Why Getting A Manicure Is So Expensive

According to Smart Mom HQ, a standard manicure can cost up to $100 for a full set of acrylic nails or gel nails with intricate designs at a high-end salon in big cities. After all, labor-intensive work costs more. You have to remember that a manicure can take over 30 minutes, and you have to consider the nail technician's time and hourly wage. Per Cost Helper Health, the average cost of manicures in cities like Chicago and Atlanta is higher than the national average, and these prices depend on demand and availability, too.

You might be the only one using your nail clippers and tools at home, but unless salons use disposable products, they will be using the same tools on everyone. Nail salons sterilize nail equipment for consumer safety by following proper guidelines, which takes time and effort — and can contribute to the total cost of the manicure (via Nail Super Store). For your own health and safety, you want to go to a decent nail salon where they practice good hygiene. The last thing you need is an infection after getting fancy nails.

Once you get a manicure, it's customary and polite to tip your manicurist, and, according to Southern Living, you should tip between 15% and 20% of your bill, though you should tip more if you received exceptional work. Plus, if you think it's too much money to tip your manicurist, you should probably be painting your nails at home.