Unicorn Lab Clean Beauty Competition
Second Prize Winner Salon Spotlight
Wonderbu Nails · Melbourne luxury nail studio
Our second Salon Spotlight winner is Wonderbu Nails, a Melbourne CBD studio known for elevated minimalism, Korean and Japanese-style gel art, meticulous prep and a luxury nail experience built around nail health, hygiene and detail.
The Question
What does clean beauty mean to you?
Arisa’s answer stood out for connecting clean beauty with transparency, wellness, product selection, hygiene and client safety, not just the final look of a manicure.
Clean beauty in the nail industry means total transparency and prioritising wellness over quick fixes.
It means being highly selective about the ingredients in our products, favouring high-quality, non-toxic gels, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and sanitisation so our clients always feel safe.
Meet Arisa
A Melbourne CBD studio built on precision, artistry and elevated minimalism.
Arisa started Wonderbu Nails in 2020 as a small home studio, built from a deep passion for precision and art. As her clientele grew, Wonderbu expanded into its current Little Collins Street studio in 2023.
From the beginning, Wonderbu Nails has been shaped by minimalist luxury aesthetics and the detailed techniques found in Korean and Japanese-style nail art.
“I wanted to create a space that offered a truly bespoke, high-end experience where nail health and meticulous design go hand in hand.”
The Interview
Inside Wonderbu Nails’ approach to clean beauty, luxury service and nail health.
How would you describe your approach to nails?
My approach is all about elevated minimalism. I believe in luxury through simplicity and flawless execution. Whether it’s a structured overlay or intricate Korean and Japanese gel art, the foundation always has to be the health and integrity of the natural nail.
What does a perfect set mean to you?
A perfect set is meticulous cuticle work, flawless structural balance and a seamless finish. When the natural nail is preserved and the gel looks like it naturally grew out from the cuticle with a glossy shine, that is perfection.
Has your approach to products changed over time?
Absolutely. Over time, I’ve transitioned heavily toward specialised Korean and Japanese gels because they are innovative, gentle on the nail plate and create an unmatched luxury finish.
What do clients care about most?
Longevity and the health of their nails. Clients love beautiful art, but they return because they know their natural nails are thriving underneath and their sets last without chipping or lifting.
What are the most common nail-care mistakes clients make?
Picking off their gels and forgetting to hydrate their cuticles. Both can affect retention, nail health and the overall condition of the skin around the nails.
What are the most common mistakes new nail techs make?
Rushing preparation and over-filing the natural nail plate. Prep requires patience and proper technique, which is one of the reasons Arisa is launching Wonderbu Education.
How do you ensure no damage during services?
Through education, gentle e-file techniques and safe removal. I never force or pry product off the nail, and I always assess the condition of the natural nail before applying anything new.
What is one thing every client should do between appointments?
Apply cuticle oil religiously. It makes the biggest difference to the lifespan of the manicure and the health of the surrounding skin.
Aftercare Philosophy
Every luxury service ends with Unicorn Oil.
Wonderbu finishes every luxury service with a Unicorn Oil cuticle oil application and relaxing hand massage. Arisa also walks clients through their aftercare before they leave, so they know how to maintain their set between appointments.
Wonderbu clients fell in love with Golden Hour and Miss Dior for their beautiful scent and lightweight hydration.
Wonderbu Education
Quality over speed. Education before shortcuts.
Arisa’s advice to new nail techs is to invest in education from the very beginning. Master prep, shaping and foundational technique before chasing speed.
With Wonderbu Education launching, her focus is on helping both new and established nail techs strengthen safe technique, product understanding and service standards.
Her Work
Minimal, glossy, refined and meticulously executed.
Wonderbu Nails specialises in elevated minimalist nail art, structured overlays and Korean and Japanese-style gel designs, all grounded in nail health, careful prep and a high-end salon experience.
Find Wonderbu Nails
Wonderbu Nails is located at Level 1/382 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000. You can find Arisa on Instagram at @wonderbunails. Bookings are available via the booking link in the Instagram bio or by DM.
