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View style board →Quick Facts
- Gel manicure (US)
- $35 – $80
- BIAB (US)
- $45 – $90
- Russian manicure (US)
- $70 – $160
- City premium
- +20 – 50% in major cities
- Tipping
- 15 – 20%
NailAtlas Editorial
Guidance grounded in market data from the 3,300+ nail salons we've indexed.
In a major US city, a gel manicure costs about $35–$80, a full set of acrylic $45–$95 and Gel-X $60–$110. Russian manicures and hard gel sit at the top of the range. The technique prices below come from the salons in the NailAtlas directory.
Technique Prices by City
Typical prices for a full set or full service, from the technique listings in our directory. Each price links to the salons offering that technique in that city.
| Technique | New York | Los Angeles | Miami | Chicago | London |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | $55–$95 | $50–$90 | $45–$85 | $45–$80 | £40–£75 |
| Gel-X | $70–$110 | $70–$105 | $65–$100 | $60–$95 | £55–£100 |
| BIAB | $55–$90 | $55–$85 | $50–$80 | $45–$75 | £35–£55 |
| Hard gel | $80–$140 | $75–$130 | $70–$120 | $65–$115 | £60–£110 |
| Russian | $90–$160 | $80–$140 | $75–$130 | $70–$120 | £65–£120 |
| Japanese gel | $65–$110 | $60–$100 | $55–$95 | $50–$85 | £50–£90 |
Among the US cities, New York tops every row. In London, BIAB (£35–£55) comes in below acrylic (£40–£75), the only city where the gap is that clear. Hand-painted art and extreme length are charged on top of these ranges.
GreenHouse Studio Hackney
Nail art from the directory
Summit Nail Art Studio
Nail art from the directory
Other Services
These are editorial estimates for a major US city rather than directory figures. Smaller cities and suburbs typically run 20–40% lower.
| Service | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Gel polish (hands) Standard gel colour on natural nails | $35 | $55 | $80+ |
Gel infill / fill 2–3 weeks after the original set | $45 | $75 | $120+ |
Gel removal Proper soak-off removal | $15 | $25 | $40+ |
Nail art (per nail) Priced by complexity | $3 | $8 | $20+ |
3D nail art (per nail) Sculpted charms, bows and similar | $10 | $20 | $50+ |
Pedicure + gel polish Foot care plus colour | $55 | $80 | $120+ |
What Drives Nail Pricing?
Location
Rent and cost of living are the biggest factors, which is why New York tops every US column of the city table. A talented independent tech in Brooklyn charges more than an equally talented artist in a smaller city simply because their overheads are higher. A home or studio-based artist in London can price below a West End salon and deliver the same quality or better.
Experience and Specialism
A master technician with ten years of experience and a waiting list charges premium prices and delivers premium results. Junior techs building a portfolio may charge far less, which can be excellent value early in their career. Review their portfolio carefully first.
Products Used
Professional-grade products cost significantly more than discount alternatives. Part of what you pay for is good gels, bonders and equipment, which directly affect how long your nails last and how safe the service is.
Time Required
Russian manicures, detailed nail art and complex extension sets take longer. A three-hour appointment costs more than a 45-minute gel refresh, and rushed nail work rarely turns out well. Budget for the proper time.
Nails by Chloeeee
Chrome sets from the directory
Bare Method Studio
Chrome sets from the directory
The Price Red Flag
Be cautious of prices far below market for premium techniques (Russian manicures, full gel sets with nail art). Very low prices often mean corners are being cut on product quality, sanitation, time or technique. Fixing damaged nails always costs more than a good service done right the first time.
Comparing two systems? See acrylic vs gel, Gel-X vs acrylic and the nail salon pricing guide.
Nail tech pricing: FAQ
How much does a full set of nails cost?▼
It depends on the system. Across the US cities in the NailAtlas directory, a full acrylic set typically costs $45–$95, Gel-X $60–$110 and hard gel extensions $65–$140. In London it is £40–£75 for acrylic, £55–£100 for Gel-X and £60–£110 for hard gel. Gel-X and hard gel cost more because the products are pricier and the appointment takes longer.
How much is a gel manicure?▼
Standard gel polish on natural nails runs about $35–$80 in a major US city, with $55 typical. Gel polish over Russian manicure prep costs considerably more because the e-file cuticle work adds time and skill.
How much does a Russian manicure cost?▼
Typically $70–$160 across the US cities we cover ($90–$160 in New York) and £65–£120 in London. Adding BIAB or Gel-X extensions pushes it higher. You are paying for appointment time and specialist e-file training, not a different colour product.
How much is BIAB?▼
A BIAB overlay typically costs $45–$90 across the US cities in our directory and £35–£55 in London. It is an overlay on your natural nail rather than an extension, so it usually costs less than Gel-X or hard gel.
How much should an infill cost?▼
A gel infill runs about $45–$120, with $75 typical, and is normally booked 2–3 weeks after the original set. Expect roughly 60–75% of the price of a full set. An infill should always cost less than a fresh set; if it does not, ask why.
How much does gel removal cost?▼
Proper soak-off removal runs $15–$40, with $25 typical. Most technicians fold removal into the price of a new set if you rebook straight away.
How much should you tip a nail tech?▼
In the US, 15–20% of the service price is standard, calculated before any discount. In the UK tipping is not expected; 10% is a generous thank-you for detailed work. Independent techs who own their studio set their own prices, so a tip there is a bonus rather than part of their wage.
Why do nail prices vary so much between salons?▼
Four things drive it: location and the salon's running costs, the technician's experience and specialism, the products used, and the time the service takes. A three-hour Russian manicure with nail art will always cost more than a 45-minute gel refresh.
Is a very cheap nail salon a red flag?▼
For premium techniques, yes. Prices well below market for Russian manicures or full gel sets with nail art usually mean corners are being cut on product quality, sanitation, time or technique. Repairing damaged nails costs more than paying for the service done properly.