The 5 Best Manicure Services in Ottawa
Getting a manicure is a great way to instantly feel relaxed and pampered. But if your manicure looks less than stellar after your trip to the salon, then it could be pretty stressful.
That is why, in this list, we are compiling some of the best manicure services in Ottawa for you to get the perfectly polished nails that you deserve.
Read on and find out where to get the most affordable manicure in the area.
How much do manicure services cost in Ottawa?
Many factors would affect the cost of your manicure. This includes the kind of nail polish that you want to use and other spa treatments.
As an estimate, here are the rates for quality manicure services:
1. Crazy Nails

Criteria | Rating |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Variety of Manicure Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
For those who are interested in getting quality nail art, then Crazy Nails is a great option for you. At $30, you can get a quality manicure service with unique designs.
They have been in service for over a decade, and they have a lot of loyal customers. For those who are looking for a trusted nail salon, then you can look into this one.
All you have to do is explain the nail art that you want, and they will deliver your envisioned style. You can even show them a photo of the manicure you want to achieve.
If you have Shellac from another nail salon, they also have the right tools and procedure to remove it safely.
From the front desk to the nail technicians, you will get top-notch customer service.
They also have other services available such as eyelashes, tinting, and waxing. There are also services available for kids.
However, they have shorter schedules on Saturdays. The salon is also closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great at nail art
- Top-notch customer services
- Wide range of beauty services
- Offers services for kids
Cons
- Shorter hours on Saturdays
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Customer Reviews
“I got my nails done yesterday and I’m so happy with the result!! I showed a picture of a design to my nail tech with the hope that she would be able to do something similar but she replicated it perfectly with a few touches that I liked better!!! The acrylics themselves are also super nicely done, they’re sturdy and the shape is even and uniform. I’d highly recommend getting your nails done here!!!” – Sloane
“All the ladies are well trained and super professional. I’ve been coming to Dorothy’s salon for 10 years now and this is the ONLY place that can touch my nails. They do amazing work and the options are endless. They do not disappoint.” – Jacquie West
2. Smudge Beauty Bar

Criteria | Rating |
Price | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Variety of Manicure Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
At $38, you can get a full-service classic manicure including nail shaping, buffing, cuticle care, and massage at Smudge Beauty Bar. If you want to get special nail polish, you would need to add $11 to $21.
One of the best things about going to this nail salon is that they believe in individuality. Their aestheticians understand that each person has specific tastes when it comes to their manicures, and they provide customized service for each customer.
They also have some of the most experienced aestheticians. You can even check the background of each one of them here.
If you also want to have a fun and relaxing time, this is also the place to be. Their atmosphere is cozy, and you can expect light-hearted chatter while getting your nails done.
Thinking of having a spa day with friends? You may get group services at a special rate here.
For those who want to take it up a notch, they can also provide products and beauty tips to keep your hands healthy.
Since they are rightfully in demand, you would need to book your appointment in advance.
Pros
- Personalized manicure services
- Trained aestheticians
- Relaxing and cozy
- Group services
Cons
- Bookings need to be booked in advance
Customer Reviews
“I’ve been here twice and hands down love it. Hariette paid very close attention to my feet and they felt brand new after my pedicure! They always recommend products that help me and my skin. Beautiful atmosphere. Nice music. Comfy chairs. Very friendly, kind, positive people and space! Would highly recommend it to anyone.” – Cameo Douglas
“Very first time here at Smudge! I had the pleasure of having Harriet do my nails. She was very polite and patient right from the start and was a honest person to bounce ideas off of. I had a special request to do something different with my nails and she was all for it! I got this awesome matching mani- pedi look and am very pleased with result. Very positive atmosphere from all staff as well, will come back again!” – Katie A
3. The Upkeep Shoppe

Criteria | Rating |
Price | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Variety of Manicure Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Some of you may be looking for a spa experience. You can get that at The Upkeep Shoppe for $105.
Their Me Time Spa Package includes their signature manicure and pedicure with added neck and shoulder massage. This is a great option for those who want to take pampering to the next level.
If you’re not in the mood for a massage, you can get their standard Upkeep Manicure for $39. For this, you can get hand soak, diamond nail filing, cuticle work, buffing, hand massage, buff and shine, and nail polish application finishing with Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat.
While your polish dries, you can add $15 for a scalp massage. Aside from this, they also have a lot of other services like facials, eyebrow maintenance, waxing, body treatment, relaxation massage, and spa packages.
Overall, this is a great option for those who want to unwind and look amazing after doing so.
However, if you’re planning to bring your kids along, they don’t accommodate children under 13.
Pros
- Spa experience
- Packages that include manicure, pedicure, and massage
- Wide variety of beauty services
Cons
- Does not accommodate kids
Customer Reviews
“I started going here before my wedding day and loved the Esau Skincare products that were used during my facial service. I have combination skin but always struggled with finding the right skincare routine to combat an oily t-zone and reduce the size of pores. I had bought the clear results kit and I used it daily for a month leading up to my wedding day. My skin was flawless and my makeup glided on so nicely. Highly recommend all those needing to relax before your big day to try this spa out and its products!” – Rosa Abdollahpour
“Best nail salon I’ve found in central Ottawa. Very neat work on both manicure and pedicure, really good massages, very attentive and professional. Shellac lasts forever and they do careful removal too where your nails look perfect after and not damaged at all. Every nail master I’ve had has been wonderful and fun. Highly recommend! Book in advance! The me time package is great.” – Sonya Gankina
4. Nail Bar Ottawa

Criteria | Rating |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Variety of Manicure Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Do you want to have awesome nails but you don’t have much time? Nail Bar Ottawa offers express manicure services for only $22. This is the cheapest rate on this list.
If you want a full-on experience, they also have a signature manicure that will cost you $30. This includes classic nail shapes, cuticle care, buffs, massage, and gloss nails to perfection.
If you want Shellac, then you just need to add $15.
For those who are still a bit hesitant to go outside due to COVID restrictions, this place might be for you. They provide a face mask to all customers upon entering the door.
They also have a limited number of employees and customers within the salon so that you can be socially distant from each other. On top of that, everyone who enters must sanitize or wash their hands upon entry.
However, please note that they are closed on Sundays. This could be a hassle for those who are only available during the weekends.
Pros
- Have express manicure services
- Affordable
- COVID policies are strictly implemented
Cons
- Closed during the weekends
Customer Reviews
“Helen does a really good job at this salon she is trained in various designs, I would recommend booking her if you are looking for something you really can’t get anywhere else in Ottawa. Design bio gel with shellac in the picture.” – Tomohisa Yokoyama
“I have been a client of Nail Bar for over 3 years now and am always impressed! Not only are they great at nails, but the cleanliness is also top-notch.” – Stephanie Walker
5. Lilac Nails & Spa

Criteria | Rating |
Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Variety of Manicure Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Lilac Nails & Spa caters to all types of manicure needs and budgets. Their regular manicure starts for as low as $20.
They also have other manicure services such as Signature Manicure, Supreme Manicure, and Shellac Manicure. Whatever type of nail services you need, they most likely have them.
For those who need to get their nails done on short notice, this is a great place to try. Their front desk is awesome and will try to squeeze you into their schedule as long as they can.
Another good thing about them is that their manicures are known to be long-lasting, which can save you both time and money.
If you want to take your kid to this salon, you will be pleased to know that they have special rates for the little ones.
However, please note that while they are great when it comes to manicures, there are better-reviewed salons for nail art.
Pros
- Manicure services for all budgets
- Can accommodate short-notice appointments
- Long-lasting manicure
Cons
- Not as good with nail art compared to other salons
Customer Reviews
“Genuinely this has been my favorite place to get my nails done, I’ve taken female and male friends there and everyone has a great experience. They are also super accommodating and will make room for an appointment no matter how busy they are. I had called asking for appointments for 3 people for the evening and they were willing to stay open an extra hour just to accommodate us! I’ve been going there for 3 years now and I don’t see myself going anywhere else! And in case you were wondering about the quality of their work. Highly recommend checking them out!” – Kimberly Goh
“I always leave this place happy. Very professional staff who provide Greta advice on colors, type of nail color, etc. I loved the powder dip nails I got last time – it’s been almost 4 weeks and they still look great!” – Rose Ahmad
FAQs about Manicure Services in Ottawa
There you go! We hope this list leads you to a beautiful manicure session.
Got other beauty services that you need? Click here for the best hair salons in Ottawa.
If you have other nail salons you want to add to this list, feel free to message us.