A good nail set can be the difference between a great week and a terrible week. It might sound vain, but it’s hard not to hyperfixate on how are nails are looking — particularly when one of them breaks. If you’re feeling the urge to splash out on a new set, this article is for you! It’s important for uni students to save money, so we’ve compiled an inclusive list of the best and cheapest nail salons favoured by uni students in Cardiff — based on personal experience, testimonies from friends and website ratings
Cardiff Bay Nails and Beauty
Often in Cardiff guides, Cardiff bay gets forgotten about due to its distance from the main city centre. Not in this case though – the bay is a bustling urban area, and it’s full of quality nail salons with good student discounts and deals. Open Monday through Saturday, this salon even offers a loyalty card to its regular customers ( useful for those who can’t go without nails for too long).
A quick trip to their Instagram reveals that these artists are professionals when it comes to nail art, often advertising their services for weddings and proms. Students will no doubt want to glam up for any university society balls or events, so getting some nail art from this salon will perfectly complete your look! Whilst these nails may cost a little more than the others on this list, I thought it prudent to include some more upmarket nails for students looking for something that’s both special, and outside of the main Cardiff area
Nails in the City
54A Bute St, Cardiff CF10 5AF
From nail polish to nail extensions, you will have your choice of nails at Nails in the City. Aside from nails they also offer semi-permanent make up, spray tans and laser treatments. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Nailcraft Emporium
19 Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1FH
Source: Nailcraft Emporium Instagram
This salon takes the top slot for having the prettiest shop front of the list! Loving the floral decor, and these nails are just as good looking. Aside from the usual gels and polishes, Nailcraft Emporium also offers a selection of nail art, or for £10 you can stick to a classic french finish. Their signature manicure costs £20, and includes the nails being shaped, the cuticles tidied, and then painted a colour of your choice.
Skin ‘n’ Tonic
159-161 Crwys Road, Cardiff, CF24 4NH
Source: Skin ‘n’ Tonic Instagram
This salon comes highly recommended by a friend! Based on Crwys road, it’s never been easier for students living in the cathays area to find a cheap and pretty set of nails, that importantly won’t break the bank! Fifteen pounds is all it costs for a manicure here, and you can add on an extra three pounds for a luxury manicure at eighteen pound fifty. There are also a range of other nails services available, as well as waxing and electrolysis. So, if you’re in the need for a salon which can provide multiple services, then this is the place for you!
Nail Divas
3 Bishop’s Rd, Cardiff
Diva’s by name, Divas by trade, these ladies will hook you up with a very stylish set — a friend had their French tips done here and was over the moon with how they turned out!
This salon is versatile: From manicures to 3D nail art, all of your nail needs can be fulfilled at Nail Divas in Cardiff. You can get a semi-permanent UV gel manicure for £15, but they also have lots of other services under £20. Plus, a nail rescue treatment is just £5!
Kim’s Nail Salon
112 Clare Rd, Cardiff CF11 6RU
I mean come on, just look at how fantastic these colours are! Reasonably priced between twenty and thirty pounds, with the more complex designs costing a little bit more, Kim’s Nails is the perfect choice! A minor inconvenience for most Cardiff students who will be living in the cathays/Roath area, it will definitely be worth getting an uber here as the distance is quite long. But for these nails,I think a little distance is understandable.
Whether you want to treat yourself to a set of acrylic nails, ombre nails, or a selection of gel colours, there will be something for you at Kim’s nail salon. You can check out their prices as well as the rest of their services on their website.
FAQs about budget nail salons in Cardiff
Gel is quick and affordable, BIAB adds strength and longevity for natural nails, and acrylics work for length and bold shapes. Choose based on lifestyle and upkeep—BIAB infills can be cost-effective if you’re careful with aftercare.
Look for clean stations, sanitised tools, clear pricing and patch/consult policies for sensitive skin. Read recent reviews and check artists’ portfolios for shape consistency, cuticle care and neat application before booking promos or walk-ins.
Many do—bring student ID for midweek offers, loyalty stamps or combo pricing (gel hands + toes). Booking fills or plain colours keeps costs down while still looking polished for nights out and placements.
Use cuticle oil daily, wear gloves for cleaning, avoid picking and book timely removals. Short, rounded shapes chip less; ask for a protective top coat if you type or use lab equipment frequently in your course.
Book weekends and nail art; walk-ins can work midweek for simple gels. Arrive with inspiration photos and a clean nail bed so your appointment runs smoothly and stays within the quoted price/time.
Hi! I’m Ruby and I’m an undergraduate studying English and Journalism at Cardiff University. Outside of lectures, I’m either at the library or on the hunt for a spontaneous sweet treat.
