Acrylic nails are one of the oldest yet still in-demand beauty trends. Since it has been around for some time, it also has evolved with many enhancements. With multiple variations of acrylic manicures, the prices for these also differ. A full set has a different price than a fill, not to mention the enhancements or add-ons you want to include.

So, how much do acrylic nails cost?

To help you figure out the best acrylic manicure for you, we will discuss the prices for the common services for acrylics and other essential information you should know about this nail service. Let’s start!

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are what you usually see as nail extensions. These are made out of a powder polymer and liquid monomer that form a paste-like consistency. It is then added to the natural nails and customised to the shape you ask for. It hardens and holds on to the natural nails for added thickness, length and strength.

What Are the Prices for Acrylic Nails?

Aside from the costs for the type of manicure you want, other factors that affect the prices are location, salon setup, nail tech’s skill level and salon reputation. To give you a range of prices for the various acrylic services, here is a list:

Full Set

The starting price for the full set is around $46-$53. Again, this range can still go up depending on the salon or nail technician. This service includes filing all your nails to a desired length and pushing back your cuticles.

Gel Polish

If you decide to add gel polish to your acrylic nails, this is where the additional cost starts. The gel polish alone has the same price range as the full set, so you’ll be paying double if you add this service. However, some salons offer discounts for a full set and gel polish. You may be charged the full amount for the full set but less for the gel polish.

Pink and White Nails

Many individuals love to have acrylics that look natural, and the pink and white finish is what they usually go for. The pink acrylic goes well with a white French manicure, making your nails look simply elegant. The price range for this is $91-$122.

Nail Gems, Stickers and Charms

Another factor that affects the price on how much do acrylic nails cost is the decorations you want. Gems, stickers and charms vary in price as well, so if you’re on a budget but still want to add something fun to your nails, stickers are the best option.

Nail Art or Design

Most salons charge an extra $8 for a design you want on your acrylic nails. Choose from a French manicure, an abstract pattern, a floral design or an avant-garde motif. There are many types of nail art you can go for but will still vary in price depending on the design.

Nail Polish Change

You also need to consider a simple nail polish change. This is without the basic manicure, where nail reshaping, buffing, cuticle cutting and hand massage are not included. The charge usually is around $30 if the polish is the regular one, not Shellac or gel.

Acrylic In-Fill

In-fills are ideal if your acrylic nails are still fully intact and you see gaps between your extensions and cuticles. The work needed for this is not as much as the full set, and you’ll be charged around $15. Plus, you need to consider the price for your polish, whether the regular one or gel. This can amount to a total of $30-40.

Nail Shape

Nail shapes have various prices as well. Some shapes like oval, round and square are easier and are around $53-$84, while shapes like coffin, almond and stiletto are more complex and cost an extra $15. If the shape you desire is not on the list in the salon you visited, you can always ask the nail technician to customise, but it will cost you more, and not all salons offer this as it may be time-consuming.

Repair

We sometimes break a nail regardless of how careful we are. This is why we need to include in our budget the cost of repair of our nails. Typically, nail techs charge you $15-23 for nail repair, but it may still go higher depending on how broken your nail is.

Maintenance

Maintaining your nails varies in a number of factors as well as the cost. You can be charged $8-38 depending on the kind of maintenance you will have. Fixing broken nails and getting fills are just common examples of services you need to keep lasting manicures.

Removal

Acrylic nail removal also has different prices primarily because of the reason for getting rid of it. The common reasons are grown-out or peeled-back nails. Grown-out nails can be much cheaper than removing peeled-back nails. Nail technicians will try hard not to damage your nails even more during the removal process.

Do Salons Charge Differently with Walk-ins and Appointments?

Yes, they do. Many salons have different prices for walk-ins and appointments. Clients who book appointments are typically charged less than those who have unscheduled services. The price can even go higher if the client doesn’t have an appointment and has nails that require complex services.

How Can Clients Save from the Costs of Acrylic Nails?

Aside from the bundled services some salons provide, clients can take advantage of memberships. Some salons offer memberships to clients, and one privilege is getting discounts on nail services. For acrylic nails, for example, clients can save from discounted procedures like in-fills or polish change.

Other salons provide coupons with expiration as part of their campaigns. There are also businesses that provide discounts on services as part of their loyalty program.

How Long Does an Acrylic Nail Manicure Last?

Acrylics are also known for their longevity. On average, the manicure can last up to 8 weeks with proper nail care and depending on your nails’ growth. Within this period, you need to have in-fills every 2-3 weeks, which is important in preventing lifting as the nails start to grow out.

To help you extend the lifespan of your nails, always moisturise them. Apply cuticle oil generously on each nail or hand lotion regularly. Also, wear gloves when doing chores to prevent breaking or lifting.

Is It Safe to Have an Acrylic Manicure?

Acrylic nails are generally safe, but you have to be careful in removing them to avoid serious nail damage. The removal process can weaken the natural nails, so it’s always best to let a nail technician do it. Never peel them off because your nails might suffer permanent damage. Also, taking breaks between manicures is recommended to help your natural nails recover.

Are Acrylic Nails for You?

Acrylic nails are suitable for most people, especially those who want long and strong nail extensions. But some people may have reactions to these, such as blisters, redness, itching, pain and swelling. This is why it’s important for first-timers to monitor their nails and see if they develop any reaction. If so, they may be allergic to acrylic nails, especially if the reaction doesn’t go away. In some cases, they may only have an irritant reaction if the pain is gone in a week or two.

Are Acrylic Nails Still In Demand?

You may have noticed nowadays, especially on social media, that many people are using gel and have ignored acrylics. Acrylic nails are still here and in demand, and many individuals still prefer this over gel. It’s only a matter of preference.

Can Acrylic Nails Cause Damage to Your Nails?

If you follow the best practices for making acrylic nails last long, there is basically no risk associated with this nail system. If you don’t fill your acrylic nails when your natural nails grow out, the look might be unsightly, which is the only disadvantage you’ll encounter.

Any damage to your natural nails is due to some factors, such as nail health and trauma. It’s more on the external factors that affect the acrylic nails that cause damage and not the product itself.

Are Acrylic Nails Cost-Effective?

It may seem like acrylic nails are costly, but if you consider their longevity and durability, these can be cost-effective. It can last up to 8 weeks with proper maintenance and care, which only requires cheaper procedures than visiting salons on a regular basis for another new manicure.

Is Doing an Acrylic Manicure at Home Cheaper?

You can DIY acrylic nails at home, and it’s cheaper than having a nail technician do it in a salon. You buy the tools and products you need for the application and removal in one purchase and enjoy the benefits of using them multiple times. There is also no need to pay a nail tech, and you can do your nails conveniently at home at any time. You don’t need to go through setting an appointment for a nail visit and adjusting your time to the scheduled date.

However, there are cons to DIY acrylic nails:

• You need to practise the skills needed for the application and removal of acrylic nails, which requires some time. Precision is key in these procedures, and this is why it can take some time.
• There are cheaper DIY products or materials you can buy for acrylic nails, but these may have low quality or cause damage to your nails if not used appropriately.
• Your patience and commitment are required when applying and removing acrylic nails. You don’t have to rush each step of any procedure to avoid hurting or damaging your natural nails.

Final Words

Knowing how much do acrylic nails cost allows you to weigh things better on which add-ons you’d like to have depending on your budget. You can go simple with a pink acrylic and a French manicure or be fun with multiple accessories. Either way, enjoy having acrylic nails and explore the diversity with designs and decorations!