Waco Nail Salons: A Baylor Student's Complete Guide
Between classes, formal events, family weekend visits, and the general desire to feel put-together during a demanding semester, nail appointments become a recurring part of college life. The good news: Waco has a solid lineup of nail salons, and several are a short drive from campus. Whether you need a quick gel color change before a Thursday night out or a full acrylic set before graduation photos, there's a waco nail salon option at every price point.
Here's how to navigate Waco's nail scene without wasting time on bad Yelp rabbit holes.
What to Expect: Waco Nail Salon Pricing at a Glance
Before diving into specific shops, here's the honest price landscape so you can budget accordingly:
- Quick gel color change (existing nails): $30–$40 at most salons
- Classic manicure: $17–$25
- Gel manicure (full): $35–$45
- Classic pedicure: $32–$35
- Deluxe/spa pedicure: $45–$65
- Acrylic full set: $35–$55
- Acrylic fill: $25–$45
- Dip powder set: $45–$65
Most shops do accept walk-ins for simple services on weekdays. For anything involving a full set, a specific design, or a spa pedicure on a Friday afternoon, you'll want to call ahead or book online.
The Closest Waco Nail Salons to Baylor
Fancy Nails and Spa 2 — Best All-Around Near Campus
1423 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco TX 76711 | ~2 miles from 19Eleven Mon, Wed–Sat 9am–7pm | Sun 11am–5pm | Closed Tuesdays
Fancy Nails and Spa 2 is the most convenient waco nail salon option for students at 19Eleven — roughly a 5-minute drive from 1911 S 8th St. It holds a 4.7-star rating across 114+ reviews, which in Waco's nail scene is genuinely strong. Services cover the full range: pedicures, acrylic sets, gel manicures, dip powder, and waxing. Note the Tuesday closure if you're planning a midweek appointment.
Solar Nails Salon — Best Value for Walk-Ins
514 N New Road, Waco TX 76710 | ~3 miles from 19Eleven Mon–Sat 10am–7pm | Sun 12pm–5pm | Walk-ins welcome
If you need a quick gel refresh without booking ahead, Solar Nails is a reliable option. They explicitly welcome walk-ins, which matters when you're squeezing a nail appointment between classes. Prices are some of the most competitive in Waco: regular polish (hands) $17, gel polish $30, classic pedicure $35. They also offer SNS powder, nail art, and waxing. Bonus: complimentary Wi-Fi, sodas, wine, and water while you wait — which is a nice touch for a budget salon.
Serenity Nails & Spa — Best for Consistency
1412 N Valley Mills Dr Suite 204, Waco TX 76710 | ~3.5 miles from 19Eleven Mon–Sat 9am–7pm | Sun 11am–6pm
In business for 16 years, Serenity is one of Waco's most established nail salons — the kind of place where regulars keep coming back because the quality is predictable. Classic manicure starts at $20, gel color with manicure is $35, and a classic pedicure runs $35. Acrylic full sets start at $35. It's not the most exciting environment, but if you want a reliable result without surprises, this is a safe pick.
Skyline Nails & Spa — Best Price Variety
4201 Lake Shore Dr, Waco TX 76710 | ~4 miles from 19Eleven Mon–Fri 9:30am–7:30pm | Sat 9am–7pm | Sun 10am–6pm | skylinetx.us
Skyline has the most varied menu of any waco nail salon — they offer Shellac CBD manicures, bath bomb spa pedicures, ombre dip sets, and a kids' menu. Classic manicure starts at $20, classic pedicure at $32, shellac gel at $40. For students who want something a bit more customized (or need a different price tier for different visits), Skyline's menu gives you options.
For Special Occasions: Higher-End Picks
P&J Nails & Spa — Best Reputation
8810 Woodway Dr Suite 308–309, Waco TX 76712 | ~8 miles from 19Eleven Mon–Sat 9am–7pm | Sun 11am–6pm | pjnailsspa.com
P&J consistently ranks #2 on Yelp's "Best Nail Salons in Waco" and tends to appear in the same conversation as Elegant Nails when Waco residents talk about quality. It's farther from campus (Woodway area), but worth the extra drive if you want a more polished experience for graduation photos or family weekend. Classic manicure $25, shellac/gel manicure $40, classic pedicure $35. They also offer a kids' spa package.
Elegant Nails & Spa — Best for a Full Spa Day
8818 Mars Drive, Waco TX 76712 | ~8 miles from 19Eleven (Woodway/Hewitt area) Mon–Sat 8:20am–7:30pm | Sun 11am–5pm
For a genuine spa-day experience — longer treatments, hot stone massages, organic spa pedicures — Elegant Nails is the Waco go-to. Their 60-minute organic spa pedicure runs $65. Express manicure $25, signature spa pedicure $55. If your parents are visiting for family weekend and want to do a mother-daughter spa trip, this is the spot to book.
Occasion Guide: Which Salon for What
Before a Thursday night out or Greek event: Solar Nails or Fancy Nails — both accept walk-ins, fast service, fair prices. A same-day gel color change is realistic at either.
Before family weekend or a formal: Book P&J Nails or Serenity 2–3 days in advance. These get busy during Baylor event weekends.
Pre-graduation or senior photos: Book Elegant Nails or P&J a week out. Graduation week is peak demand — don't wait.
Quick budget refresh mid-semester: Solar Nails at $17 for regular polish or $30 for gel. Bring a friend and split the drive.
Living at 19Eleven and Nail Appointments
One thing that helps: living at 19Eleven on S 8th Street puts you a short drive from most of these salons. The Valley Mills Dr corridor (where Fancy Nails, University Barber Shop, and Katie's Frozen Custard all live) is a natural errand zone from S 8th Street — you can knock out a nail appointment, a grocery stop at H-E-B, and coffee in one trip.
For students doing the full personal care routine, pair a nail appointment with a visit to one of Waco's great coffee shops nearby, or grab dinner at a local restaurant afterward. Several shops are open until 7pm, which makes an after-class appointment doable on any weekday.
If you're looking for Waco's best barber shops or hair salons, or planning a date night in Waco that includes personal care stops, the same south and central Waco zones cover most needs within a 10-minute drive.
Quick Reference: Waco Nail Salons Near Baylor
| Salon | Distance from 19Eleven | Price Range | Walk-Ins? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fancy Nails & Spa 2 | ~2 miles | $$ | Yes | Everyday visits |
| Solar Nails Salon | ~3 miles | $ | Yes | Budget gel refreshes |
| Serenity Nails & Spa | ~3.5 miles | $$ | Yes | Consistent quality |
| Skyline Nails & Spa | ~4 miles | $–$$$ | Yes | Menu variety |
| Posh Nail Salon | ~5 miles | $$ | Yes | West Waco option |
| P&J Nails & Spa | ~8 miles | $$–$$$ | Limited | Special occasions |
| Elegant Nails & Spa | ~8 miles | $$$–$$$$ | Limited | Full spa day |
Ready to See More of Waco?
Nail salons are just one corner of what Waco has to offer Baylor students. If you're just arriving or still getting oriented, check out our Waco neighborhood guide for the S 8th Street area, or explore what's nearby when you live at 19Eleven.
Looking for your first apartment near Baylor? Schedule a tour at 19Eleven — we're loft-style with exposed beams, a gated community, indoor pool, and a 10-minute walk to Baylor's campus. Our 1–4 bedroom floor plans start at $1,035/month.
