Guides & reads
Honest, local guides to picking salons, services, and nail care in Santa Monica.
How to Choose a Nail Salon in Santa Monica: A Local Guide
A Santa Monica-specific guide to picking a nail salon — from Montana Avenue studios to Pico walk-ins — covering services, beach-ready finishes, and parking.
Gel vs Dip Powder Nails in Santa Monica: How to Choose
A Santa Monica editor's take on gel versus dip powder nails — how each holds up against beach days, sun exposure, and a busy Westside schedule.
Santa Monica Nail Trends for 2026: A Local Editor's Guide
From clean beauty on Montana Avenue to beach-ready pedicures in Ocean Park, here's how Santa Monica's nail scene is shifting heading into 2026.