The Classic: Beverly Hills Nail Design
Come here and you're guaranteed to see a Kardashian or a Beverly Hills housewife. Lisa, who runs the spa, means business; Don't even think about taking too long to choose your color, but if you can't decide, the classic French or red manicure is perfect: round with squared-edges and lasts well over a week. Especially if you see the salon's best nail technician, Liz.
Beverly Hills Nail Salon, 423 North Bedford Drive (at Brighton Way); 310-205-0694.
Nail Art Extraordinaire: CT Nails
We've written about them before, but it bears repeating: CT Nails is the spot for nail art. We know New Yorkers who rave about this place's mad airbrushing skills (hint, hint, Jen Brill and Harley Viera Newton) from across the country, so take advantage of your lucky proximity to his masterful work.
CT 9, 7854 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Fairfax Avenue); 323-654-9385.
Most Buzzed-About Manicure: The Painted Nail
The Painted Nail is one of the most buzzed-about in town—and has really broken out as the ultimate spot for gel manicures and top-of-the-line pedis. We like the clean, chic vibe, (after all, they're filming a reality show based on this spa here) and they've developed an organic line of laquers with one of our fave eco-friendy nail polish lines, Nubar. We've heard more than a few friends rave about their gel manis...they won't chip even after two weeks, which is quite an achievement, if you ask us.
The Painted Nail, 13327 Ventura Boulevard (at Fulton Avenue); 818-783-2022.