How Much is a Gel Manicure? Answered 2023

Due to their increased durability and resistance to chips, gel manicures are becoming more and more popular. Do you know how much is a gel manicure?

Gel nails can cost anywhere from $25 to $65 depending on your location and the design you want.

You can benefit from this style of manicure regardless of how long or short your nails are. This article will walk you through the price of a gel manicure, from upkeep to removal, and will assist you in determining whether this is the right service for you.

What is a Gel Manicure?

In contrast to traditional manicures, which use air drying to set and cure specially formulated gel polish, this type of manicure uses UV light to harden and cure the polish.

The gel manicure lasts much longer than a typical manicure—up to three times longer—thanks to the curing process.

It is more expensive than a regular manicure, but it is still a good value, especially for those who get manicures frequently.

Read More: What is a Structured Gel Manicure?

How Much is a Gel Manicure?

The price for a gel manicure can vary depending on where you live and the caliber of the salon you’re visiting. Typically, a gel manicure can cost $5-$10 more than a regular manicure, with a starting price of $25.

For instance, a gel manicure starts at $37 at Bliss Nail Lounge in Dallas and costs more depending on the polish, service, and design.

Prices at Tallahassee, Florida’s Millennium Nail & Day Spa start at $45. The standard gel manicure at Genesis Nail Spa Homewood in Birmingham, Alabama, costs $42 plus gratuity.

The method of removal is equally crucial to the manicure itself. Your nail beds and cuticles can be damaged simply by scraping or peeling the polish off.

And those bad habits have repercussions—they might make it more difficult for gel polish to adhere in the future.

It’s best to remove gel manicures at a salon to preserve the health of your nails. Removal costs can range from $10 to $20.

Read More: How Much is a French Manicure?

Why Are Gel Manicures So Expensive?

If you’re used to the price of regular manicures, you’re probably wondering why switching to gel polish is so expensive. There are a few reasons why you can expect to pay more for a gel manicure:

• Materials: The cost of gel polish is higher than that of regular polish.
• Application: Gel manicures require UV or LED lighting to be curable.
• Longevity: Gel manicures are stronger and last longer than traditional manicures.
• Location: Salons in high-cost-of-living areas are typically more expensive.
• Gratuity: If you are satisfied with your service, it is advised to tip 20% of the total cost.

While applying the polish for a regular and gel manicure is similar, gel polish requires UV light curing after each layer, including the base and top coat. Most salons charge more for their services because the procedure is more time-consuming.

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How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Gel Manicure?

You can expect to pay between $70 and $170 per month to maintain a gel manicure. This includes the fee for each appointment’s removal and reapplication.

Given that a gel manicure typically lasts two to three weeks, you’ll probably need to go to the salon twice a month to keep it maintained.

Are Gel Manicures Worth It?

Gel manicures are worth it if you want long-lasting nails but want to avoid harsh treatments like acrylics or gel extensions. Gel manicures are less harmful to your nail beds over time because they use polish on your natural nail.

To get the most for your money if you frequently get regular manicures, think about switching to gel nails. You won’t need to visit the salon every week to maintain them because gel is less likely to chip.

Gel manicures can weaken your nails over time, despite being much safer than many other enhancements. Keeping to routine manicures may be the best course of action if this worries you.

If you frequently change your nails’ styles, regular polish is a better option than gel polish because it is easier to remove.

Final Thoughts: How Much is a Gel Manicure

If you’re on a budget, it’s possible to give yourself a gel manicure at home. But in order to cure the gel, you’ll need to buy a UV or LED lamp.

Also bear in mind that the outcome might not be as appealing as what you would get from a pro.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, natural-looking option, a gel manicure is a fantastic choice. It’s crucial to know how the price fares against other types of manicures before scheduling an appointment.

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