Nail appointments are no longer just routine beauty treatments. Nail artistry is now leading the way, shifting from maintenance to expression. Across London, a new generation of artists are shaping style, not just following it. With sculpted tips, bold colour, and careful detail, here are 5 nail artists whose masterpieces are well worth booking.
NAIL CULTUUR
@nailcultuur
Minimal but never plain. Nail Cultuur blends high design with technique. Based in Deptford, Nail Cultuur is setting the pace for conscious beauty that still hits hard. The nail artist uses vegan, cruelty-free polish to create intricate artistry. Think colourful sets with sculpted 3D elements. Here is where precision meets personality; each set is a distilled expression of style. Nail Cultuur offers a range of services, including BIAB, Gel-X or Gel Extensions, and Gel Polish.
NAILS BY CAITLIN
@nails.caitlin
Working from her private studio in Containerville, Cambridge Heath, Caitlin creates nail sets that are designed to stand out, not fade in. Her aesthetic is graphic, glossy, and meticulously built from chrome powders to bright, saturated colour, to perfectly placed gem work. Each Gel-X or press-on set feels like a statement: sharp, expressive, and always custom. For clients who know what they like and don’t need to explain it. Nail art here isn’t an add-on; it’s the eye-catching main event.
NAILS BY MANA
@nails.by.mana
Based in Kensal Rise, Mana brings an editorial edge to everyday nails. Her sets balance soft sculptural shapes with playful, precise details like pastel tones, dotty patterns, stars, and stripes all show up in ways that feel fresh, not forced. There's a quiet confidence in her work, which has featured in 10 Magazine and beyond. Whether it’s Gel-X or Aprés extensions, each set carries a distinct mood: whimsical, elegant, and built to last. Nail art here isn’t just decoration, it’s storytelling in soft focus.
ILLY'S NAILS
@illysnails
Based in Enfield, Illy creates nail sets that are as detailed as they are wearable. From BIAB to Gel-X and Bio Sculpture, her work is known for sculpted shapes, intricate hand-painted art, and Pinterest-ready finishes that still feel personal. Her sets range from soft and minimal to bold and graphic, always delivered with a sharp eye for detail. A certified tech with a strong client following, Illy bridges creativity and craft, turning references into looks that feel completely her own.
THE SET BY C
@thesetbyc
Working between Ada House in Stockwell and her studio in Fallowfields, Manchester, The Set by C approaches nails with the eye of an artist. No plain sets, just carefully considered designs shaped by texture, form, and a love of visual detail. From structured gel and soft sculpted acrylics to made-to-order press-ons, every set is built with intention. Her work draws from fine art and everyday material references, resulting in styles that feel stylish, original, and unmistakably hers. This is nail work with thought behind it and no shortcuts.
This isn’t about trend-hopping or fast beauty. These artists are redefining what nails can be: expressive, crafted, and completely individual. Book them now, while you still can.
Header Image: @nails.by.mana