Top 10 Places for Gel Manicures in Manila (2025 Edition)

Price range: starts at P1,200 for both cleaning and gel polish

The lowdown: "Dashing Diva is a nail salon service located inside Beauty Bar branches, so they’re quite easy to find at malls. They do have an online booking option but only for its Central Square branch. As I was meaning to have my session at their Rockwell outpost, I opted to text the branch instead (the contact numbers are listed on their website)—which worked fine. The service itself went great! The place is well-lit, and Princess Diaries was airing onscreen as I was getting the service done so time really flew by fast. The staff were super friendly and made me feel right at home.

The gel manicure was super glossy and sturdy. I use my hands a lot in the kitchen and for typing given my day job, and the gel polish still looks fresh after two weeks.

I'd get it for special occasions because it's super convenient to have smooth, glossy nails without having to worry too much about them chipping or peeling too easily." - Trish

The verdict: Dashing Diva is conveniently located in Beauty Bar branches nationwide, and their wide selection of colors is a feast for someone who loves getting their nails painted. The cleaning service is separate from the gel application, which might cause confusion to first-time clients, says Trish. Oftentimes, a "gel manicure" already includes both cleaning and application. While there were some uneven bits that can be fixed, the staff was accommodating and treated clients well, the mani lasts a while, and that feel-good movie is a great bonus.

The lowdown: "If you're looking for a no-nonsense, well-priced gel manicure in Ortigas, Claws is a reliable option. I easily booked a session via phone call, but you can also secure a slot through the app ClassPass. They offer what's called a Dry Manicure and Gel—the name of the service is pretty literal so expect no hand soaks and acetone, but possibly a quick spritz of water on your nails. They use an electric nail file to smooth out your nail beds and remove any excess gel polish from your last session—other than that, the process will be familiar to most nail salon regulars.

The salon itself, hidden away inside BSA Twin Towers across Megamall, looks pretty simple. Don't expect a spa-like experience, soothing music, or scented candles. You'll be seated facing a table and resting your hands in front of you, instead of being seated in a lounge chair where you recline and your hand rests on a soft pillow. The upside is you can enjoy a pretty quick service (mine only took around 45 minutes). Plus, they offer a free serving of coffee, water, or tea to make your stay a little more pleasant. Their most impressive offering has to be the highly skilled nail techs who take note of all your preferences, provide helpful suggestions, and (if you're looking to splurge on a more elaborate mani) know how to apply beautiful and intricate nail art. Overall, you get a no-frills, well-done manicure with nail techs who know what they're doing." - Ashley

The lowdown: "For my gel manicure, I went to Nailaholics’ branch in Market Market, since it’s nearest to my office. This branch is inside a mall, so there are a lot of parking options and it’s easily accessible for commuters. There are three ways to book an appointment with Nailaholics—through their website, their app (Self Love Club), and through the specific branch’s hotline. I opted for the third option and called in during lunch time. It was easy to book a same-day appointment, and the staff who handles reservations was very friendly during our phone call.

My nail tech first gave me the choices of nail polish colors. I was initially planning to get something near sage green or sea foam, but their color selection was a bit limited. I usually get square nails with rounded edges, but I asked my nail tech for her opinion on what would look best, given that my nails curl in on themselves when they get quite long. She then suggested I get almond nails because it would look pretty, and it would solve my 'curling' problem.

Kudos to her for patiently answering my questions and explaining aspects of gel manicure that I was curious about. She applied a base coat, three coats of color, and two top coats, but it didn’t feel clunky at all. After the manicure, the nail tech gave my hands a bit of a massage that felt really relaxing. When I asked if she could help me take pictures of my nails for the ‘Gram, she really went all out, fetching a mat for me to place my hands on, even grabbing seashells as props, and directing how I should pose my hands." - Cielo

The verdict: The staff at Nailaholics go above and beyond to service each and every one of their clients. From assisting customers and fluffing up pillows on the couch, to making recommendations based on different nail concerns and answering questions about the process, the nail techs have you covered. The chill, beachy vibe of the salon also adds to the serenity of the experience, and there are several outposts around the Metro so you can choose one nearest to you.

While P1,000 is reasonable enough these days, Cielo says it seems pricey for a basic gel service, especially since other salons can get your nails gelled up for a bit less. But hey, if you're not doing this every month and you have the funds, the staff make the visit and service worthwhile.

The lowdown: "I visited the Tulua Nail Spa & Cafe branch in Eastwood for my Gel Manicure sesh. I got their info and a list of their services and their prices easily online, and booked through an online form. I also shot them a text (I'm not much of a caller) if they accept walk-ins, and they replied in an instant that yes, they also accept walk-ins. You might miss the salon at first glance because it blends well with the whole building (Lafayette). The salon has no parking area as it's literally on the side of the road, but there are malls nearby which is ideal for killing time before or after your appointment. But Tulua has a small cafe, too, if you don't wanna stray too far.

I got seated as soon as I went in. They had a wide assortment of pretty colors, like the trending jelly shades (which I will definitely get next time). Before the session, the staff asked me for my preferred nail shape. They would ask me if anything hurt at different points in the session, they were very meticulous, and they have a light hand. The session took more than an hour, though it didn't feel like it. The salon is well-lit and definitely relaxing. I also spotted sockets on some chairs so you can charge your phone during the service. I got the standard massage after the service, and there was fun, small talk with the friendly technician on the side. Honestly, I thought it would be expensive but P850 for a great overall service and my nails gets a chef's kiss." - Louise

Price range: starts at P960

The lowdown: "It's been more than a decade since I last put on nail polish, and it'll be my first time to try a gel manicure service. For a nail newbie like me, Nail Spa made it an easy, comfortable, and relaxing experience. 

Booking with them was easy—a quick call to their readily accessible landline number was all it took. When I arrived at their branch in Shangri-la Plaza, I was ushered into a cute loveseat-style couch (ahead of my appointment, but I had arrived early and they already had available manicurists). The gel manicure itself was a surprisingly relaxing experience, because I am usually wary of manicurists who cut my nails too short and nick the flesh. However, she had a light touch when she was cleaning my (already short) nails; she rounded out and shaped them more nicely than I could at home. I also went in having no real plans on which color to choose, but she was patient and even let me try several. She put on four coats. After application, she gave me a hand massage that had me second guessing whether I should have also gotten a foot spa, but I decided to save it for another time.

Since application, I've fiddled around with some construction materials in my currently-being-renovated home and some other light housework (including washing the dishes) and my nails look as vibrant as ever. I never thought I'd be interested in maintaining gel-manicured nails, but so far they seem durable enough that I can cook and clean without worrying about it chipping, like I did when I used to apply regular nail polish." - Georgia

The lowdown: "Booking at Flaunt It Nails was a breeze. After messaging them on social media, they replied with a photo of their full list of services and corresponding prices. No website forms to fill out, no waiting for a reply. I had only booked one hour before my appointment and they accommodated me without issue. The salon was easy to locate, too, with ample parking just outside the building. 

Although no one guided me to my seat right away, a staff member approached to confirm my requested service. My nail tech took her time with the prep work (filing, shaping, buffing, removing cuticles), which told me all I needed to know: I was in good hands. Her touch was light all throughout, so I never felt any strain from keeping my hands in place the whole time. What I really appreciated about the service is my nail tech offered to swatch my top color picks on my nails so I could see which one I liked more. This helped me settle on a darker nude shade (Bandi 92). The gel manicure included two base coats, two coats of color, and one top coat. It’s worth noting that I had a fitness class right after my appointment, which made it the perfect test to see if the gel would hold up—and it did. A week later, as I write this, my manicure is still in pristine condition." - Micah

The lowdown: "I tried out Mich & Myl Nails at Market! Market! for my gel manicure. Since the branch is inside a mall, there's lots of available parking and various terminals if you commute. Once in the mall, the branch itself is pretty easy to find, since most of the salons are in the same wing. Making a reservation was pretty easy too; I simply called the branch using the number available on the website. The staff was very accommodating, both before and after service. The receptionist knowledgeably answered the questions of inquiring customers, and she was very attentive to not just the customers but also the nail techs.

As for my service, I was seated almost immediately. The chairs were very cushy and comfortable, and the ambiance was pretty relaxing, with warm lighting and soft music. I usually do my gel nails myself at home, so this was the first time I've gotten them done professionally. They have a basic and a premium gel manicure service, and I was told that the difference between the two (other than the extra P300 price) was simply the available brands and colors. What really stood out to me was the care and time that went into the cuticle prep. The nail tech also made sure to check with me regarding the length and shape of my nails, and whether I wanted to add more coats of the polish. All in all, I enjoyed my manicure with Mich & Myl." - Jean

The verdict: While we understand offering a more expensive tier for more color options, clients like Jean are left wishing they had more choices for the basic gel mani. Still, at P950, the experience feels premium even if it's the basic service, and the attention to detail plus caring hands of the staff make it worth the splurge. Mich & Myl also participates in mall-wide sales (at least for the Market! Market branch), so you can save on that future gel mani if you time your session right.

Price range: starts at P1,149

The lowdown: "It was easy to book The Secret Lounge's services through Parlon. All the services were listed there and you can book everything even if you dont have a Parlon account. However, looking for the salon was a bit more difficult and I had to ask guards. The signage outside the store initially says Garden Lounge but the staff tells me they are always on the lookout for people looking for The Secret Lounge.

The service is a bit more expensive than what I usually pay for with a gel manicure but there were touches that made it worth it. My nail tech was very seasoned; you could tell by her demeanor how much she knew about nails. There was a free snack and drink. The seats were very plush and comfy, and the temp of the place was just right. The color selection wasn’t as extensive as I hoped but as a girl who usually goes for the basics, it was nice to see some pops of color in the palette. They also gave me a discount coupon for my next visit! " - Leana

The verdict: One could argue that P1,149 for a gel manicure is excessive, but the price also includes a complimentary drink and a biscuit, and it's these small gestures that make customers like Leana feel extra pampered. On top of that, The Secret Lounge's nail technician goes above and beyond to ensure that the customer not only gets a gel mani that will last weeks, but also nail care tips and tricks that clients can carry with them long after a session has ended.

Price range: starts at P980

The lowdown: "I was already in the area so I stopped by to reserve a slot then came back. Nail prep was so meticulous and polish application was incredibly smooth and precise. My cuticles were removed without any nicks and each coat was applied like a dream. The nail tech took her time with each layer, and I only had to get two coats of color to achieve the opacity I wanted. I got a solid hand massage and drops of cuticle oil on each finger after the manicure. She was gentle and knowledgeable from start to finish, and I couldn't stop staring at my hands. 

I'm particular about shape, so I usually just go for square since it's the easiest to achieve, but this time I went for almond nails. I was told to go for oval instead—which is a cross between almond and round—so I could keep the length and let it grow out. Filing was a science at this point, with the technician looking at it from her view and turning my hand over to see how the client would see it from her perspective. She asked me to check and by this point, at other nail salons, I usually just settle for what's already done, but she did so well that I didn't have notes or complaints at all.

The salon's setup makes the whole process more efficient—each chair is elevated to make giving both manis and pedis easier. There are also built-in faucets and lamps for each chair so the nail technician can bring water for more premium services without the risk of spilling water and making a mess. There are sockets per chair, too, for the UV lamps, yes, but clients could also charge their devices during the mani." - Clara

The verdict: From top-tier service to tiny details that are sure to curry the favor of gel mani connoisseurs, Alpina Lounge has it all, plus other services like eyelash extensions, waxing, massages, and even a cafe. At just P980, Clara felt the experience was worth way more. Alpina Lounge has the makings of a queen bee nail lounge save for one thing: the number of branches. The BGC salon is worth the trip, without a doubt, but for those who live far away, the trip could prove too far. Fingers crossed they get more branches!

Price range: starts at P900

The lowdown: "I dropped by Nail Tropics’ Promenade branch in San Juan on a Saturday evening and found the whole experience surprisingly smooth. There was ample parking, and as a walk-in, I didn’t even have to wait to be seated. The space was clean and quiet, with mellow music that made it easy to unwind. I went for a manicure and chose from their Ladai gel polish line. There were lots of pretty shades, but I settled on a muted teal that felt just right for the rainy season.

The nail technician was warm and attentive, checking in on my preferences throughout the session. The application was neat and precise, and even after several days of doing house chores and constant typing, my nails are still chip-free. If you’re in the area and want a no-fuss, well-done gel manicure, Nail Tropics is a solid pick. They also offer add-ons like scrubs if you’re in the mood for a little extra pampering." - Kate

The verdict: Both rookie and seasoned gel mani enjoyers have heard of Nail Tropics—and for good reason. With numerous branches across the Metro, a reliable and standardized service, and competitive pricing, Nail Tropics remains a top pick for many, including Kate. While other nail salons gained points for extra meticulous services and bonus treats, Nail Tropics' consistency, reliability, and accessibility reigns. You really can't go wrong with one of the OG nail lounges, whether you need an emergency nail sesh a day before a major event, or a pre-scheduled pamper day.