Nail art has become increasingly popular in recent years with people of all ages and styles looking to add a little personality to their nails.
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With so many different options available, it can be hard to know how much you should expect to pay at a salon. Despite the high cost of nail services, nail art remains a popular choice for many people who enjoy expressing their personality through their nails.
Here is a quick guide to the range of prices you can expect to find for standard, deluxe, gel, and acrylic nails at salons in 2024.
See Related: 17 Insanely Easy Nail Art Designs To Accomplish At Home
Here's the cost breakdown of the average final price of professional manicures and pedicures in the United States, depending on the nail service type.
Manicure $20-$40
Pedicure $30-$50
Manicure $30-$50
Pedicure $35-$55
Basic Set $30-$60
Full Set $50-$80
Fill $15 - $20
Basic $35-$45
Celeb-Level Nails $60-$100+
When it comes to getting your nails done, there is a lot to consider. Not only do you have to choose the right color and style, but you also need to factor in the most important question: "How much does it cost to get my nails done?"
The price will vary depending on the nail technician and nail artist you pick, as well as the complexity of the nail design. If you're looking to get your nails done in 2024, here's what you can expect from a nail shop:
Standard nail art with nail polish typically costs between $15 and $35 per design. This includes simple designs on painted nails like stripes or polka dots, as well as more complex designs that use multiple colors and even colored powder.
It's important to note that every nail shop will have its own definition of "standard." A regular manicure at one nail salon might include a French manicure with French tips, while another nail salon's basic manicure will simply cover a natural nail look.
Be sure to talk to the nail artist and nail technician beforehand to understand how they price their basic manicure.
Deluxe nail art includes detailed designs or 3D elements such as gems, rhinestones, fake jewels, nail charms, and more. Generally, a deluxe manicure will cost anywhere between $30 and $45 per design.
If you decide on gel polish or an artificial nail shape, you'll also need to factor this into the cost. Designs on natural nails will be cheaper for sure, but it all depends on the nail salon you go to and what type of design you're looking for.
Acrylic nail prices can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 per design, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of colors used.
Typically, long acrylic nails cost more than short acrylic nails simply because there's more room for the acrylic to cover. That's why acrylic manicures vary so greatly in price. On the other hand, acrylic fills that hide the regrowth from previous acrylic are much cheaper because they only less time and product.
Additionally, many prefer acrylic nails because they are more durable than gel polish. Acrylic nails also typically require less maintenance than gel nails or even regular polish, and are the easiest way to achieve a no-chip result.
However, gel-based polish is significantly easier and more cost-effective to remove. The cost of acrylic nail removal can be up to $100 at any nail salon.
Some people remove broken acrylics at home with a kit that can cost anywhere between $10 and $30. However, removing acrylic nails at home can be risky, causing damage to your natural nails if done improperly.
Ultimately, just know that the cost will vary across nail technicians and large or small nail shops. There's plenty to love about acrylic French tips. Just make sure you can save your nail tips after the fact.
Gel nail art is the most expensive option, typically costing between $35 and $50 per design. If you want to have celeb-level nails it can cost you up to $100 depending on the design.
However, gel nails also last longer than other types of manicures. In fact, you can expect gel polish to last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. And to increase the longevity of a previous gel manicure, all you need is a simple gel fill.
Ultimately, you may save money by choosing gel nails as an option. Plus, it's far easier to remove gel polish yourself and doesn't cause nearly as much damage to your natural nails as acrylics do.
Bonus: 47+ French Tip Nail Designs To Try With Our French Tip Stamping Plates
Many nail salons also offer additional services such as hand and arm massages. This can make your manicure all the more relaxing and enjoyable.
For gel manicures, the nail salon will use an LED light or UV light to cure the polish and create a long-lasting finish.
When choosing a nail salon, make sure you ask how much their pedicures cost too. A basic pedicure will typically include the following:
Most pedicures include a soak in a whirlpool foot bath to soften the skin and nails. While there are variations among different nails, this is generally what is included in a standard pedicure.
Additional services may also be offered for an added fee, including a paraffin wax treatment, an extra-long luxury massage treatment, or a stone pedicure, where a nail technician rubs hot stones along your calf to release tension.
This option should include a wide range of services to leave your hands and nails looking and feeling their best.
With all of the steps listed above, a deluxe professional manicure is a perfect way to achieve beautiful and healthy-looking hands and nails.
For a deluxe professional pedicure, you should expect nothing but the best. This means that the nail tech should have plenty of experience.
And they'll only use high-quality products to treat your nails. Here are some of the services that should be included in a deluxe professional pedicure:
Most salons offer a wide range of add-ons for manicure and pedicure services. Common add-ons include paraffin wax treatments, hot stone massage, exfoliating scrubs, and aromatherapy, just to name a few.
While these add-ons can help to enhance the overall experience, it is important to choose those that are right for you. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid harsh chemicals or exfoliating scrubs.
Instead, opt for a paraffin wax treatment or aromatherapy, which can help to soothe and relax the skin. When choosing add-ons for your manicure or pedicure, be sure to mention any allergies or sensitivities you may have and ask about which services will best suit your needs and preferences.
With a little bit of research, you can ensure that you have a relaxing and enjoyable experience at the salon.
If the above sentiment rings true to you, you're not alone. Getting gel nails or acrylics can be fun, but they also require a lot of maintenance.
Luckily, if you're looking to save money on nail art, then Maniology has the perfect solution for you!
Our nail stamping plates and kits offer you a long-lasting manicure that is both affordable and beautiful. Maniology polishes are designed to help you achieve a salon-quality manicure without having to leave home.
Our various colors and finishes are guaranteed to help you find the perfect shade for any occasion. And when you do your nails yourself, you can't help but feel proud of your newfound artistic prowess.
We consistently collaborate with various artists and designers to bring you the cutest, most on-trend nail designs possible. As you collect stamping plates, you can mix and match patterns and come up with a design all on your own!
It's the perfect way to tap into your creativity while also saving money that you'd otherwise be spending at the salon. Don't get us wrong - we love going to the nail salon just as much as the next person.
But when you can give yourself a beautiful-looking manicure at home, why bother?
Keep in mind that the prices listed above can vary greatly depending on what nail services you choose, the location, and the type of salon you go to.
So, what do you think? Are you tempted to get your nails done now that you know how much it costs at the salon in 2024?
Or, are you inspired to give yourself a manicure at home with our nail stamping plates and kits?
We hope this information was helpful and gives you a better idea of what to expect when getting your nails done.
Let us know in the comments how much your typical manicure is. Or, share your own nail art with us below!
We love to see the creative ways you show your personality through your nails. No matter whether you go to the salon or stamp at home, we can't wait to see what designs you wear next.
Check out our worth-trying best-selling products today!
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Keep Reading: 37 Easy Cute Halloween Nails + A How-To Video Tutorial On Halloween Bat Nail Designs
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At Maniology, we believe your nails are opportunities for adventure, fun, and unrestrained artistic expression. Our nail stamping plates and nail accessories are here to help foster your self-expression in the hopes of building a community of individuality. For more nail tutorials, subscription box updates, and designs, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Whether you're already a gel-nail devotee or simply considering giving semi-permanent polish a try, chances are you may not know everything there is to know about gel manicures. The gel manicure has gained immense popularity for its ability to withstand a busy workweek, kid-friendly vacation, and days filled with hands-on projects but it's also garnered a bit of controversy around its UV-curing method. So what's the real deal with gel nails? Ahead, nail experts and a dermatologist share everything you need to know about gel manicures, including the benefits, cost, and safety considerations.
Meet the Expert
What Is a Gel Manicure?
A gel manicure follows most of the same steps as your traditional manicure—your nails are cut, filed, and shaped, cuticles are cut (if you so choose), but that's where the similarities end.
Gel nail polish is painted on similarly to classic lacquer. However, it is cured with a UV or LED light to help lock it in place for long-lasting wear. Each coat of gel polish will need to be cured for about 30 to 60 seconds at a time. And instead of waiting for your nails to dry, you're ready to leave the salon as soon as the last topcoat cures. And as a bonus, “Gel manicures are more resistant to chips and wear and tear,” says Gibson Tuttle. “They also stay glossy for the duration of the manicure.”
How Long Do Gel Manicures Last?
Thanks to the curing process, gel manicures typically last anywhere from 10 days and up to three weeks. Totty says, "Gel manicures are designed to last around three weeks. Because of natural nail growth and wear and tear, anything beyond that usually does not look great. There are ways to improve wear with strengthening base gels like LeChat Liquid Gel Builder ($15) that will make your gels last longer."
And while gel polish alone is known for lasting longer than traditional lacquer, how it’s painted on plays a big role. When applying gel polish (or any polish for that matter), you want to make sure that your nail beds are as dry as possible. That doesn’t mean brittle—instead, there shouldn’t be any water, lotion, or oils on your nail plates, as the presence of such could prevent your gel polish from latching on.
As with any mani, chips and broken nails are still a possibility with gels; they’re just not as likely. If you do chip or break a gel, it helps to have a nail file on hand at all times. “File it to a shape you love and leave it be if you can,” Gibson Tuttle recommends. “If it’s obvious and you can’t return to the salon immediately, we recommend finding a similar polish to cover up any gaps in the color.”
The Cost
In general, expect gel polish to cost about $10 to $15 more than your regular manicure, depending on where you live. The cost of a gel manicure varies widely between cities, states, and nail techs. In major cities like LA and New York City, a gel manicure can cost anywhere from $30 to $50+. Keep in mind that you'll also have to pay for gel removal (anywhere from $5-$15 depending on location) if you decide you don't want to take it off at home.
Gel Nails vs. Shellac Nails
While many consumers use these terms interchangeably, there is a difference: gel manicures use true gel polish, while shellac manicure use a hybrid formula of gel and classic polish. Personal preference is the main differentiator in popularity as both options provide a semi-permanent manicure at a similar price point—albeit with more gel nail color options generally available.
Professional vs At-Home Gel Manicure
If you've seen the latest lineups of gel nail polish offerings from brands like Deborah Lippman or Sally Hansen, you may be wondering what the deal is. Often packaged as duos of laquer and top coat, these pairings claim to offer similar chip-resistant, long-lasting results to gel manicures minus the UV curing process. Unlike classic gel manicures, the polishes don't necessarily need to be applied by a salon pro. In addition to the decreased risk of nail damage, these polishes also come at a much lower price point. For example, one bottle of Essie's Gel Couture Nail Polish costs $13 and houses approximately 30 applications. At-home gel nail kits are definitely an option, but it's important to keep in mind that the results will be comparable to a professional manicure, not identical. The steady hand and long-lasting results of an in-salon gel manicure can't be beat.
Are Gel Manicures Safe?
UV lights and their possibly carcinogenic side effects are the primary safety concern when it comes to gel manicures. The thought is that the small UV lamps used to cure gel manicures could have similar skin cancer implications as tanning beds, a link that was explored in a 2023 study. Based on the study, “there is not enough evidence to specifically state how often to get gel manicures [to remain safe]," says Garshick. However, she adds that it's always better safe than sorry. Besides minimizing the frequency of gel manicures, she recommends to "use UV protection, including wearing sunscreen or UV protecting gloves" during your treatment. (Any broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended, but you can find our favorite hand sunscreens here).
Fortunately, due to the concerns, Totty says many salons of switched over to LED lamps to replace the possibly harmful UV lamps. "Over the last couple of years, gel manicures have become the most popular service in any salon. There has been ample research regarding damage to skin and nails; the traditional UV lamps used for curing these products have different bulbs than traditional ‘tanning beds,’ and most nail brands are switching to LED lamps simply because they cure the product in 30 seconds compared to two to three minutes using a UV lamp."
Can Gel Manicures Damage Your Nails?
Aside from the potential UV damage (the full effects of which are still being studied), gel manicures can also damage your natural nails. Gel polish can be fairly drying, leaving your natural nails more brittle underneath the polish. However, experts agree the worst of the damage comes from improper removal.
“The biggest disadvantage to gel manicures is improper removal,” Gibson Tuttle shares. “You can avoid this by properly (and patiently) removing the polish yourself at home or seeking manicurists who take their time in removal to protect your nails.”
To keep your natural nails strong, our experts recommend taking breaks between gel manicures (alternate between gel and regular polish manicures, or leave nails bare of polish for at least 1-2 weeks between gel manicures). Between gel appointments, you should also take additional steps to strengthen your nails, such as applying cuticle oil.
How to Safely Remove a Gel Manicure
It's always best to visit a professional for gel nail removal (which usually costs about $10-$15). But when that's not possible, it can be done at home with a little time and patience. First of all, gel nail polish should never be peeled or picked off the nails, which can rip off the protective top layer of your nail. Instead, to remove gel polish at home, you'll want to follow these specific instructions to avoid damage to your natural nails.
“First, file the gels to break the topcoat seal,” says Gibson-Tuttle. “Then, place cotton balls soaked in pure acetone on your nails and wrap your fingertips in tin foil.” Let them sit for 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove the polish. Once the timer goes off, use a wooden nail stick to gently lift the remaining polish. The gels should remove easily with minimal pressure and pushing; if they're not lifting off of your natural nails with minimal effort, repeat the acetone soak for another 10-15 minutes.
According to all three experts, a cuticle oil or serum is your BFF post-gel mani. “Your nails will be on the brittle side due to the removal solution, so it is important to rehydrate your nail,” Lim says. We also recommend "slugging" your nails with an occlusive like Vaseline to keep them nourished.
The Takeaway
If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it solution to constant nail polish upkeep, a gel manicure could be the answer to your prayers. A single salon appointment can offer a glossy, chip-resistant manicure that should last anywhere from 10 to 20 days. For the safest approach, experts suggest opting for LED lights instead of a UV lamp for the curing process and wearing sunscreen. To maintain the health of your nail beds, always see a professional for removal, apply cuticle oil, and never, ever try to pick or peel off the gel yourself. If you find your nails react poorly to gel nail polish, consider a long-lasting alternative.
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