L1 Beauty box ★9.3

A nail salon in Chinatown, run by women

Beauty Box L1 works out of the stretch where Berry Street runs down into Chinatown, and it built its name on nails rather than a broad spa menu. The salon is women-owned and openly LGBTQ+ friendly, and that shows in how it operates: an inclusive room, a regular clientele that books the same technician, and a portfolio of nail-industry award listings behind the counter.

Services

Nails carry the salon, with lashes and brows as the natural add-ons.

• acrylic extensions and full sets;
• GelX soft gel extensions;
• BIAB builder gel and classic gel manicures;
• hand-painted nail art, from single accents to full sets;
• lash extensions, lash lifts, brows and semi-permanent makeup.

Technology and brands

The technical range is what marks it out — acrylic, GelX and BIAB are three different systems with different strengths, and the salon runs all three rather than pushing everyone onto one product. That matters for nail health: BIAB suits clients growing out damage, GelX suits those wanting length without heavy filing. Files and bits are handled per client.

Team and stylists

It is a small, stable team rather than a rotating cast, which is why regulars ask for a specific technician by name and get the same shape each time. Nail art here is freehand rather than stickered, so the artists are booked on the strength of their portfolios. Clients repeatedly note that staff take time with them rather than working to a stopwatch.

The Space

The room is compact and bright rather than cavernous — a proper Chinatown-side salon with manicure desks along the working wall and a small waiting area at the front. It is deliberately kept as a safe, easy-going space, and the atmosphere is chatty rather than clinical. The shops and the bar district are a short walk away.

Who it’s for

It suits people who take nails seriously — anyone wanting a considered set rather than a fast polish — and clients who value asking for the same hands each time. The mix of acrylic, GelX and BIAB means both a first-timer and someone repairing over-filed nails can be looked after. Students and city-centre workers make up much of the weekday trade.

Questions and answers

Can I book online? Yes, the salon takes appointments through its online booking platform, and slots at weekends go early.

How long should I allow? A gel manicure is around an hour; a full acrylic or GelX set with art needs longer.

Do you treat men and children? Yes — men are welcome for nails and brows, and children are taken for simple work with an adult.

Can I combine treatments in one visit? Yes, nails with brows or lashes is a common booking.

Do you sell gift vouchers? Yes, gift cards are available through the booking system.

Opening hours