Don’t commute to San Francisco for a quality mani pedi! No matter which part of Marin you might be in, there’s a salon right in your neighborhood that offers services just as good (or better) than anywhere the city can offer. Tips, gels or sugar scrubs, no matter what you need, we’ve got your back — or your hands, as it were. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Chloe Nails & Spa. For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Nail Salon picks, see below.
Our 2024 Beauty category sponsor is NorCal Plastic Surgery. View the rest of the Best of the County Beauty category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern
Southern Marin
Ace Nails
Mill Valley
Thirty years ago, Ace Nails started out as Teresa’s Nail Care. Though they have undergone a name change, the dedicated clientele and expert technicians remain. Located in the heart of Mill Valley, the salon’s in a great place for you to stop by after a day of shopping and dining. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
38 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.389.0530
Fingers and Toes, Faces and Places
Mill Valley
The bright walls and chic pink paint result in a modern and fun environment ideal for relaxing and getting some color on. Looking for a mother-daughter day experience? Check out the Little Miss package for girls 12 and under. Hours are 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday.
226 E. Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley, 415.383.7534
Holly Nails
Mill Valley
From perfectly shaped French tips to creating custom colors for that exact shade of pink you’ve been searching for, you’ll be blown away by the results. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
777 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.380.8615
Nail Motif
Mill Valley
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for or aren’t as knowledgeable about nail care as you’d like to be, Nail Motif is the right salon for you. The nail technicians here give expert advice on what’s going to suit your personal style and how to best take care of the final results. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
94 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.326.5198
Rosemary Spa
Mill Valley
For a wonderful atmosphere and quality service, put Rosemary Spa on your list for the next time you need your nails spruced up. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
247 CA-1 # A10, Mill Valley, 415.383.2690
Top Coat Nail Spa
Mill Valley
Looking for a gorgeous, glam nail set that’s more work-of-art than manicure? Look no further than Top Coat NailSpa for both your basic mani/pedi or your more adventurous Gel X, dip or acrylic needs. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day.
45 Camino Alto Suite 103, Mill Valley, 415.689.8696
Trio Salon
Mill Valley
Trio services customers of Southern Marin right in the heart of Mill Valley on Miller Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome at this centrally located spot, and many locals have been taking advantage of Trio’s services for decades. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
413 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.1241
Sausalito Nail Salon
Sausalito
For those in Southern Marin, look no further than five minutes away from home for the perfect gel manicure or French tip. Book in advance, as they can fill up quickly the day of. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
1001 Bridgeway c2, Sausalito, 415.332.1689
Tiburon Nails
Tiburon
For professional, meticulous nail care in a stunningly clean environment visit Tiburon Nails the next time you need a fresh set. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
1799 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, 415.435.4114
Central Marin
Annie’s Nails
San Rafael
Few places embody the spirit of a friendly neighborhood salon better than Annie’s Nails. It’s a quieter spot that shows its shine with high-quality service and a peaceful atmosphere that keeps clients coming back again and again. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
6 California Ave., San Rafael, 415.258.9356
Be Polished Nail Spa
Larkspur
Be Polished Nail Spa is the place to go for high-end polishes applied with expert techniques that guarantee satisfaction. In addition to standard services, Be Polished also provides sea salt scrubs, foot massages, and waxing, meaning there’s no need to go to multiple places for all your beauty needs. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
539 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.924.8877
Bella Rouge
Kentfield
A pedicure go-to for many, Bella Rouge provides long-lasting results at very affordable prices. The salon offers a wide range of services, including waxing and brow tinting. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
928 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, 415.457.6899
Chloe Nails & Spa
San Anselmo
Owner Hanah has been designing the perfect nails for over 10 years, creating all kinds of artistic results for her clients. Delicate flowers, bold numbers and even cheetah print; she’s done them all! Slide into a comfy chair in this chic, modern studio and get your nails painted with mermaid scales. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
730 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.524.8866
Fairfax Nail Salon
Fairfax
With big, wide windows looking out to the heart of Fairfax and colorful walls of polish options, this neighborhood salon is the perfect place to relax while you get your mani-pedi. The results? Long-lasting color or dipped tips that are sure to wow your friends and have them asking where you got them done. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
717 Center Blvd, Fairfax, 415.456.9701
Magnolia Nail Spa
Larkspur
Drop your feet into a warm bath and let the pampering commence in this peaceful and cheerful salon. The prices are also very competitive and won’t hurt your wallet. They do get busy fast, so try to book an appointment ahead of time if you can. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
272 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 510.691.9472
Nails By Kim
San Rafael
This charming salon in the heart of downtown San Rafael has a soothing atmosphere and excellent attention to detail that will leave you relaxed and enthusiastic to return. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
1555 4th St, San Rafael, 415.485.6055
Passion Nails
San Rafael
At Passion Nails, no gel application will be too thick, no section of nail unpainted. Enjoy the cheery red chairs and airy atmosphere while you relax. Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Tuesday.
1027 C St, San Rafael, 415.459.8669
Ross Nails
Ross
Even the most particular clients won’t find fault with Ross Nails. The care their welcoming staff takes in ensuring excellence will blow you away. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Tuesday.
32 Ross Common, Ross, 415.461.3400
Three Sisters Nails
San Rafael
A lot of Three Sisters Nails’ clients are referrals, and there’s a reason: Once you go there, you simply have to tell your friends about it. The staff greets everyone who walks through the door with a smile and goes above and beyond to make sure you’re happy with their work. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.
963 Grand Ave., San Rafael, 415.454.9662
Northern Marin
NJ Nails Spa
Novato
Get a hot stone massage with your pedicure or a vanilla wild plum sugar scrub during your manicure and you’ll soon see what all the hype is about. The team behind NJ Nails Spa isn’t just about sending you out the door with perfect nails — although they absolutely do that, too — they also give you a royal spa treatment while your toes are tended to. Hours are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m Saturday.
132 Vintage Way Suite F 15, Novato, 415.717.9775
Best of the County Beauty Sponsor
Nor Cal Plastic Surgery
NorCal Plastic Surgery provides a personalized, goal-oriented approach to enhanced quality of life. Dr. Tim Rankin employs award-winning surgical techniques and provides consistently safe, high-quality outcomes.
Give us five local favorite places you like to go: Wellness, restaurants and activities?
Bungalow Kitchen for appetizers and cocktails, Now Power Yoga for my sanity, Kitchen Sunnyside for their hot stone bowl, Sam’s for their clam chowder and F45 to burn off all the food I just listed.
What do you love about Cosmetic Surgery?
I have the opportunity to help people maximize their quality of life and watching people achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.
What are your top 3 favorite procedures to perform?
Facelift, facial fat transfer and breast lift.
If a patient is on the verge of surgery but not ready for a surgical procedure, any advice?
Surgery is a big step for any procedure, but I think that education is the key. I hear patients say all the time, “I was so nervous, but now I’m excited”. I think that with a little education, we can allay most fears and show patients that our approach is safe and that recovery tends to be faster than people realize.
NorCal Plastic Surgery | Greenbrae | 925.856.4800 | norcalsurgery.com