How much does it cost to get your nails done?
How much does it cost to get your nails done?
$20 – $40 cost for basic manicure
$25 – $40 cost for basic pedicure
Average cost to get your nails done
Nail salon prices start at $20 to $40 for a basic manicure, while a longer-lasting gel manicure costs $30 to $50+. A standard pedicure costs $25 to $40, or up to $100+ when adding luxury treatments.
The table below offers a quick overview of the average costs for some of the most popular nail services. Keep in mind that these are average prices, and costs can be higher or lower depending on the type of treatment, location, technician experience, and salon type and quality.
| Service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Manicures | |
| Regular / standard | $20 – $40 |
| Gel | $30 – $50+ |
| Gel (fills) | $20 – $40 |
| Dip powder | $40 – $60+ |
| Acrylic (full set) | $40 – $75+ |
| Acrylic (fills) | $15 – $30 |
| Russian (single color) | $70 – $80 |
| Russian (with nail art) | $90 – $150 |
| Pedicures | |
| Standard | $25 – $40 |
| Gel (basic) | $40 – $70 |
| Gel (deluxe) | $60 – $100+ |
| Deluxe / spa | $40 – $80+ |
| Stone | $50 – $70 |
| Mani-pedis | |
| Express | $25 – $40 |
| Basic | $40 – $75 |
| Gel | $65 – $120 |
| Gel mani + basic pedi | $50 – $85 |
| Acrylic mani + basic pedi | $60 – $105 |
| Basic mani + spa pedi | $60 – $120 |
| Acrylic mani + spa pedi | $75 – $150 |
| Gel mani + spa gel pedi | $85 – $150+ |
| Luxury or deluxe mani-pedi | $100 – $200+ |
Manicure
A basic manicure costs $20 to $40 on average and usually includes a brief nail soak and hand massage, cuticle care, nail shaping, and polish application. More elaborate manicures often cost significantly more, reaching $120+ in some locations.
Here's a breakdown of popular types of manicures:
Basic / standard: Cuticle trim, filing, hand massage, color coat, top coat
French: White tips with nude or pink sheer nails, may be added to standard, gel, acrylic, dip, or Russian manicures
Gel (full set, natural): Glossy, sturdier, gel-based finish that lasts up to 2+ weeks without chipping
Acrylic: An acrylic mixture added to your nails to add length, strength, and create shape
Dip powder: Nail dipped into colored powder and sealed with a top coat
Russian: Detailed cuticle care using specialized drills, clean nail beds, and longer-lasting polish; lasts 4 to 6+ weeks
Pedicure
The cost for a basic pedicure usually ranges from $25 to $40 and includes:
Foot soak
Nail trimming and shaping
Cuticle care
Callus removal
Foot and leg massage
Buff to shine or regular nail polish application
Specialty pedicures with added treatments like paraffin wax, special scrubs, or longer massages can cost $40 to $80 or more.
Mani-pedi
A basic mani-pedi costs $40 to $75 on average and includes both a manicure and pedicure. This combo often comes at a slight discount compared to booking the services separately. Luxury or spa mani-pedis with additional treatments can cost $100 to $200 or more.
Nail salon add-on services
Salons offer a variety of additional nail services and treatments beyond the standard manicure and pedicure options. Let’s take a closer look at the costs associated with these add-on nail services:
| Service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Nail art (simple to complex designs) |
$3 – $10 each $15 – $40 full set |
| Add French tips | $5 – $15 |
| Special finishes (chrome, holographic, matte) |
$5 – $20 |
| Hand & foot treatments (paraffin, luxury massage, callus removal, etc.) |
$10 – $30+ each |
| Paraffin feet/leg treatment | $30 – $40 |
| Polish removal service | $10 – $25 |
| Basic polish change | $5 – $15 |
| Gel polish change | $20 – $25 |
What affects the cost to get your nails done?
Several factors influence the cost to get your nails done, including:
Location: Salons in urban or high-cost-of-living areas tend to charge more than in rural or less affluent areas. However, major cities typically have more nail salons competing for your business, which may drive costs down.
Salon type & reputation: Luxury spas and high-end salons charge more than budget nail shops or local salons. Salons with a strong reputation for quality and service can also command higher prices.
Technician experience: Highly skilled nail technicians, especially those with specialized training or loyal clientele, often charge higher prices for their services.
Service type: Basic services cost less than specialized treatments or intricate nail art.
Products used: Salons using premium, brand-name products typically charge more.
Time of service: Some salons charge more for evening or weekend appointments.
Additional treatments: Add-ons like paraffin treatments, special designs, or nail repair increase the overall cost.
Season: Prices might increase during peak seasons like summer or before major holidays.
Design: Nail art prices vary depending on the intricacy of the design and the materials used. Simple designs may only cost a few dollars extra, while more elaborate designs can cost upwards of $20 or more.
Look for promotions on the salon's website or social media platforms to get more pampering for less.
Additional costs
In addition to the base price of your nail service, there are a few other costs you should factor into your budget:
Extras: Additional pampering with longer massages, exfoliation, paraffin wax treatment, or intricate nail art can increase your total cost by anywhere from $3 to $100 or more, depending on what services you choose.
Tip: It is customary to tip your nail technician 15% to 20% of the service cost, or more for exceptional service.
Maintenance: Depending on the type of manicure you choose, you will need to return to the salon for maintenance appointments every few weeks. These appointments are necessary to fill in any regrowth and keep your nails looking their best.
Removal: If you decide to have your acrylic or gel nails removed, the salon may charge an additional $10 to $25 for this service.
FAQs about getting your nails done
Can you get your nails done while pregnant?
Yes, you can get your nails done while pregnant, but always consult your healthcare provider to confirm whether the nail service you want is safe for you. Once you have the all-clear from your doctor, the following precautions can help reduce the overall risk to you and your baby.
Choose a well-ventilated salon to minimize exposure to chemical fumes.
Opt for non-toxic, pregnancy-safe polishes when possible.
Consider bringing your own tools and products to reduce infection risk.
Avoid acrylic nails, as the strong chemicals used in application may be harmful.
How often should you get your nails done?
The frequency of nail appointments ranges from every 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of service and your personal preferences. The following timeframes are a good general guideline. Listen to your nail technician's recommendations and pay attention to how your nails grow and wear.
Regular polish: Every 1 to 2 weeks
Gel manicure: Every 2 to 3 weeks
Acrylic nails: Fill every 2 to 3 weeks, new set every 6 to 8 weeks
Pedicure: Every 4 to 6 weeks
How much do you tip for nail services?
Tipping etiquette for nail services typically follows these general guidelines:
15% to 20% of the service cost for satisfactory service
20% to 25% for exceptional service
$2 to $5 for quick services like polish changes
If multiple technicians work on you (for example, one for a manicure, another for a pedicure), split the tip between them.
How long does it take to get your nails done?
Nail service times vary based on the type of treatment:
Basic manicure: 30 to 45 minutes
Basic pedicure: 45 to 60 minutes
Gel manicure: 45 to 60 minutes
Deluxe pedicure: 60 to 90+ minutes, depending on the services included
Acrylic full set: 60 to 90 hours
Nail art: Additional 15 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity
Factor in extra time for drying if you're getting regular polish.
What is the healthiest way to get your nails done?
To maintain nail health while enjoying beautiful nails:
Opt for regular manicures without harsh chemicals.
Choose non-toxic, "3-free" or "5-free" polishes.
Give your nails breaks between gel or acrylic applications.
Keep nails at a practical length to prevent breakage.
Moisturize cuticles regularly.
Avoid picking or peeling off polish.
Use a quality base coat to protect nails from staining.
Can you get your nails done after a spray tan?
Yes, but it's best to wait at least 24 hours after your spray tan before getting a manicure or pedicure. This allows the tan to set properly. When you do go for your nail service:
Inform your nail technician about your recent spray tan.
Ask them to be gentle and avoid excessive rubbing or exfoliation.
Skip the lotion or oil application, as these can affect your tan.
How to choose a nail salon
Consider these factors when choosing a nail salon near you to ensure a positive experience and protect your health:
Cleanliness: The salon should be visibly clean, with proper sanitization practices.
Licensing: Ensure the salon and technicians are properly licensed.
Reviews: Check online reviews on websites like Fash and Google and ask for recommendations.
Services offered: Make sure they provide the specific treatments you want.
Price transparency: Look for clear pricing information to avoid surprises.
Atmosphere: Choose a salon where you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Product quality: Ask about the brands they use and opt for salons using reputable products.
Technician experience: Don't hesitate to request an experienced nail tech for complex services.
Questions to ask a nail technician
Before committing to a service, consider asking your nail technician these questions to help you make an informed decision about your nail care:
What experience do you have with this specific service?
Can you explain the process and products you'll be using?
How do you sanitize your tools between clients?
What precautions do you take to prevent nail damage?
Do you have any nail-strengthening treatments available?
Can you recommend a maintenance routine for this service?
What should I do if I experience any issues after the service?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.