Are you paying too much at nail salons? Celebrity manicurists break down how you can avoid being overcharged

Manicure prices are on the rise. But how much money should you spend on getting your nails done these days, especially in big cities?

After a tourist paid about $260 for a manicure, viral TikTok has sparked a debate about the price of nail art.

Commenters were shocked by the hefty price tag, with one responding: ‘$220 is ridiculous for these things in NYC, girl, you got robbed in plain sight.’

Not only were many people shocked by the price, they also noted that the manicurist wasn’t wearing gloves and that the final product didn’t look like the inspiration photo.

To find out what a reasonable price is for elaborate nail art in a big city like New York, and how clients can avoid being shocked at the end of their appointment, FEMAIL consulted three very well-known nail technicians about their rates.

It’s no secret that inflation makes everything more expensive, including expensive beauty treatments.

Still, many New Yorkers shared in the comments on TikTok how much they paid for a manicure.

Many people in the suburbs found the prices to be more reasonable, ranging from $90 in the Bronx and $80 in Queens to $100 for a Russian manicure.

Others reported paying $75 for a complete set of designs, compared to $140 or £65 ($83) in the UK.

How much can you expect to pay in a big city?

Sataya Stone, the owner and founder of a downtown nail salon Artificial Nail NYCtold FEMAIL that ‘in a major city like New York, someone can expect to pay between $90 and $200 or more for nail art or an elaborate manicure, depending on the complexity of the design and the reputation of the salon.’

Julie Kandalec is the founder and creative director of Paint box in New York City and has worked on major beauty campaigns and backstage at New York Fashion Week.

The celebrity manicurist explained that rates in New York vary. Some artists charge by difficulty and divide it into categories, such as easy or medium nail art. Others charge by time, and still others charge by finger or by gemstone or stud. He calls this “very personal.”

Rita Pintothe founder of the celebrity-loved nail art paradise Vanity projects in Miami and New York City, DailyMail.com toldThe complexity of the design, the length of the appointment, the number of colors and the number of gemstones are all factored into the final price.’

How do you avoid being shocked by the price?

It is wise to be open with your nail technician beforehand so that there are no surprises. However, you may need to go into detail to avoid being shocked by the price after a long appointment.

Julie says it’s best to communicate with your nail technician well in advance so you’re on the same page about the budget.

“I wouldn’t want to put them in a position where they’re shocked by the price,” Julie said. “I like to work backwards with a budget. Often my client gets more that way, too.”

“To discuss pricing in advance and avoid surprises, a client should inquire about the cost of each part of the manicure and ask for an estimate based on their specific wishes,” Sataya advised.

‘We recommend that you be honest about how much you expect to spend on this nail treatment before booking an appointment, so that we can take this into account.’

Rita said, “For those on a budget, designs can always be adapted or changed to ensure the design stays within budget.”

“It’s essential to share details about your inspiration and be transparent about your budget,” Rita told FEMAIL, adding that Vanity Projects offers 17 different seasonal or trending monthly specials for a fixed price.

Vanity Project customers—past clients include Serena Williams, Adriana Lima, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Lily Allen, Sam Smith and many more—can customize presets by choosing colors. Special offers range from $100 to $130.

The lifespan of a manicure is usually two to four weeks.

Why do you have to pay for gel removal now?

It’s hard to imagine having to pay a hefty amount for a manicure and nail art, only to have to have your nail polish removed from your previous appointment, when that wasn’t always the case.

But Julie explained that salons are “finally realizing the importance of slow, methodical, and proper removal” and “they should have been charging for it all along.”

Julie, who has given elegant manicures to celebrities including Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello and Lauren Sanchez, warned that ‘improper nail removal is the biggest cause of nail damage.’

“I never understood that business model: if a service is not paid for or the price is very low, then they rush things,” Julie explains.

“I would personally charge $50 or more for a painless removal. A bad removal can cause damage that takes three months or more to grow out – isn’t $50 worth three months of healthy nails?” Julie asked.

“Removing gel is a time-consuming process that involves not only caring for your cuticles, but also cutting and filing your nails, as well as removing any old products and decorations,” Rita agreed.

“Our salon charges existing clients $10 for hair removal and $20 for clients coming from another salon where the products used are unfamiliar and often take longer to remove,” Rita continues.

If removal is done poorly or hastily, it can cause damage to the natural nail.

‘If the removal is done correctly, the gel can adhere well to the natural nail bed, resulting in a manicure that lasts a long time and where the nail bed grows beautifully,’ says Rita.