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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Gel polish, on the other hand, is a type of nail polish that is cured under a UV or LED lamp. It can last up to three weeks or more, and is generally more resistant to chipping, peeling, and fading than acrylic nail polish. Gel polish also tends to have a shinier finish than acrylic nail polish.

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.

Gel nails typically last longer than regular polish, often up to two to three weeks without chipping. They provide a glossy and polished look that remains shiny for an extended period. Gel nails cure quickly under UV or LED light, reducing the risk of smudging compared to regular polish.

What are the least damaging fake nails? ›

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

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's Viral $30,000 Diamond Manicure Gets Recycled for Charity Jewelry Collection. The musician's diamond manicure from the Billboard Music Awards is now an 18-piece jewelry collection.

A luxurious treatment including a soak and sugar scrub, cuticle work, nails clipped and filed, hard skin is removed (pedicure) and a blissful paraffin wrap is applied. ... A choice of gel polish or traditional nail polish is available.

Set Base Prices

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). A 100% markup on $20 cost would be $40.

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. It's all about the results, attitude and enjoyment of the beauty treatment.

Don't forget to follow Barb's advice and pay and tip just before the polish goes on. That way, you don't mess up your fresh nails digging out money.

Manicures and Pedicures

Salons in the U.S. charge an average of $19.50 for a manicure. The average cost of a pedicure is $32.25. The average woman who gets manis and pedis does so every two weeks, running her an average of $1,345 per year.