Let’s face it, Joburgers, we all deserve a little pampering now and then. And what better way to show your fingertips some love than with a stunning manicure? But here’s the thing, a fabulous set of nails doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Joburg boasts a vibrant selection of salons that cater to all budgets. So, put down that chipped polish and get ready to discover the best manicures in Joburg for R350 and under!
*Please note: Prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing (September 2024). Costs are subject to change at any given time. Please contact the salon or visit their website to confirm costs.

The Nail Studio and Beauty
One of the longest-running nail and beauty salons in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg is the Nail Studio and Beauty at Comaro View Shopping Centre in Bassonia, run by a vibrant and skilled team of nail and beauty experts.
When you arrive, anticipate being served a glass of wine, cappuccino, or juice and being pampered by highly skilled beauty professionals who will go above and beyond to make sure you look and feel amazing! Treat yourself to a Overlay Colour Gel or French manicure for just R310*! Or opt for a Paraffin Manicure at R240*.
Dream Nails
When you think of manis and pedis, who comes to mind? For us, it’s the long standing salon of Dream Nails! They have more than 35 years of experience with this. You are free to be as quirky, whimsical, and expressive as you like. One size does not fit all, and they think you are the greatest judge of what makes you feel and look amazing.
find a Dream Nails salon near you and get creative! You can get a Gel Polish manicure for R290*! That gives you R60 room to get yourself a cup of coffee before your nail beautification or after.


TLC Nail Bar
TLC Nail Bar, a Bedfordview gem of pampering and self-care, was founded by Portia Malatji. Portia, who is passionate about wellness and beauty, imagined a place where people could get away from the daily grind and treat themselves to opulent nail services.
Choose from a Gel Overlay, costing R280*. Or if you’re looking to include some pampering and nailcare, take your pick from a Manicure with no product for R200*; a Manicure with Nail Polish for R250*; or splurge a little bit more and enjoy a Manicure and Gel Overlay for R380*. Slightly over the budget, but so worth it!
Nice Nails Wellness
Located in Douglasdale, you’ll find Nice Nails! Their mission is to celebrate the beauty of womanhood through luxurious beauty solutions that accentuate your inherent charm and enable you to exude grace and confidence. Since 2017, they have been making women look and feel their best with their experience and passion for feminine beauty.
As for their nail services, they like to keep it simple and focus on what they do best – gel and acrylic! Book a Gelish Manicure at R320*; a Classic Manicure at R200*; or an Express Manicure at R150*.


Sorbet Nail Bar
Sorbet is a Joburg favourite for a reason. Their nationwide chain of salons offers a consistent and reliable experience with a friendly atmosphere.
When it comes to manicures, Sorbet’s Quick Mani is a fantastic budget-friendly option. Clocking in at under R195*, it includes a buff, file, and polish application. Perfect for a quick lunchtime pick-me-up! Bonus points for their extensive colour selection that caters to every mood and occasion. And if you want something long lasting, opt for their Gel Polish mani for R345*.
Vanilla Nails
Nestled in the heart of Linden, Vanilla Nails is a haven for beauty lovers seeking a relaxing experience. Expect friendly staff, amazing service, as well as beautiful nails! We visit this spot on the regular, and all we can say is that we LOVE Vanilla Nails and their team.
Choose from the Full Manicure with Polish for R280*; the Full Manicure with no polish for R210*; or the Full Manicure Gel for R340*. And best of all, these treatments include hand exfoliation and a massage!


Top Manicure Tips
Now that you’ve discovered the best salons for budget-friendly manicures, here are some extra tips to ensure your Joburg nails turn heads:
- Think about your lifestyle: Consider how active you are and what kind of polish will last. Opt for gel polish for a chip-resistant finish if you’re prone to hard wear on your nails.
- Choose a colour that flatters your skin tone: Cool tones work well for pale complexions, while warmer tones complement deeper skin tones.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment!: With so many colour and design options available, have fun and express your unique personality.
- Book your appointment in advance: Popular salons can get booked up quickly, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
With a touch of pampering and a splash of colour, a stunning manicure can instantly elevate your look. So, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a well-deserved nail makeover. And remember, fabulous nails don’t have to break the bank. Joburg has plenty of salons that offer top-notch manicures for R350 and under. Happy pampering!