Acrylic nails can cost between $25 and $120 depending on a variety of factors.
Acrylic nails are artificial extensions applied and designed to your liking. You choose the color, polish, shape, and length for a fun customized experience. People all over the internet are hopping onto the acrylic nail train and sharing photos of their nails along the way. Finding inspiration for your new set of acrylic nails has never been easier. While it’s a luxurious manicure option, it’s important to ask yourself “how much are acrylic nails” before booking your appointment.
What contributes to the cost of acrylic nails?
Before sitting down in the artist’s chair you should know the length, shape, color, and design you want because those aspects can raise or decrease the cost. However, there are other factors to take into consideration as well:
- Salon location
- Type of salon (boutique, resort, home salon, commercial salon)
- Nail artist’s expertise
- Nail length
- Nail shape
- Nail design
- Type of polish (gel, conditioning, regular)
- Nail artist’s tip
How much is a full set of acrylic nails?
A full set of acrylic nails can cost anywhere from $25 to $55 if you’ve chosen a standard manicure with minimal amount of add-ons like designs, specialized shapes like coffin or stiletto, or protecting polish like gel.
Understanding the available services thrown your way at check-in can be a little overwhelming. One of those terms that trip people up is “full set.” A full set refers to the process of stripping your nails and applying extensions to every nail. You choose this service when you walk into the salon with bare nails, broken extensions on each nail, or grown-out extensions that don’t meet your desired length.
Since a full set is the most extensive service a nail artist performs it’s one of the most costly services you can pay for.
Full set vs. fills
While a full set involves the removal of any previous manicure and the application of 10 new nail extensions, a fill is very different.
A fill costs around $15-$20 and involves the application of an acrylic or gel paste to the grown-out nail bed. This process covers all regrowth to help increase the longevity of your previous acrylic set.
Can I save money if my nails are already long?
The length of your natural nails doesn’t matter if you’re set on acrylic nails. The extension will cover the entirety of your natural nail so what’s underneath won’t matter.
Occasionally, long natural nails could raise the price instead of reducing it. Your nails will get filed and cut before the acrylic process begins. If your nails are longer than the extensions, the nail artist will spend more time cutting it down or use extensions long enough to cover your nails. This can result in a raised price.
How much do additional acrylic-related services cost?
Additional services, details, and add-ons related to acrylic nails can cost anywhere from $5 to $55. These services and add-ons include acrylic nail removal, creative shapes, protective polish, designs, repair, and polish changes.
Some of these additional costs are commonly paired with a full set acrylic manicure, while services like removal, repair, and polish changes are typically completed weeks after the initial manicure.
How much do different shapes cost?
Basic shapes like square, round, and oval can cost $35-$55. Meanwhile, you’ll spend around $10 extra for shapes like stiletto, almond, and coffin for a more stylized and complex look. However, there are many shapes to choose from at different price points.
A square or oval shape follows the natural growth patterns of your nail and provides a subtle yet elegant appearance. On the other hand, shapes like stiletto or coffin are commonly worn by those wanting to show off the nail artist’s capabilities through a more detailed and avant-garde shape.
The nail artist files and cuts the extensions into shape, which means you can customize your shape if your desired shape isn’t listed on the nail artist’s service menu. However, not all nail artists and salons offer this service, as it can be more time-consuming and expensive.
How much do different types of polish cost?
Different types of nail polish can cost another $10-$25 on top of the cost for a standard appointment. Aside from regular polish, other kinds provide different benefits like long-wearing, no-chip, conditioning, and more. These polishes include:
- Regular polish is a basic colored polish applied solely to cover the nail. The price for regular polish is included in the price for a standard acrylic manicure.
- Gel polish uses either soft or hard gel to ensure minimal chipping and zero dry time. This polish costs an extra $25 on top of the price for a standard acrylic manicure.
- Vinylux uses no base coat and lasts a week after hardening through exposure to light. You can expect to pay an extra $10-$11 for this type of polish.
- Shellac uses a combination of polish and gel hardened under a UV light to promote shine and durability. Similar to Vinylux, Shellac costs an extra $10-$11.
- Plexigel uses a semi-hard gel to repair, plump, fill, and lengthen the nail while being more flexible than gel and Shellac. This polish is on the more expensive side, costing an additional $40.
How much does it cost to remove acrylic nails?
Removing acrylic nails can cost anywhere from $10 to $20. However, this can vary depending on the type of polish applied and the reasons behind the removal. For instance, if you’re removing nails that are grown out, the cost will be minimal. But if you have broken or peeled back nails, it may be more expensive because they will try to maintain your natural nail.
People commonly get their nails removed because they are grown out, broken, or chipped. Feel free to book a removal appointment even if you just want a break or want to try something new.
If you’re already at the point where you want to remove your acrylic nails you should seek help from a professional. Ripping off your nails yourself can cause irreversible damage to your natural nails and the skin around them. However, if you must remove them yourself, make sure you do so safely and gently.
How much do acrylic nails with designs cost?
Generally, design add-ons cost $5-$10 extra. However, the cost of the design can vary depending on how large and detailed it is. The price can jump up if the design requires a longer dry time, a fade-like ombré, and 3D add-ons.
Not all nail artists have access to the tools and resources needed to make the designs you see on social media. However, there are many accessories and painting techniques that will help your nails stand out, including:
- Charms
- Gems
- Stickers
- Ombré
- French tips
- Fine-tipped nail polish
If you have a design in mind, it’s a good idea to bring in a reference photo to help your nail artist bring your vision to life.
How much does it cost to repair a broken acrylic nail?
Repairing a broken nail or nails can cost around $10-$15 but may increase depending on how many broken nails you have and how bad the damage is. If you walk into a salon with a broken nail the nail artist will carefully remove the extension, repair any splits in your natural nails, and reapply an extension if your nail can handle it.
While a professional should repair a broken acrylic nail, there are safe ways to do so at home. You should be gentle and follow professional guidelines to ensure minimal damage to your natural nail.
How much does it cost to change my polish?
Changing your polish costs around $20-$30 depending on the type of polish previously applied and the polish you wish to apply. While this process does not take as long as the application of the extensions, you should still book an appointment since salons and nail artists are busy.
Remember that a polish change is not the same thing as a full manicure and doesn’t involve the same steps as a standard or luxury manicure.
How much does it cost to maintain acrylic nails?
Maintaining an acrylic manicure can cost anywhere from $5 to $25. There are a variety of ways to increase the longevity of your manicure, which all vary in price. Some of the cheaper options include:
- Wearing gloves while handling chemicals
- Applying nail oils
- Filing hangnails and chips
- Getting polish changes at the salon
However, the more expensive ways to maintain your manicure and help it last longer include:
- Getting a fill at the salon
- Using no-chip nail polish
- Fixing broken nail extensions
How can I get the most value out of my appointment and my acrylics?
You can get the most out of your appointments and acrylics by communicating with your artist ahead of time, bringing reference photos, keeping your nails away from chemicals, protecting your nails when doing handy work, and more.
Although professional manicures come at a high cost, there are some risks involved when you take an alternative route. Poorly done manicures can result in your nails lifting, breaking, thinning, and getting infected. Going to a professional can save you time and money by protecting and gently handling your nails.
Can I do my own acrylic nails?
Yes, you can do your nails yourself. But we recommend professional applications over DIYs. If you choose to do an at-home manicure you should understand what you’re doing so you can get the look you want while avoiding unnecessary damage.
If this is your first time receiving an acrylic manicure, it’s best to go to a salon or nail artist because the process isn’t as easy as it may seem. Acrylic manicures involve chemicals and sharp tools to achieve the shape and length you want. Therefore, it can be dangerous and result in cuts, infections, and permanent damage to your nail bed if done improperly.
Acrylic nails are a customizable service where your nails can turn into any shape and length you see fit. If you’re ready with your reference photo in hand, it’s time to book an appointment with our community of nail artists.
