Introduction

Many Japanese girls and women love beauty and fashion. Nail care is what excites them the most. They enjoy having nail art on their fingers. More and more women have been going to nail salons in the past few years.

Let me talk about how nail salon culture is in Japan.

How many nail salons are there in Japan?

In 2015, there were more than 24,450 salons in Japan. There will be more in 2021 for sure.

Let’s make it easier. If you search for “nail” on Google map around Shibuya station, one of the highlights in Tokyo, you will find about 40 walkable salons. Some are specialized for nail art, others may be for one-color. This website will hopefully help you find your salon.

How popular is going to nail salons?

More than 20％ of Japanese women visited nail salons regularly according to the 2015 survey. You may think it’s not a big number, because it was a survey for all kinds of people. If I look around in my office, more than half of them use nail salons. (My job has nothing to do with beauty industry.)

How much do women spend on salons?

On average, they spend ¥5,872 (≒$50) each time. 

Popular service

Gel nails are remarkably popular. When girls talk about their nails with friends, it’s mostly about gel nails at salons. This is probably because gel nails are gorgeous but difficult for self-nailing compared to manicures.

Finally

Now you know how Japanese girls care for nails and visit nail salons.

How do you enjoy it? How is the culture where you live?