Our feet are meant to withstand weight, stress, and activity. But, like all other body parts, they also need some care. And what’s a better way of caring for your feet and pampering them than getting a pedicure?
Nothing is more relaxing and comforting for your feet than a good pedicure. But, how much does a pedicure cost?
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Quick Answer
The exact cost of a pedicure depends on its type, the salon you’re getting it from, and the area/city you reside in. But, you can expect to pay $15 to $35 for pedicures at small nail shops, $35 to $60 at mid-range salons, and $45 to $135 for pedicures at high-range salons and spas in the US.
Want a detailed insight into how the prices vary for different types of pedicures and if there are any other associated costs that you should know about? Keep reading!
How Much Do Different Types of Pedicures Cost?
Personal care, beauty, and salon industries have largely developed and expanded. As a result, the foot care service that once had a single standard procedure is now divided into several different types, each with a somewhat distinct set of steps and different prices.
To help give you an idea about how much does a pedicure can cost you, here we’re highlighting the average price ranges for the most popular types of pedicures and what they include:
- Standard Pedicure – Also known as a basic pedicure, this is the most common type of pedicure and involves foot soak, scrubbing, moisturizing, filing, cutting, and shaping of nails, and nail paint application. The standard pedicure can cost $15 to $25 on average.
- Mini Pedicure – A mini pedicure primarily focuses on toes and nails. It includes clipping, shaping, and painting nails along with a foot soak. It can cost anywhere from $15 to $40.
- French Pedicure – A French pedicure combines a standard pedicure with a specialty nail treatment. The French nail design includes a translucent nude or pink base with the edges of nails marked with thin white lines. This type of pedicure costs $25 to $35 on average.
- Spa Pedicure – This is an upgraded version of the standard pedicure. The exact spa pedicure procedure varies across salons and spas, but it typically includes the use of high-end products and additional services, such as foot massage and/or aromatherapy soak. It can cost $40 to $70, depending on where you get it from.
- Gel Pedicure – A gel pedicure includes a basic pedicure with a gel nail color that lasts much longer than the standard one. This type of pedicure can cost $40 to $80.
- Paraffin Pedicure – As the name tells, a paraffin pedicure includes applying a thick layer of paraffin wax on the feet, followed by the standard pedicure. This extra step leaves the feet extra smooth and soft. A paraffin pedicure costs around $45 to $60 on average.
- Fish Pedicure – This type of pedicure involves submerging feet into a water tank containing a particular kind of fish that eats away dead skin. Fish pedicure may be controversial, but it is quite popular. It can cost around $45 to $95.
- Hot Stone Pedicure – This is a specialized foot care procedure that is typically only offered at higher-end salons and spas. It includes basic foot cleaning followed by placement of specialized hot stone in between toes and beneath the feet. Some spas may also offer a foot massage afterward. Hot Stone Pedicure offers superior relaxation and costs about $60 to $75 on average.
Why Do the Prices of Pedicures Vary Across Different Salons?
While the FDA does oversee the production of beauty products and cosmetics to some extent, the salon industry is not regulated by the government or any central authority. This means salons and spas are practically free to offer any services and charge whatever they want for them.
However, a closer look helps figure out that multiple factors can influence the cost of salon services, including pedicures. These primarily include:
- Geographic Location: The city you live in as well as the area a salon is located at both play a vital role in determining the cost of their services. A salon located in the outskirts of a city or in a small town will certainly cost lower for pedicures than one in the heart of a big city.
- Products Used: As we all know, the cost of foot care products (or any beauty product per se) can vary greatly depending on the quality and brand. The better quality and high-end products a salon use for pedicures, the more it charges for them.
- The Type of Salon – You can’t expect high-end salons with lavish interiors and better quality services to charge just as much as the small nail shop in your neighborhood. The high-end salons provide cleaner, more comfortable, and relaxing environments, and all these factors contribute to increasing the costs of their services.
Are There Any Additional Costs Associated with Pedicures?
We have highlighted the average costs of different types of pedicures above. However, there are a couple of factors that can increase the total amount you spend on a pedicure. These include:
- Additional Services – All salons allow you to request additional services with your pedicure. These may include toenail repairs, French tips, gel nail polish, nail art, or acrylic nails. Depending on what additional service(s) you choose to get, the cost of your pedicure may increase by $3 to $40.
- Tip – Tipping your pedicurist or nail artist is considered basic etiquette. The amount you will give as a tip will obviously add to your expense and increase the overall cost of a pedicure.
How Much Should You Tip for a Pedicure?
The rule of thumb regarding tipping is that you should give 15% to 20% of your total bill, before taxes, to your pedicurist.
However, it’s important to note that this is the minimum tip. You can (and somewhat expected to) pay more if you are highly satisfied with the service and/or if the minimum 15 to 20 percent tip makes a very low amount.
For example, if you get a basic pedicure from a small nail salon worth $15, the 15% tip will only be $2.25. You will likely be expected to pay more.
Do Male Pedicures Cost the Same as They Do For Females?
When it comes to gender disparity, women are generally at a disadvantage. But, it’s the opposite when it comes to pedicures. Here, women are at an advantage.
Most salons have been charging a little more for “men’s pedicures”. Although there’s only a little difference, typically ranging from $2 to $5, there has been a great hue and cry about it lately. Lawsuits have been filed and many salons have been fined for this gender discriminatory pricing over the past few years.
Why Do Salons Charge More for a Man’s Pedicure?
Salon owners and pedicurists have their reason for charging more to men for a pedicure as compared to women.
According to them, men’s feet are bigger and tend to be less maintained and dirtier than women. Hence, it takes more time and effort to give them a pedicure.
Most often than not, men need longer soaks, rigorous scrubbing, and more effort in nail cleaning and shaping. This, the salon owners argue, justifies the slight difference in the price of pedicures for men and women.
Wrap Up
The cost of a pedicure depends on multiple factors, including the type of pedicure, location, the type of salon, and additional services. A basic pedicure can cost you anywhere from $15 to $45. Specialty or deluxe pedicures, on the other hand, can cost $35 to over $100.
Do you get regular pedicures? What type of pedicures do you get, and how much do you pay for them? Let us know in the comments section below.