Exquisite Nails is a full-service nail salon on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City's Midtown district, specializing in gel manicures, acrylic overlays, and pedicures for clients who prioritize finish durability and sanitation detail over speed.
The salon operates as a mid-size shop with roughly eight stations, staffed by nail technicians who work by appointment and walk-in availability. The space itself is designed around precision work rather than luxury lounge styling; lighting is bright and direct, and the setup favors visibility over ambient atmosphere. This approach signals that the business cares about application accuracy and infection control rather than packaging the experience as an escape. The owner maintains direct involvement in training and quality standards, which shows in how consistently nail applications hold without lifting or chipping.
Gel manicures run $45 to $55 depending on whether you add nail art or extensions; basic gel pedicures are $50 to $60. Acrylic overlays for natural nails cost $50 to $65, with fills every three to four weeks at $35 to $45. Dip powder manicures are available at $40 to $50. Confirm current pricing by phone, as supply costs fluctuate, but these ranges have held steady through 2024.
The salon does not rush applications. A full set of acrylics typically takes 60 to 75 minutes; gel manicures take 45 to 60 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but waits during lunch hours and Saturdays can extend 30 to 45 minutes. Booking online or by phone ahead of your visit eliminates wait time.
Exquisite Nails occupies a middle ground between high-volume quick-service salons (which prioritize turnover and lower pricing at $25 to $40 per service) and upscale spas like those in the Bricktown or Nichols Hills areas (which charge $70 to $90 and bundle services with massage or lounge access). If you want a gel manicure in under an hour and do not care whether the technician learns your nail growth patterns, a high-volume shop on Broadway or in Edmond will save money. If you want a nail technician who knows your nail bed shape and will refuse to apply too-short acrylics that will pop off in two weeks, Exquisite Nails justifies its moderate pricing through consistency.
Exquisite Nails works best for people who return regularly (monthly or every six weeks) and want to build a relationship with one technician. It also suits anyone recovering from damaged nails after years of at-home acrylics; the owner will not oversell you on extensions if your nail beds are weak. It does not suit clients who need same-day walk-in service with zero wait, or those who view nails as a social outing rather than maintenance. The salon's no-nonsense approach also means limited decor, minimal retail upsell, and no beverage service.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a brief intake form listing any allergies or sensitivities. The technician will examine your nails and ask how long you want extensions (if any), what finish you prefer, and whether you have a color in mind or want a recommendation. If you are new to gel or acrylics, the technician will explain the curing time, drying time, and care instructions. The actual appointment then follows standard salon protocol: nail prep, base coat, color application, and cure or dry time. Expect to be in the chair 45 to 75 minutes total.
Exquisite Nails is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Street parking is available on NW 23rd Street and in the surrounding Midtown blocks; do not rely on a dedicated lot. The location sits within a 10-minute drive from downtown and Bricktown, and about 15 minutes from the airport. Confirm hours by phone before visiting, particularly on holiday weeks.
Exquisite Nails has built a customer base that returns because the work lasts and the technicians listen. For anyone in Oklahoma City who views a nail salon as a functional service provider rather than a spa concept, that consistency matters.
