Manchester Beauty Survival Guide

A new academic year is upon us at Manchester, and — whether you like it or not — you need to get serious. When we say serious, what we truly mean here at Fashion and Beauty is you seriously need to sort out your hair, nails, and everything in between.

Having a great manicure or refreshed eyelashes is just as important for your inner self as it is for your outer, because feeling good on the outside automatically makes life that little bit easier. As well as this, showing up to your first lecture with seriously cute nails is always a good conversation starter — take it from us.

So here is the definitive list of the top beauty spots in Manchester!

Nails

1. The Gelologist

The Gelologist operates out of the Northern Quarter in the cutest salon you've ever seen. Georgia (the OG), along with seven other Nail Art specialists in the studio, do the most incredible BIAB manicures you've ever seen. From timeless French tips to trendy tortoise shell, the artists at The Gelologist know what's up when it comes to the top trending nail designs. Boasting nearly 40k followers on a verified Instagram account, 500 five-star reviews on Fresha, and plenty of clients from the influencer-sphere, how could you not want a Gelologist manicure?

@The_Gelologist on Instagram

Not only can you get a killer manicure in the studio, you can also get yourself some permanent welded jewellery courtesy of Griff's Welding Studio. The studio also hosts regular pop-ups for local beauty and fashion businesses, most recently a Parklife Weekend Pop Up with a Disco Hair and Makeup Artist.

Prices range from £37-£80 depending on the level of the design, and you can find the links to the other artists in the studio here.

2. The Set by C

If you're looking to get your nails done a little closer to home, The Set by C is the place to go. Specialising in Gel-X, a fairly new and less damaging alternative to acrylics, medical student Christine utilises her background in art to create the most breathtaking designs. Christine's portfolio varies from intricate 3D designs to airbrushed aura nails, and can last over a month without lifting or chipping. Christine is already fully booked for September, so get in quick if you want literal art on your nails!

Credit: @thesetbyc on Instagram

Ranging from £30-£60 depending on the type of nail and design you want, Set by C is a great small business to add to your beauty faves. Plus, she's a University of Manchester student, so you know you're in good hands! You can check out all her designs here.

Hair

1. RCNQ

Loved by all, RCNQ, located in the trendy Northern Quarter, is a salon for everyone. Led by Rob Czlapka, all the stylists at RCNQ are renowned for their friendliness and somehow being able to read your mind when you can't quite articulate what you want. Even better than that, it's an all-inclusive space, offering trans-friendly styling and consultation, afro hair styling, wigs, and more. The salon is also ridiculously Instagrammable, boasting colourful decor that will make you feel like you've been transported inside a pick-and-mix bag.

Credit: @RCNQ on Instagram

RCNQ do things a little differently: instead of paying for the service provided, you'll pay for your time spent in the salon. This varies from £40-£80 depending on your stylist, which might work better if you're on a student budget. The salon boasts a 4.7/5 rating on Google from over 450 reviewers. RCNQ is an award-winning salon, so to say you've had your hair done there is a flex within itself.

2. Palace Barbers, Afflecks

Next time you're in Afflecks browsing a neverending maze of wackiness and you think to yourself, 'Wow, I'm in desperate need of a haircut' — no need to worry! Palace Barbers in Affleck's is the place to go for a quick refresh, or even something totally different on a whim because they only allow walk-in appointments, so your spontaneity can run wild. A diverse and LGBTQ+ friendly space, Palace Barber's has been running in Affleck's since 2009, with multiple stylists. With 5 stars across the board from nearly all patrons, it's a more budget-friendly option for anyone in need of a new do.

Credit: @palacebarbersafflecks on Instagram

Palace Barber's operates a cash-only model, so be prepared for that when you show up to your appointment, but also be prepared for an incredibly cool and friendly environment for your next haircut.

Face & Body

1. Brazilian Waxing Company

Brazilian Waxing Company on Oxford Road don't just offer their namesake; they do every beauty treatment you could need in one place. They do waxing, laser hair removal, eyelash extensions, brow tinting, brow lamination — the list literally goes on and on. So, we suggest checking out their website for a full list of treatments available.

The salon itself is an enviable place, with eclectic walls, neon, and luxurious decor that makes you feel like you're walking into Elton John's subconscious. Brazilian Waxing Company can wax you completely head to toe — literally, they will wax your toes! Prices range from £7 to £125 for the full monty. For other treatment prices, be sure to check out their full price list.

The Brazilian Waxing Company boasts a 4.9/5 on Google with a whopping 1.3k reviews, with patrons complimenting their friendliness, efficiency, and making people feel at ease, which is a godsend when you might be getting a wax for the first time.

2. So.

'So.' is located on West Didsbury's trendy Burton Road, offering beauty and nail treatments, with a BIAB manicure costing around £33. 'So.' preaches a no-nonsense beauty ethos, which is refreshing in a time when the female beauty standard changes constantly.

'So.' offers waxing, manicures and pedicures, brow lamination, lash and brow tints, and a host more on their website. For those of us with commitment issues, they offer non-gel manicures from £20, as well as nail art. The salon also provides late hours and flexible appointments, which is a godsend for those of us on a very random student timetable that can change at any minute.

There you have it: the one and only list you will need to solidify your Manchester beauty bible as a student.