★5.0(304 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 304 reviews, Paris Luxury Nail Bar is a favorite among locals for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional customer service. Clients rave about the meticulous attention to detail in nail art and the relaxing spa experience. However, the prices are on the higher side compared to other local options, so be prepared for a splurge.

Pros

  • Elegant ambiance
  • Exceptional nail art
  • Highly attentive staff

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Limited service availability during peak hours
Best forLuxury nail experiences
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$50 to $100
2
Most Reviewed

Em Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,525 reviews)
94Score

Em Nails & Spa has earned an impressive 4.9 stars from 1,525 reviews, making it a popular choice in Columbia. Reviewers appreciate the cleanliness of the salon and the wide range of services offered, including gel and acrylic nails. A downside is that wait times can be lengthy during busy hours, so scheduling an appointment is advisable.

Pros

  • Wide service range
  • Clean and modern environment
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Long wait times during peak hours
  • Can be crowded
Best forA wide variety of nail services
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$30 to $80
3
Best for Nail Art

Onyx Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,403 reviews)
93Score

Onyx Nails & Spa holds a strong rating of 4.9 stars from 1,403 reviews, favored for its creative nail designs and skilled technicians. Customers frequently highlight the friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere, making it a great spot for both routine maintenance and special occasions. However, some users have noted that service can be inconsistent during busier times.

Pros

  • Creative nail designs
  • Friendly and skilled technicians
  • Relaxing environment

Cons

  • Inconsistent service during busy times
  • Limited parking
Best forCreative and artistic nail designs
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$40 to $90
4

The Nail barre - Columbia

★★★★★4.9(807 reviews)
89Score

The Nail barre - Columbia has a solid rating of 4.9 stars from 807 reviews. Clients enjoy the unique concept of a bar-style nail service, which allows for a relaxed and social atmosphere. Many appreciate the quality of services provided, but some have mentioned that the wait times can be longer than expected during peak hours.

Pros

  • Unique bar-style experience
  • Social atmosphere
  • Quality services

Cons

  • Long wait times
  • Can feel crowded
Best forSocial nail services
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$30 to $70
5

Aura Nails Lounge

★★★★★5.0(74 reviews)
85Score

Aura Nails Lounge features a 5-star rating from 74 reviews, praised for its calming ambiance and friendly staff. Customers love the attention to detail in both manicures and pedicures. However, with a smaller review base, it remains a promising but unproven option compared to more established competitors. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is relaxing nail treatments. It serves Columbia, SC, with $35 to $75 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and smaller selection of services.

Pros

  • Calming atmosphere
  • Friendly staff
  • Attention to detail

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Smaller selection of services
Best forRelaxing nail treatments
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$35 to $75
6

Jolie Nails and Spa, SC

★★★★★4.7(997 reviews)
83Score

Jolie Nails and Spa has a rating of 4.7 stars from 997 reviews. Clients appreciate the friendly atmosphere and variety of services. It’s particularly noted for its manicure options. However, some customers have reported issues with appointment scheduling, which can detract from the overall experience. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is manicures and pedicures. It serves Columbia, SC, with $30 to $70 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are scheduling issues and can be busy.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Variety of services
  • Great for manicures

Cons

  • Scheduling issues
  • Can be busy
Best forManicures and pedicures
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$30 to $70
7

Gervais Nails & Med Spa

★★★★★4.6(1,508 reviews)
81Score

Gervais Nails & Med Spa holds a 4.6-star rating from 1,508 reviews, known for its combination of nail services and medical spa treatments. Reviewers appreciate the professional staff and clean environment. The downside is that prices can be higher due to the med spa offerings, which may not appeal to everyone.

Pros

  • Combination of nail and med spa services
  • Professional staff
  • Clean environment

Cons

  • Higher prices
  • Limited nail art options
Best forNail and med spa treatments
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$50 to $120
8

Five Points Nails And Spa

★★★★★4.7(92 reviews)
80Score

Five Points Nails And Spa has a solid rating of 4.7 stars from 92 reviews. Customers enjoy the friendly staff and quality of services. It’s a good option for those in the Five Points area looking for convenient nail care. However, the limited number of reviews means it’s less established compared to others.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Quality services
  • Convenient location

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less established
Best forConvenient nail care
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$30 to $65
9

Posh Nail Spa - Trenholm Plaza

★★★★★4.2(396 reviews)
78Score

Posh Nail Spa - Trenholm Plaza has a rating of 4.2 stars from 396 reviews. It is often praised for its chic decor and variety of services. While many enjoy their experiences, some customers have reported inconsistent service quality, which can be a concern for repeat visits. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is chic nail experiences. It serves Columbia, SC, with $35 to $80 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent service quality and can be crowded.

Pros

  • Chic decor
  • Variety of services
  • Convenient location

Cons

  • Inconsistent service quality
  • Can be crowded
Best forChic nail experiences
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$35 to $80
10

Venus Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.2(1,094 reviews)
78Score

Venus Nails & Spa has a 4.2-star rating from 1,094 reviews, appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and range of services. Customers often highlight the pedicure options. However, some have noted that the salon can get busy, leading to longer wait times for services, especially during weekends. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is pedicures and friendly service. It serves Columbia, SC, with $30 to $70 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are long wait times and can be busy on weekends.

Pros

  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Good range of services
  • Popular pedicures

Cons

  • Long wait times
  • Can be busy on weekends
Best forPedicures and friendly service
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$30 to $70
Before you book

How to choose a nail salon in Columbia

Choosing the right nail salon can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a satisfying experience. Here are three key factors to consider when making your selection.

Check Reviews and Ratings

Look for salons with high ratings and a significant number of reviews. This indicates a proven track record of quality service.

Assess Cleanliness and Safety

Visit the salon beforehand or check recent photos online. Cleanliness is paramount to avoid infections and ensure a pleasant experience.

Inquire About Services Offered

Different salons specialize in various techniques and services. Make sure the salon you choose offers the specific treatments you desire.

What it costs

What nail services cost in Columbia

Pricing for nail services in Columbia can vary widely based on the salon's reputation and the complexity of the service. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

Basic Manicure$15 to $30
Gel Manicure$30 to $50
Full Set of Acrylics$40 to $80
Nail Art and Design$10 to $50 on top of the basic service

Frequently asked questions

How much does a manicure cost in Columbia?

Manicure prices in Columbia typically range from $20 to $50, depending on the salon and services offered.

What are the most popular nail services in Columbia?

Gel manicures and acrylic nails are among the most requested services, with many salons offering specialized options.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Columbia residents: <strong>Paris Luxury Nail Bar</strong>

Call Paris Luxury Nail Bar first for a luxurious experience with unmatched 5-star service. If you're seeking a wider variety of services and a larger menu, Em Nails & Spa is your best bet. For a more intimate setting with a focus on unique nail art, Onyx Nails & Spa takes the lead.