Want to pamper yourself? A spa day out for some self-care like getting your nails done sounds like the perfect remedy. However, if you have no idea how the pricing works, it may become unforgiving for your monthly budget.
So if you are skeptical about how much it should cost to get your nails done, we’ve got you covered. Keep your next salon appointment as we take a deep dive into fake nail application pricing.
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Quick Answer
In general, the price of fake nails can vary depending on the application type you choose. Currently, there are three main types of nail applications that are very popular: gels, acrylics, and dip powder nails. For each of these types, you can put the following price tag:
- $55-65 for a new set of gel nails
- $50-60 for a new set of acrylic nails
- $45-50 for first-time dip powder nails’ set
Quite obviously, these price ranges can fluctuate depending on where you get your services done, the design you choose, and if you go ahead with other related services or not. So even though these general prices can fit a majority of salons, continue reading as we carry an in-depth discussion for each nail application type and their price points.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Fake Nails
According to statistical input, the total spending on nail salon services in the US was almost 9 billion dollars as of 2020. This shows how much people are willing to spend on nail services despite the varying price ranges of each nail application type. Let’s take a look.
Gel Nails
Gel nails became popular thanks to celebrities sporting lengthier nails and are mostly chosen by people who like to add extra length to their natural nails. A full set of gel nails can cost more than $60 if your first time. Cured under UV light, the hard gel dries to be sculpted into the desired shape.
However, gel nails require a filling every week or two, depending on how fast your natural nails grow from underneath. Thus, ensuring that gel nails are longer lasting than acrylics. So it is evident that gel nails can cost more than acrylic nails, including an additional upward cost of $30 for each filling.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are one of the most popular nail application types for fake nails. The acrylic base is created by mixing liquid acrylic and powder to make a thick substance. The mixture is then placed on a tip that dries to sculpt your preferred nail shape.
If you are getting acrylic nails for the first time, it will be your first full set. Hence, a full set of acrylic nails cost you somewhere between $50 and $60. Additionally, depending on how detailed your design is, the nails’ shape, and the polish type you choose, it can cost an added $20.
Dip Powder Nails
One of the newest application types, dip powder nails, are also known as SNS nails and can cost anywhere around $45 to $50. Like acrylics, dip powder nails are also applied on the nail tip by layering powder and fixing with a clear sealant, making them longer lasting than gel and acrylics.
However, a single drawback of dip powder nails is that they cannot be filled. So if your natural nails grow fast, this particular application type is not for you. Instead of filling, you shall require a completely new set of nails, including the cost of removal and reapplication of powder, adding more to the cost outline.
Does Maintenance & Removal of Fake Nails Cost Extra Charges?
As we cover how much it costs to get fake nails, one of the most important steps in the costing is maintenance and removal of fake nails. After all, if you would not maintain them, you’ll require frequent visits to the salon adding to the cost. Likewise, getting a new set would require the removal of the previous.
Many people get confused as to why can’t they remove fake nails themselves instead of paying an upward cost of $20 to do the same. However, nail experts recommend otherwise, even though you can DIY the removal process. So there is no way you should skip your filling and removal appointment.
Consequently, maintenance of acrylics and gel nails is an upward cost of $30 – depending on how many new nails you get or if you change the design or require basic clean-up. On the flip side, removing fake nails is inexpensive and can cost anywhere from $15 to $20 at most salons.
Are Fake Nails Long-lasting?
Yes! Fake nails are long-lasting if you properly care for them and maintain their appearance. However, how long fake nails can last depends on the application types.
- Acrylic Nails: 2 to 3 months with refilling every 2-3 weeks – depending on your natural nail growth.
- Gel Nails: 2 to 3 months with refilling every 3 to 4 weeks – depending on your natural nail growth.
- Dip Powder Nails: 1 to 2 months without any refills and more if you take care of them.
Does Getting Fake Nails Bad For The Natural Nails?
An important consideration for people who love to get fake nails is if it is bad for their natural nails. And to put it simply, yes, getting fake nails can damage your natural nails. It is not the fake nail itself per se other than the steps involved in applying each type.
Your nail bed and skin around the nails can easily get damaged from removing the top nail enamel to the excessive cutting of the cuticles. Moreover, the long-term fake nail application can dehydrate your nails and cause them to become weak and brittle.
Is Getting Your Nails Done Worth It?
We have established that fake nails can damage your natural nails and be costly with every fresh set you get – people still say getting your nails done is worth it. They trade off the risk of any damage with the confidence boost they get with every fresh manicure as they feel like their best self.
However, it depends on you and your priorities with all due considerations. If getting fake nails is worth it for you, and a big part of that reasoning is inner satisfaction, it may outweigh all the negatives like cost and damage to your natural nails.
Wrap Up
A much-needed confidence boost, inner satisfaction, feeling like your best self, and a nice presentable demeanor – fake nails can equate to all this and much more.
So although a spa day in the salon might be pricey – all is worth it at the end of the day. It may result in an expense of anywhere between $10 and $60 for any of the related fake nail services; you shouldn’t forget to tip your nail technician for a job well done!