The Affordable Luxury of I Heart Nails Prices (2024)

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay for nails? ›

Here is a breakdown of the cost of popular nail services:

Standard manicure: $20-$40. Standard pedicure: $25-$40. Design add-on: +$10. Acrylics (full set): $25-$120.

SALON TIER AND LOCATION IMPACT

A standard acrylic job could cost you from $25 to $40. Mid-Range Salons and Spas: Striking a balance between indulgence and economy, these venues offer a comprehensive experience encompassing both the process and the environment. A full acrylic set here may range from $35 to $60.

Acrylic nails are generally more affordable than gel nails. That's because they're made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer, which is cheaper than the liquid resin used in gel nails. Also, acrylics can be applied faster than gel nails, which can save time and labor costs for salons.

The Priciest Manicures of All Time

Don't worry, it was all for a good cause. At Images Luxury Nail Salon in Southern California, manicures can run you $25,000, which includes a private appointment with a jeweler that helps you select the best diamonds for your digits. Or, go for the gold with a 24k manicure.

If the total for your manicure was $50, tipping $10 is a good tip since it's 20% of the total.

The cost of a manicure and pedicure can vary widely based on location, expertise of the technician, and quality of products used. On average, a basic manicure may cost between $20 and $50, while a pedicure ranges from $30 to $60. Specialized treatments like gel or acrylic can push the price higher.

If durability and dramatic length are key, acrylics are the way to go. They're tougher and can be sculpted into long, elaborate designs. However, if you crave a more natural look and prioritize nail health, then a gel manicure might be better.

Sheer pink or nude

A slightly sheer, high polished pink or nude shade of polish always looks expensive (you need only look to the lip gloss nails trend for proof) and OPI's Bubble Bath is a classic go-to.

The biggest savings of all is cutting out the salon altogether and doing your nails at home. "Once you overcome the initial expense of a nail clipper, file, cuticle pusher, cuticle oil and your favorite nail polish, you'll really save," says Choi.

The thinnest nail enhancements are silk or fiberglass wraps which are not often done these days, though you can still find nail techs that do them if you ask around enough.

What is the rich girl nail trend? ›

"Rich girl" nails don't necessarily have to be nude in tone—they just have to be neutral to effortlessly go with everything. With this in mind, a subtle, shimmery white nail look can qualify as a "rich girl" manicure, too.

A twist on the classic nude nail look, the rich girl manicure features neutral polish in a slightly unexpected way, whether it's a sheer coat of color, a mega glossy finish, a milky ombré effect, or something in between.

Machine Gun Kelly went viral when he debuted a “$30,000 Manicure” on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards in May, and now the punk rock-luxe nail tips by jewelry brand Marrow Fine will be leveraged for attention to a charitable cause that's a nod to his roots.

A good starting point is to take your total cost per service and add on a 75-100% markup. For example, if your costs to provide a basic manicure are $20, adding a 75% markup would bring the price to $35 ($20 x 1.75).

Is getting your nails done a waste of money, why or why not? If someone enjoys the process, likes the results, and feels good about the outcome, then it's money well spent. However, if someone gets nothing from the manicure other than the easy-to-do-at-home results, then it's a waste of money.

Nail salons often ask customers to pay before getting their nails done as a way to ensure payment for services rendered. This is a common practice in the beauty industry and is often done to prevent customers from leaving without paying for their services.

“Determine how much time it takes to complete the service, and base your pricing on a minimum of one dollar per minute,” she suggests. “Factor in product costs and increase the price according to the specialized skills required, ambiance of the salon and demand for your services.”