Meet Juanita Huber-Millet: The Woman Behind The UK’s Most Polished Nails
Juanita Huber-Millet doesn’t just follow nail trends; she shapes them. As the founder of Townhouse nail salons, she’s built a cult destination (both in the UK and the US) for those who take their nails seriously but want beauty to feel effortless. Here, she shares her personal rituals, the nail shades she predicts will dominate next year, the recent launch of Townhouse nail colours and the everyday habits that help her stay polished, inside, and out.
Personal Rituals & Daily Habits
What does your morning ritual look like, and how do you set the tone for the day ahead?
Mornings are my grounding moment. I always start with a large glass of water and ten quiet minutes to map out the day before the pace picks up. I don’t like rushing; a calm, intentional start sets the tone for everything that follows. I keep my routine simple but polished: good skincare, SPF and of course a beautiful manicure, always. Nails really are the detail that makes me feel put together, even on the busiest days.
Do you have any non-negotiable self-care practices that help you stay balanced?
A consistent routine. For me, balance comes from the small daily rituals, such as looking after my skin, maintaining my nails, and carving out tiny pockets of quiet time. Even when I’m travelling, I keep a Townhouse Cream #1 in my bag. It sounds small, but that moment of care centres me.
What’s one small habit or ritual that has made a surprisingly big impact on your wellbeing?
Keeping my mornings and evenings device-free for at least twenty minutes. It sounds simple, but it creates mental space and helps my creativity flourish.
How do you wind down in the evenings, especially after a packed or high-pressure day?
I always try to step away from screens, even briefly. A warm shower, a nourishing hand cream (again, Townhouse Cream #1), and a few minutes reading something unrelated to work help me decompress. My evenings are about resetting so I can come back fresh the next day.
Beauty, Nails & Personal Care
Talk us through your own nail care routine. Which rituals or treatments do you swear by?
Healthy nails always start with great prep. I exfoliate with the Townhouse Scrub, follow with the Townhouse Cream #1 (can you tell I love it?) and finish with our Cuticle Oil, which keeps my hands and nails hydrated and photo-ready. In the salon, I’m a perfectionist: a clean almond shape and a flawless application make all the difference. At home, I would rotate between our Flawless shades Coconut Milk, Blackcurrant, and Glazed Marshmallow depending on my mood.
What are the must-have beauty products you always keep in your handbag?
Always the Townhouse Cuticle Oil and a Summer Fridays lip balm. I also carry a mini Townhouse Cream #1– hands are a part of us that work the hardest and often get the least attention.
Are there any skincare or wellness treatments you rely on to feel your best?
Regular facials keep my skin balanced, but honestly, consistency is more important than complexity. Hydration, gentle exfoliation, and SPF every single day.
How has your work in the beauty industry shaped the way you look after yourself day-to-day?
Working in beauty has made me appreciate the power of the small details. When your nails look immaculate, you carry yourself differently. It’s also taught me the value of thoughtful, refined products.
Nail Trends & 2026 Predictions
What nail trends are you most excited to see take off in 2026?
Elevated simplicity. Nails that look effortless but are beautifully executed. Subtle dimension, sculptural accents and diffused metallics – the kind of quiet luxury that never dates.
Are there any colours or finishes you think will dominate next year’s manicures?
Milky neutrals and luminous whites will continue strong – our Flawless Polish shades Coconut Milk, Milkshake and Glazed Marshmallow capture this perfectly. On the richer side, deep berries and espresso tones like Blackberry, Pepsi MAX Cherry and Mocha are becoming year-round staples.
Which shapes or styles do you expect to be the most requested in salons in 2026?
Sculpted almond and soft oval shapes – they elongate the fingers beautifully and work with both minimal and maximal designs. Customers increasingly want nails that feel elegant and balanced.
Is there one trend we’ll retire and one you’d love to see make a comeback?
Super-heavy embellishment is starting to quieten down. I’d love to see more refined takes on classic techniques – a modern French, micro-dots, or subtle negative space. Timeless, but with a twist.
How do you and the Townhouse team spot and forecast upcoming trends?
We look everywhere – fashion, interiors, beauty, cultural shifts, and our salons give us real-time insight into what customers are gravitating towards. Trend forecasting is a blend of instinct, observation and understanding how people want to express themselves.
Lifestyle & Favourite Hide-Outs
Do you have any wellness habits or grounding practices when you’re constantly on the move?
Breathing, water, and moments of stillness. Even five minutes of quiet can bring you back to yourself.
When you’re back in London, where do you love to spend your time?
I’m drawn to places with beautiful design – galleries, small cafés, and anywhere with great interiors. London has so much creative energy. For wellness, Re: Mind Studio in Belgravia is a favourite; their breathwork and sound sessions create this beautifully cocooned calm that stays with me long after classes end.
What inspires you creatively – whether for beauty, design, or everyday life?
Architecture, interiors, fabric textures and even the way light shifts throughout the day. Inspiration is everywhere if you stay open to it.
Any favourite restaurants or hidden gems you return to again and again?
A cosy neighbourhood Italian or a beautifully designed wine bar – anywhere that feels warm, relaxed, and inspiring. I love the newly opened Carbone in Mayfair for its energy, and Lagana in Shoreditch for its effortless charm. And when I’m in Notting Hill, a glass of bubbles at Naked & Famous is always a treat.
In terms of beauty, “Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis clinic in Chelsea is another favourite. Her treatments blend results-driven expertise with a wonderfully soothing, indulgent experience.
How do you like to switch off on the weekends?
Long walks, great coffee, and a slow morning. A long walk through Holland Park always does the trick. There’s something about the greenery and open space that clears the mind instantly. It’s my way of resetting after a packed week.
If you had a whole day to yourself with no commitments, how would you spend it?
A slow morning, a visit to a gallery, a beautiful lunch, and an afternoon creating moodboards – that’s my perfect day.
How will you be spending Christmas this year?
Somewhere cosy with family, good food and no schedule. Christmas is all about connection and slowing down.
And finally, any New Year’s resolutions for 2026?
To protect my creative time. It’s where the best ideas happen – creating the Flawless Collection began exactly that way and I want to give myself more space for it next year.
