Getting my nails done in Japan is one thing that I have always wanted to do, yet, I felt it was something I could not justify spending so much money on. This year, I decided to just bite the bullet and get my nails done as a birthday treat.
My best friend has always raved about Jill & Lovers and has every right too. Every time she would get her nails done I would lowkey be jealous of how beautiful they were. Even in the three years she has been getting her nails done there, Jill & Lovers has grown so much, moving from a tiny studio to one much more modern and spacious. This in itself is a sign of how good this nail salon really is.
Booking an appointment is compulsory and is both an easy and difficult process. The easy part is that you can book an appointment by messaging Jill & Lovers on Instagram. The difficult part is finding an appointment. As I previously stated, this salon is in its prime and is thriving. Celebrities such as Rita Ora have had their nails pampered in this salon so you know they are the real deal. If you are wanting to get your nails done for a certain occasion, I would recommend at least messaging 2/3 weeks in advance as it is a little tricky to get appointments in the same week. Additionally, something to note is that the nail artists speak and write minimal English so it is best to try and use Japanese or go in physically into the salon itself.
When booking your appointment, you may be asked what type of design you want so its best to have inspiration and images saved that you can send over. The girls who work at Jill & Lovers are creatives at heart so are also up for changing designs around or creating something new. This is also a good chance to ask how much your set will cost.
The prices vary as it depends on the design choice and whether you want extensions or not. Sets tend to start from around ¥8000 (£57) and can easily go up to around ¥20000 (£143). If you are on a bit of a budget, I would recommend having a couple of different designs saved, some which are more simple than others.
After my own experience here, I feel that the price is completely justified. The staff at Jill & Lovers are not only understanding but are super lovely and super talented. Since I wanted my nails done in time for my birthday, they made arrangements to ensure that I could get them done in time.
The Experience
Chic, clean and comfortable, these three words sum up the feel of the nail salon itself. After making your way up a very steep staircase, you are warmly greeted by the staff who then give you a complimentary drink ranging from green tea to iced coffees. To add to this welcoming atmosphere, the owner of the salon has two little dogs who roam the salon both so sweet and friendly.
The nail stations itself were nicely set up and they provided everything from baskets for your belongings to a little trinket tray for your jewellery which I felt was a really nice touch. The nail artists are not only kind but helpful; giving recommendations for colours and designs. Right at the beginning they breakdown the costs for you and explain what they are planning to do.
In the end, I got gels and no extensions. This took around an hour and a half, but it was so worth it. I could a full treatment on my nails and they were so careful every moment of the process. From looking after my nails to decorating them. The level of the detail they go into for each nail is amazing. Every colour ever imaginable and any gemstone is on offer here for your nails so you really can have any design you want.
Originally, I was stuck between two designs; one inspired by Sailor Moon and this other set which I had found on the artist's instagram. In the end, I went for the latter, mostly because it was cheaper and I felt looked more unique.
I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was with this set. I have only ever had my nails done 4/5 times but this is for sure my favourite set I have ever had done. I especially love the glitter nail covered with gems and the checkerboard looking one too. Overall, I paid around ¥12000 (£85) which was totally worth it for the amount of time and energy which went into my design. However, I did find after around 4 weeks my gels did start to fall off naturally which is both a good and a bad thing.
That said, I will definitely be getting my nails done again in Jill & Lovers and I was really content with the results. If you are looking for the best place to get your nails done for the first time in Tokyo, hit up Jill & Lovers and you will be leaving with the most beautiful nails around.
Contact Details
Address: 3rd Floor, 6 Chome-10-12 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Phone Number: 03-6427-6203
Opening Times: Mon-Sat, 12:00-9:00pm, Sun: 11am-7pm
Instagram: @Jillandlovers_h