Laura Finaldi| lfinaldi@heraldtribune.com
Nail salons are everywhere in Sarasota-Manatee, and it seems like there are new businesses opening on an almost daily basis. With no shortage of options, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect fit for your specific need — whether it’s a gel manicure, a much-needed pedicure or Pinterest-worthy nail art.
Thanks to the internet, however, we don’t have to look far and wide on our own. Here are seven of the top rated places to get your nails done in Sarasota-Manatee, in no particular order, based on Yelp user reviews.
Shui Nails & Spa
3410 Clark Road, Sarasota; 941-924-6668; facebook.com/ShuiNailsAndSpa/
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Yelp-listed price range: $$ (Moderate)
Do you aspire to have Instagrammable nails? This may be the place to go.
Several Yelp users said they brought in pictures of nail art they’d seen on Instagram or Pinterest, hoping to get the same look. The nail technicians at Shui delivered, successfully decorating multiple clients’ nails with flowers, glitter and artistic patterns.
Services include acrylic nail removal and fill-in, eyebrow services, nail repair, paraffin wax treatments, French tip fill-in, callus removal and foot massages.
Review excerpt: "I have been going to another place for over a year and was somewhat happy but they never got me overly excited about my nails and were not consistent for sure. ... I have been to Shui twice since last month and they are amazing."
Suna Salon & Spa
1282 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941-955-7862; sunasalon.com
Yelp rating: 5 stars
Yelp-listed price range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp users rave about the Suna staff’s expertise in microblading, threading, permanent brows and eyeliner and sugaring, a less invasive form of waxing. The salon also offers nail services, like manicures, pedicures, toe nail color changes, shellac manicures, French manicure and a pedicure for people with foot fungus or ingrown toenails. Suna is a full-service salon, so you can also get your hair colored, cut and styled during your visit.
Review excerpt: “Suna says she has the nicest clientele. Personally, I think it's a reflection of Suna. She's very kind and nice. More owners should care as much as Suna does about her business.”
Paint Nail Bar
1417 First St., Sarasota; 941-366-8989; paintnailbar.com
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Yelp-listed price range: $$ (Moderate)
Let’s face it, between work and other responsibilities, it can be hard to find time to get your nails done. That’s why Paint Nail Bar in downtown Sarasota offers the “lickety split,” a 25-30 minute manicure or pedicure designed for working professionals on their lunch breaks. Each “lickety split” session includes nail polish removal, cuticle treatment, nail maintenance and the client’s choice of polish or a high-shine buff.
This downtown salon is lauded by Yelp users for its friendly and attentive service, quality nail skills and complimentary beverages — including mimosas.
Besides the “lickety split,” the salon offers an array of services, including gel manicures and pedicures, sculpted gel, “talk of the town” luxury services and “mini-paint” — designed for kids ages 10 and under.
Review excerpt: "The color choices were amazing, the chairs made you feel like a queen, the berry mimosa is divine."
Aquasandz Nail Salon
10 S. Adams Drive, Sarasota; 941-388-1545; aquasandznailsalon.com
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Yelp-listed price range: $$ (Moderate)
This St. Armands Circle salon has a beachy feel and a cozy, welcoming environment. Yelp users praise its cleanliness, quality of service and pricing.
The salon offers waxing and nail services like hot stone manicures and an aromatic fragrance pedicure. You can also host a special event there, including pampering for weddings, bridal parties, bachelorette parties, girls night out, sweet sixteen — you name it. Packages can be tailored to the specific needs of each party, according to the spa’s website.
Review excerpt: "My wife and I always try to find that perfect pedicure. We travel quite a bit and have experienced some good, not so good and really bad nail places. Without a doubt, this has been one of the best, relaxing and clean establishments we have ever experienced."
Blossom Nails Spa
2519 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton; 941-251-4050 and 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Suite 87, Sarasota; 941-355-3198
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Yelp-listed price range: $$ (Moderate)
You like to drink margaritas, but have you ever wanted the experience of a margarita incorporated into your manicure or pedicure? You can at Blossom Nails Spa, the Lakewood Ranch nail salon named best in Manatee County by Herald-Tribune readers this year.
The “Margarita on the Rocks” nail service includes a blend of botanical and citrus extracts and antioxidants meant to beautify and soften your hands, a citrus scrub to remove dead skin cells, an antioxidants masque, a hot stone massage and a polish of your choice. Other themed nail services include the “Floral Fantasy” where guests begin by soaking their hands and feet in a warm, bubbly rose petal milk soak and the “Ginger Bay,” which incorporates a restoration bath of sake and ginger.
It’s a full-service nail salon, where you can get gel services and manicure/pedicures.
Review excerpt: "Took me a very long time to find a nail salon down here that I like and this place tops them all! Very friendly staff, always do a perfect job on my acrylics and pedicures and while they are almost always busy, they make sure that they greet and seat you in a timely manner."
Star Nails
2041 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota; 941-960-2818
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Yelp-listed price range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp reviewers praise this salon for its cleanliness, quality of care, service and attention to detail.
Review excerpt: “What I liked most was while we were there a couple other customers came in and they were greeted like Norm at Cheers. So, I took that as a good sign that they have devoted regulars.”
The Nail Shoppe
3136 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-345-4804
If you want some fancy nail art in the Bradenton area, this place might be worth checking out. One Yelper asked for a three-dimensional rose on her acrylic and gel nails and her nail technician delivered.
Careful though — this spot can book up fast. Making an appointment, according to Yelp reviewers, is the way to go.
Review excerpt: "They immediately treat you like family. From the moment you walk in, you are called by your first name. They get to know you on a personal level. The TV is on some great channel like Lifetime and the entire shop gets involved in conversations about what we are watching."
