Unicorn Lab Clean Beauty Competition
Third Place Winner Salon Spotlight
Nailed M · Maribyrnong home-based nail studio
Our third Salon Spotlight winner is Nailed M, a Maribyrnong-based nail studio with a refreshingly honest approach to clean beauty, natural nail health, client education and the real human experience behind every appointment.
The Question
What does clean beauty mean to you?
The third-place spotlight was awarded to an answer that connected clean beauty with transparency, trust, hygiene, education and the confidence clients feel when they understand what is being used on them.
Clean beauty means transparency at nailedm.
No question on quality, health or hygiene is off limits to my clients, as the more they know, the more confident they are in my opinion and product recommendations.
Meet nailedm
A home-based Melbourne studio built from personality, practice and a very human approach to nails.
Em began in November 2025 after she turned a hobby into a growing nail business, slowly taking on clients and education with the backing of Mr M, her self-described “gorgeous angel investor and business partner.”
From the beginning, nailedm has centred the person in the chair, not just the finished set. The brand’s approach is warm, honest and grounded in care for both natural nail health and the way nails can connect to mental health, habits and self-expression.
“Health is at the forefront of my mind, both nail and mental health.”
The Interview
Inside nailedm’s approach to transparency, nail health and client care.
How would you describe your approach to nails?
Health is at the forefront of my mind, both nail and mental health. I understand the link between neurodivergence and the ways in which nails can be used for stimming and to deter things like biting.
What does a perfect set mean to you?
As long as the human in my chair is happy, it's a perfect set.
Has your approach to products changed over time?
Honestly, not really. I've always been attracted to working safely and providing the highest level of care to my clients. I am a lot more cautious with allergens like nut oils because my brother is anaphylactic.
What do clients care about most?
That I'm upfront, hygienic and care about their natural nail health and them.
What are the most common nail-care mistakes clients make?
Oh my god please use gloves and they are not tools.
What are the most common mistakes new nail techs make?
Honestly, I'm a baby in this world so I'm in no place to comment on the mistakes I've probably recently made too.
How do you ensure no damage during services?
Proper training, quality products and practice practice practice. I'm prioritising education and training and it will stay that way.
What is one thing every client should do between appointments?
Use the damn cuticle oil I gave you!!
As long as the human in my chair is happy, it's a perfect set.
nailedm on client-first nail careAftercare Philosophy
Cuticle oil is the final step, and the reminder clients apparently need.
For nailedm, cuticle oil is used in the traditional end-of-service way: the perfect finishing step after a fresh set.
Her answer to what every client should be doing between appointments was clear: “Use the damn cuticle oil I gave you!!”
Favourite Unicorn Oil scents include Tobacco Vanilla, Chocolate Brownie and Lavender.
Client Experience
For Nailed M, the appointment is about the person as much as the polish.
When asked what clients love most about her salon, M answered with the same humour and honesty that shaped her whole interview: “Probably me, or at least I hope so.”
She describes herself as being all about the experience, great nails included, and says she has formed close relationships with her clients.
Her advice to new nail techs is simple: ““Be you. You're best serving yourself and your community when you are you.””
Her Work
Expressive, detailed and full of personality.
nailedm’s work reflects the same approach as the interview: creative, personal and built around the individual in the chair. Every set sits somewhere between self-expression, care and tiny wearable artwork.
Find Nailed M
nailedm is a home-based nail studio in Maribyrnong, Melbourne. You can find M on Instagram and TikTok at @nailedm_, with bookings available through the link on her profile.
