Fancy a manicure? Need to know prices? Welcome my lovely, I can totally help you with that! This post is going to answer the question: How much does a manicure cost?
It can be tough to find a good deal on a manicure, especially if you don’t know what to look for. In this article, I’ll give you some useful data on the price of manicures and we’ll see what key factors can affect the price.
I’ll explain what is included in a basic manicure, and give you some great tips on how to get a good deal on one.
If you want to be able to compare prices and get the most bang for your buck, but you’re not quite sure what a basic manicure entails, this post is for you.
We’ve got so much to talk about, so let’s get going!
In a hurry?
Here’s the short answer:
The average cost of a basic manicure is $22.75. Deluxe manicures cost $33.07 on average. The price varies depending on where you live and whether you choose a budget or luxury salon. $30.96 is the average cost of a gel manicure and an acrylic manicure costs $46.01 on average.
Now you have a basic idea of prices, let’s dig a bit deeper.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
How much does a manicure cost?
Manicures can range in price from as little as $15 to upwards of $100.
The price you pay depends on your location, what type of manicure you want, and how swanky the salon is.
Here are the different types of manicures you can get:
Types of manicures and their costs
- Basic manicure (includes nail prep and polish)
- Deluxe/specialty manicure (basic + extras like hand massage/softening treatments)
- Gel polish (soak-off gels that last longer)
- Acrylic manicure (a full set of sculpted nails made from acrylic)
If you just want a basic no-frills manicure, you can expect to pay around $23, the average cost of a basic manicure in the US is $22.75.
For a deluxe manicure, the magic number (aka the average cost) is $33.07.
The average cost of a gel manicure is $30.96, an acrylic manicure will set you back $46.01 on average.
What factors affect the price of a manicure?
The price of a manicure can vary greatly depending on where you live, what kind of mani you want, and what type of salon you visit.
Here are examples of how much a manicure costs on average in a few major US cities.
The average price of a manicure in major US cities:
- New York – $35
- Los Angeles – $30
- Denver – $20
- Chicago – $35
- Atlanta – $25
So, if you live in NY or Chicago, you’ll pay $15 more than someone in Denver.
The main thing that’s going to affect the price of your mani is what type of salon you choose.
We can break these down into 3 types:
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Luxury
How much does a manicure cost in a budget salon?
On the cheap end of the scale, you could go to a small, independently owned budget salon or a chain place like Regal nails in Walmart.
In these kinds of places, you can expect to pay between $10 and $15 for a basic manicure.
And $20 and $25 dollars for a deluxe manicure.
Acrylic manicures typically cost around $25 to $35 in low-priced budget salons.
How much does a manicure cost in a mid-range salon?
In a mid-range salon, you’ll get a slightly nicer experience which is why it costs more.
They may have more comfortable chairs, better quality nail products, or a wider choice of colors for example.
The average cost of a basic manicure in a mid-range salon is $20 – $25.
The price for a deluxe manicure is usually around $30 – $45.
Acrylic nails will cost $35 – $45 in a mid-range salon or spa on average.
How much does a manicure cost in a luxury salon?
Luxury salons are the most expensive. They offer the best experience money can buy.
In a luxury salon, you’ll find top-of-the-line nail products, comfortable massage chairs, a tranquil atmosphere, and expert technicians.
You might even get a nice view!
The average cost of a basic manicure in a luxury salon is $25 – $45.
A deluxe manicure will set you back $50 – $75 on average.
If you want acrylics done, you’ll pay $50 – $70.
What does a basic manicure include?
Here’s what to expect if you book a basic manicure:
- A soak in water (with a moisturizing agent added). This softens up your cuticles and cleans the nails.
- Nails trimmed (if needed) and shaped with a file.
- Cuticles pushed back.
- Nail plates buffed to remove ridges and create a smooth surface.
- Basecoat, 2 coats of color nail polish, and topcoat.
What is a deluxe manicure and why does it cost more?
With a deluxe manicure, you get all the basics listed above but it might also include some or all of these things:
- A salt or sugar hand scrub to remove dry skin
- Aromatherapy soak using essential oils
- Massage (hands and fingers)
- Moisturizing treatment – lotion or an oil soak.
Deluxe manicures are more relaxing and treat the hands as well as the fingers so that your hands look their very best.
Deluxe manicures take longer to do and use more products, which is why they cost extra.
Manicure add ons that cost extra
Your nail tech might ask you if you want extra services.
Be aware that these things always cost extra!
Here are some common add-ons that can drive up the cost of a manicure:
- French tips – adding white tips to your mani will cost $5 to $10 extra on average.
- Change of polish – If you want to change colors it’s around $5 to $10 extra.
- Parrafin wax treatment – a 10-minute soak in special wax to make your hands soft. It costs an extra $8 to $15 dollars.
- Designs, nail art, and gems. The costs for this vary depending on the design and start at around $2 – $4 per nail.
How much should I tip for a manicure?
When it comes to tipping, there’s no set rule but a general guideline is to tip 15% to 20% of the total cost.
So if you have a $50 manicure, a 15% tip will be $7.50 and a 20% tip will be $10.
If you had a $25 manicure a 15% tip would be $3.75 and a 20% tip would be $5.
Of course, if your nail tech does a fantastic job you might want to be a bit more generous!
How much does a french manicure cost?
A French manicure is a classic nail look that’s always in style.
It involves painting the nails with a nude or pale pink base coat, then adding a white tip.
The cost of a French manicure will be the same as any other manicure plus an extra $5 – $10 for the white tips.
How to find a good deal on a manicure
If you want to get the best deal on a manicure, there are a few things you can do:
Check the salon’s social media accounts – many salons offer discounts if you book online or buy a package of several services.
Look for a mobile nail technician. This can often be cheaper. Mobile techs don’t have as many costs as a brick-and-mortar salon.
Check out Groupon or other deal sites. You can often find great deals on manicures and other beauty services.
Ask a friend – if you know someone who’s a nail tech, they might be able to recommend a good salon that offers discounts.
Final thoughts:
Manicures can vary in price depending on the type of manicure you get, the salon, and add-ons.
The average cost of a basic manicure is $25 – $45, while a deluxe manicure costs an average of $50 – $75. Extras that can drive up the price include French tips, changing polish colors, designs, and nail art.
When it comes to tipping, a general guideline is to tip 15% to 20% of the total cost. To get the best deal on a manicure, look for discounts offered by the salon, book online or in advance, or buy a package of several services.
Manicure FAQ’s
How often should I get a manicure?
It’s generally recommended to get a manicure every two weeks, although it depends on how fast your nails grow and how well you take care of them.
Can I do my own manicure?
Yes, you can! Doing your own manicure is cheaper than going to a salon, but it takes some practice to get it right
What is a dry manicure?
A dry manicure is done without soaking. They use a cuticle softener instead.
What is a Japanese manicure?
A Japanese manicure is an ancient technique in which nutrient-rich paste is buffed into the nails to make them shiny and healthy.
What is a Russian Manicure?
A Russian manicure is a technique where an e-file is used to remove dead skin at the cuticle.
What is a Brazilian manicure?
A Brazilian manicure is a messy technique that involves painting the skin around the nails with a clear base coat which is removed after colored polish is applied.
What is an American manicure?
An American manicure is an updated version of a French manicure where the color used on the tips is a softer white that’s more natural-looking.
Sources, Citations, and further reading.
Average price for a basic manicure in nail salons in the United States
Average price for a deluxe manicure in nail salons in the United States
