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Nail Salons · Columbia, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Nail Salons in Columbia, SC

From luxurious spas to budget-friendly options, Columbia offers a diverse selection of nail salons to pamper your hands and feet.

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

Nail salons are a vital part of self-care and beauty routines for many in Columbia, SC. With the right salon, you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while getting professional nail services that leave you feeling refreshed and polished.

To curate this list, we evaluated ten local nail salons based on customer reviews, services offered, and overall satisfaction. Our goal is to highlight the best options available, ensuring you find the perfect place for your next manicure or pedicure.

10nail salons evaluated in Columbia
4.81average rating across the field
6.8Kcustomer 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

Onyx Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,374 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 1,374 reviews, Onyx Nails & Spa is a top choice for nail services in Columbia.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Em Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,340 reviews)

Em Nails & Spa also boasts a 4.9 rating from 1,340 reviews, praised for its affordability and quality services.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

The Nail barre - Columbia

★★★★★4.9(781 reviews)

The Nail barre - Columbia holds a 4.9 rating with 781 reviews, making it a popular choice among locals.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Onyx Nails & Spa
Onyx Nails & Spa
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
1,374Luxurious nail treatments
2
Em Nails & Spa
Em Nails & Spa
Best Value
95Score
4.9★★★★★
1,340Affordable nail services
3
94Score
4.9★★★★★
781Creative nail designs
4
93Score
5.0★★★★★
186Personalized spa experience
5
91Score
4.8★★★★★
467Variety of nail services
6
89Score
4.7★★★★★
985Quality pedicures
7
86Score
4.8★★★★★
154Trendy nail designs
8
84Score
4.6★★★★★
1,412Combination spa treatments
9
82Score
4.7★★★★★
85Casual nail services
10
78Score
4.8★★★★★
18Cozy nail treatments
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 nail salons.

We assessed each nail salon using a transparent scoring system that considers factors like customer ratings and review counts. Our team gathered data from various sources to ensure a fair evaluation. Importantly, no business pays for placement in our rankings.

This list is updated monthly to reflect the latest reviews and ratings, ensuring you have the most current information when choosing a nail salon in Columbia.

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

Onyx Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,374 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 1,374 reviews, Onyx Nails & Spa is a top choice for nail services in Columbia. Customers rave about their friendly staff and luxurious atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxation. However, some have noted that peak times can lead to longer wait times, so plan accordingly.

Pros

  • High-quality service
  • Relaxing environment
  • Skilled technicians

Cons

  • Can be busy during peak hours
  • Limited parking
Best forLuxurious nail treatments
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$30 to $60
2
Best Value

Em Nails & Spa

★★★★★4.9(1,340 reviews)
95Score

Em Nails & Spa also boasts a 4.9 rating from 1,340 reviews, praised for its affordability and quality services. Customers appreciate the cleanliness and the range of services offered. However, some have mentioned that the staff can be a bit rushed during busy times, impacting 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 affordable nail services. It serves Columbia, SC, with $15 to $50 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are staff can be rushed and limited appointment availability.

Pros

  • Affordable prices
  • Wide range of services
  • Clean environment

Cons

  • Staff can be rushed
  • Limited appointment availability
Best forAffordable nail services
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$15 to $50
3
Most Reviewed

The Nail barre - Columbia

★★★★★4.9(781 reviews)
94Score

The Nail barre - Columbia holds a 4.9 rating with 781 reviews, making it a popular choice among locals. Reviewers love the stylish decor and the quality of nail art. While it excels in creativity, some clients have reported longer wait times for appointments 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 creative nail designs. It serves Columbia, SC, with $25 to $70 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are possible wait times and higher prices for nail art.

Pros

  • Stylish ambiance
  • Creative nail art
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Possible wait times
  • Higher prices for nail art
Best forCreative nail designs
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$25 to $70
4

May Nail Salon & Spa

★★★★★5.0(186 reviews)
93Score

May Nail Salon & Spa stands out with a perfect 5.0 rating from 186 reviews. Customers appreciate the personalized attention and the relaxing spa experience. However, due to its smaller size, appointments can be limited, making it essential to book in advance. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized spa experience. It serves Columbia, SC, with $20 to $55 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited appointment slots and smaller salon size.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Relaxing spa atmosphere
  • Highly rated staff

Cons

  • Limited appointment slots
  • Smaller salon size
Best forPersonalized spa experience
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$20 to $55
5

Alpha Nail Spa

★★★★★4.8(467 reviews)
91Score

Alpha Nail Spa has a strong rating of 4.8 from 467 reviews, known for its excellent customer service and variety of nail options. Reviewers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. However, some clients have reported inconsistent experiences with different technicians. 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 variety of nail services. It serves Columbia, SC, with $25 to $60 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent technician quality and busy during weekends.

Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Variety of services
  • Welcoming environment

Cons

  • Inconsistent technician quality
  • Busy during weekends
Best forVariety of nail services
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$25 to $60
6

Jolie Nails and Spa, SC

★★★★★4.7(985 reviews)
89Score

Jolie Nails and Spa holds a 4.7 rating from 985 reviews. Customers love the modern decor and friendly staff, often highlighting the quality of their pedicures. However, some have mentioned that it can get crowded, which may affect service speed. 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 quality pedicures. It serves Columbia, SC, with $20 to $50 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are can be crowded and service speed may vary.

Pros

  • Modern decor
  • Friendly staff
  • Quality pedicures

Cons

  • Can be crowded
  • Service speed may vary
Best forQuality pedicures
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$20 to $50
7

SASSY NAIL BAR

★★★★★4.8(154 reviews)
86Score

SASSY NAIL BAR has a solid rating of 4.8 from 154 reviews, known for its trendy vibe and creative nail designs. Customers enjoy the lively atmosphere and attentive service. However, the smaller size may lead to longer wait times during peak hours. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is trendy nail designs. It serves Columbia, SC, with $25 to $55 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller salon and longer wait times during peak hours.

Pros

  • Trendy atmosphere
  • Creative designs
  • Attentive service

Cons

  • Smaller salon
  • Longer wait times during peak hours
Best forTrendy nail designs
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$25 to $55
8

Gervais Nails & Med Spa

★★★★★4.6(1,412 reviews)
84Score

Gervais Nails & Med Spa has a rating of 4.6 from 1,412 reviews, praised for its combination of nail and spa services. Customers appreciate the professionalism of the staff and the cleanliness. However, some clients feel that the prices are on the higher side for the services provided. 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 combination spa treatments. It serves Columbia, SC, with $35 to $80 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher prices and busy atmosphere.

Pros

  • Combination of services
  • Professional staff
  • Clean environment

Cons

  • Higher prices
  • Busy atmosphere
Best forCombination spa treatments
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$35 to $80
9

Five Points Nails And Spa

★★★★★4.7(85 reviews)
82Score

Five Points Nails And Spa has a rating of 4.7 from 85 reviews, known for its friendly staff and casual atmosphere. Customers enjoy the laid-back vibe. However, the limited number of reviews makes it a promising but unproven option for some. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is casual nail services. It serves Columbia, SC, with $15 to $40 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and inconsistent service quality.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Laid-back experience

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Inconsistent service quality
Best forCasual nail services
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$15 to $40
10

Beck’s nails & spa

★★★★★4.8(18 reviews)
78Score

Beck’s nails & spa has a rating of 4.8 from 18 reviews, offering a cozy environment and personalized service. Customers appreciate the attention to detail. However, the thin review base suggests it is a promising but unproven option. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is cozy nail treatments. It serves Columbia, SC, with $20 to $50 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and limited service options.

Pros

  • Cozy environment
  • Personalized service
  • Attention to detail

Cons

  • Thin review base
  • Limited service options
Best forCozy nail treatments
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$20 to $50
Before you book

How to choose a nail salon in Columbia

Choosing the right nail salon involves considering several factors to ensure a satisfying experience. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Check Reviews

Look for salons with high ratings and positive customer feedback to gauge service quality.

Services Offered

Consider what services you need, such as gel nails, acrylics, or spa treatments, and find a salon that specializes in them.

Cleanliness and Atmosphere

Visit the salon beforehand if possible, to assess cleanliness and the overall ambiance.

Pricing

Compare prices among different salons to find the best value for the services you want.

What it costs

What nail services cost in Columbia

Nail service prices can vary significantly based on the type of service and the salon's reputation. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay in Columbia.

Basic Manicure$15 to $30
Gel Manicure$30 to $60
Acrylic Nails$40 to $80
Spa Pedicure$30 to $50

Frequently asked questions

How much does nail service cost in Columbia?

Prices for nail services in Columbia typically range from $15 to $80, depending on the type of service.

What is the best time to visit a nail salon?

Weekdays tend to be less crowded, making it easier to get an appointment and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

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: Onyx Nails & Spa

For an exceptional nail salon experience, Onyx Nails & Spa stands out with its luxurious atmosphere and high-quality service. If you're looking for great value, Em Nails & Spa offers affordability without sacrificing quality. For creative nail designs, The Nail barre - Columbia is a top choice, known for its trendy styles and friendly staff.