An independent Minneapolis guide
Nails, hands and feet around Minneapolis
Care guides for every season, notes on Minneapolis neighborhoods, and a directory of nail salons from the North Loop to Southwest.
Care guides
01Gel, dip, acrylic or regularWhat each manicure is made of, how long it lasts and what it asks of your nails.
02Winter nail and hand careMinneapolis winters dry out nails and skin. A routine that holds up to January.
03Pedicure guideWhat happens in a pedicure, how to prepare, and how to keep feet comfortable afterward.
04Healthy nails basicsCuticles, trimming, moisture and the signs that mean a visit to a provider.
05Choosing a nail salonLicenses, cleanliness, questions to ask and how to check a Minnesota license.
06At-home manicureA simple manicure routine between salon visits, step by step.
Neighborhoods
Streets, landmarks and nearby salons, one neighborhood at a time.
Nail salons in Minneapolis
Twelve salons and spas grouped by area, listed alphabetically, with address, phone and website. Before you book, read the checklist for choosing a salon and how to look up a Minnesota license.
Through the year
Winter dryness, spring art crawls, summer pedicures and fall walks: care and events by season, from January's cold to July's lake days.
On the map
Nicollet Avenue in Kingfield, Minneapolis.
Common questions
How do I check a nail technician's license in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners runs a public License Lookup for practitioners, salons and schools. The salon checklist covers what else to look for on a first visit.
Is gel polish bad for my nails?
Peeling it off and wearing it without breaks does the damage. Soaking it off in acetone and limiting it to a few sets a year is gentler. See the guide to gel, dip, acrylic and regular polish.
How do I stop my nails from splitting in winter?
Use heavy cream at night, a lanolin-based nail conditioner during the day, gloves outside and shorter nails. The winter care guide lays it out.
Where can I find a nail salon in Minneapolis?
The directory lists salons and spas by area, with address, phone and website.