How Much Does a Manicure Cost? + How Much To Tip

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a manicurist cleaning the nails of the client under white towel

A manicure is one of those beauty services used to maintain or improve the condition of your natural nails and your hands. 

If you are new to this nail treatment, it’s important to know what it can offer you and what factors can affect the cost of manicures. 

Planning to get a manicure soon but have no idea about the cost to get your nails done?

You are in the right place!

We’ll tell you everything we know about the updated prices of the various manicure types you can try! 

So how much is a manicure? To briefly answer that question, a standard manicure usually costs about $20 to $25. 

But special manicure types such as French tips, no-chip, shellac, gel, and acrylics range from $25 to $75. 

Take note though that these nail prices depend on the nail salon and other factors involved in the procedure. 

For a more detailed explanation about the average prices to get nails done, read on!

How Much Does a Manicure Cost on Average?

Now, how much is it to get your nails done?

The cost of nail salon manicures differs due to several factors, including your location and the service you want to get.

Generally, manicure prices could range from $25 to $75. 

A basic manicure would cost you from $20 to $30, depending on the optional add-ons you want to incorporate into your nails.

Meanwhile, expect to pay $50 to $75 for deluxe manicure types, such as acrylic and gel manicures. 

If you opt for luxurious, elaborate patterns and long-lasting manicure types, you can expect even costlier rates.  

This is because they are proven to last longer, involve more expensive formulation, and a lot of skill to achieve. 

Here’s a quick price breakdown of manicure prices depending on the type of service and the location:

Price of manicures at a small private/budget shop:

Type of ServiceManicures
Standard$10 to $15
Deluxe$20 to $25

Price of manicures at an average nail salon:

Type of ServiceManicures
Standard$20 to $25
Deluxe$30 to $45

Price of manicures at hotels, luxury spas, or boutiques: 

Type of ServiceManicures
Standard$25 to $45
Deluxe$50 to $75

What Constitutes A Manicure? Standard Manicure VS. Deluxe Manicure

 Standard Manicure

a manicurist filing the nails of the client under a white towel

A standard manicure should involve the following services:

  • Cleaning and soaking fingernails in special water to soften the nails and skin and increase moisturizatio
  • Relaxing hand massage
  • Cuticle oil application
  • Pushing back of cuticles onto the nail bed
  • Shaping and trimming of the nails
  • Buffing the nail surface with a nail buffer
  • Cuticle tint application
  • Adding nail polish with the color you choose
  • Top coat application

Deluxe Manicure

Meanwhile, a deluxe professional manicure should constitute all services in the standard manicure on top of all or most of the following: 

  • Hand-exfoliating using a sugar scrub or salt
  • Paraffin wax treatments to achieve extra softness of cuticles and hands
  • Soaking hands in warm aromatic oils
  • Renewing mask

How Much Is a Gel Manicure?

If you want a gel manicure, you can get gel-polished nails from $25 to $65, depending on your design and your salon. 

Gel manicures are quite similar to regular manicures in terms of appearance. 

However, never let looks fool you; they are more durable than regular manicures!

Usually, this manicure type costs $5 to $10 more than an average polish manicure. 

Since it involves quite a process, salons may charge for gel polish removal to ensure that your nails won’t get damaged after removing them. 

The cost of nail salon gel removal greatly varies from $7 to $20. But if you’re getting another manicure from the salon, you might get it for free or at a discounted price!

How Much Is a Manicure with Acrylics?

For a full acrylic nail manicure, expect to pay $25 to $55. 

The cost for a manicure with acrylics depends on your minimal nail add-ons, such as design, protecting polish like gel, or specialized shapes like stiletto or coffin. 

Also, if you decide to maintain your acrylic manicure, you must visit your nail technician every 2 to 3 weeks for fill-ins. 

A fill costs about $15 to $20. During this session, your nail tech will cover all regrowth by applying a gel or acrylic paste to the grown-out nail bed. 

If you want your full set of acrylics to last longer, then you shouldn’t miss acrylic fill-ins and maintenance. 

Factors That Affect the Price of a Manicure

Several factors can affect the price of manicures at salons near you. Here are some of them:

Location

Remember that every city and state has various nail service rates. 

For instance, if you live in a small town, you won’t be charged as much as those salons in major cities.

Also, some states have a lower price range compared to others. 

Regardless of the price, you should look for a trusted nail technician near you who can help you achieve the nails of your dreams! 

Different Nail Shops

Nowadays, there are several types of salons you can visit or book anywhere. 

Nail salon franchises may offer limited options and products, but they are the best place to go if you want a more budget-friendly service.

If you want to achieve unique nails at a salon that uses high-end products, you should be ready to pay more. 

Type of Nail Service

Did you know that there are different services you can choose from when getting a manicure? These services are standard, premium, and luxury manicures. 

Depending on what type of manicure you opt for and how much you want your chosen nail techs to do with your hands, there will be changes in rates and prices. 

Types of Nails

There are several various ways to get your nails done. 

For instance, getting fake nails usually costs you more than simply having your actual nails shaped and painted. 

Also, your nail condition and shape can affect the overall service price, depending on the involved process’s difficulty. 

Nail Art

manicured finger nails with cute pink flower nail art

The manicure prices can also differ depending on the various nail art styles you want to try. 

You technically pay more if you choose gel nail polish over regular nail polish, and on top of that, 3D art, certain patterns or designs, glitter, or other add-ons can also increase the prices of nails.

Tips

Apart from paying for the service, you should also consider how much you should tip your nail tech.

Give generous tips, especially if you like the tech’s service and if you want to return to their salon for your nail appointments in the future. 

If you think they gave excellent nail services, a 15-20 percent tip would be ideal.

How to Get the Best Manicure Deals?

Get the best manicure deals near you with these tips!

Visit the Salon’s Social Media Pages 

Doing this is a must if you want to check the legitimacy of the nail salon or shop. 

Usually, the salon’s social media pages show reviews from previous clients. This way, you know what people like and dislike about their services.  

Also, you may get great discounts on their nail services and packages if you book online or watch out for discounts announced online. 

Search for a Mobile Manicurist

If you are on a budget, a mobile nail technician is your best alternative. 

Mobile manicurists generally ask for a reasonable price range compared to the rates from a brick-and-mortar salon.  

However, giving them extra tips would be highly appreciated to give credit for their efforts and good service. 

Ask a Friend

You may also ask for nail salon recommendations from your friends or colleagues who have had great manicure experiences. 

Ask how much is a pedicure and manicure nowadays and they will surely suggest good nail technicians who are currently offering great discounts. 

a professional manicurist painting the nails of the client in a salon

FAQs

Can I do my manicure?

Of course, doing a manicure on your own is possible! Plus, it’s way cheaper compared to visiting a nail salon.

Do remember that it takes some practice to perfect this craft. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can absolutely achieve a professional-looking manicure you can wear for any occasion!

Sure, nothing’s wrong with getting professional nail service whenever you want, but knowing how to do it yourself can save you a lot of money and time. 

How frequently should I get a manicure?

Nail experts commonly recommend waiting two to three weeks between each manicure session. 

This duration is perfect if you want to keep your nails in the best shape. 

However, it still depends on how well you take care of your nails and how fast they grow. 

Expect your cuticles and nails to start drying and grow jagged within this time frame. Moreover, most nail coats or varnishes will also begin to chip away. 

If you think your nails need recoating, visit your trusted nail technician right away. 

How long does a manicure last?

A proper classic manicure will last one to two weeks, depending on how often you work with your hands and how well you take care of them.

On the other hand, a shellac or gel manicure can last up to two weeks.

Conclusion: How Much Are Manicures?

To conclude, getting your nails done can cost about $25 to $75 per appointment, depending on different factors such as location, the nail salon, nail service type, nail art, etc. 

Consider those factors to make sure you get stunning nails while staying on budget!

Now that you know the average manicure prices for nail salons, decide what type of manicure you want and get your nails done today! 

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Author

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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