Nail salons price a base service and then add for length, shape, art, removal and upgrades. Publishing the add-on menu online prevents checkout surprises, and packaging pedicure tiers (classic, spa, deluxe) makes upselling simple. Price from time and supplies, then compare with nearby salons offering similar quality.
Sample service and add-on menu
| Service | Base | Common add-ons |
|---|---|---|
| Gel manicure | Base price | Removal, French, chrome |
| Structured gel or builder gel | Base | Length, shape, art |
| Acrylic full set | Base | Length tiers, coffin or stiletto shape |
| Fill | Base | Art refresh, repair |
| Classic pedicure | Base | Gel polish, paraffin |
| Spa pedicure | Higher base | Mask, longer massage |
| Nail art | Per nail or per set | Hand-painted, 3D, encapsulated |
Worked example: pricing a fill
A tech times twenty fills and finds they average a set number of minutes, plus a few minutes for removal of old art. She lists supplies used per fill, adds her hourly target and the salon's overhead share, and sets the fill price at that level. Art refresh is a separate add-on so clients who keep a simple color are not paying for others' designs. She reviews the numbers each spring.
Mistakes
- One price for all lengths
- Free removal of another salon's product (which can take a long time)
- Not charging for repairs outside the grace period
- Copying a competitor's price without knowing your own costs
Explaining prices to clients
Write a short note on the menu page: base prices include the service shown; length beyond short, special shapes, art, chrome and removal are add-ons; art is priced by complexity after the tech sees your inspiration photo. Confirm the total before starting so there are no surprises. This note, repeated in the booking confirmation, prevents most checkout disputes.
Review prices once a year against your supply costs and time. When you raise prices, update the website and booking tool on the same day, and tell regulars a few weeks ahead.
Pedicure tiers explained
| Tier | Typically includes |
|---|---|
| Classic | Soak, nail shaping, cuticle care, light massage, polish |
| Spa | Classic plus exfoliating scrub and mask |
| Deluxe | Spa plus longer massage, paraffin or hot towels |
| Gel upgrade | Gel polish on any tier |
What affects your price
- Service time
- Design complexity
- Add-ons
Free tools
Common questions
Should I post add-on prices?
Yes. Add-on prices are the most common source of surprise at checkout.
Do I charge for soak-off?
Many salons charge removal, especially for product from another salon.
How long should a grace period be for repairs?
Choose a period you can honor, often a few days, and post it.
Do memberships work for nails?
Some salons offer monthly maintenance plans; make sure scheduling can support them.
Should nail art be priced per nail or per set?
Either works; per-nail pricing is easier to explain for accent nails, per-set for full designs.
Do pedicure tiers increase the ticket?
They make upgrades easy to choose without pressure, which often raises the average ticket.
Should we charge more for a specific tech?
Many salons price by tech level, just like hair salons, once demand supports it.
Show your services and connect customers to your booking provider
Your service menu, prices if you show them, photos and a booking button that goes straight to the booking tool you already use.
See salon and booking websites