Let’s be real—getting your nails done can be a serious expense. But the question is, “How much does it cost to get nails done at home vs salon?” You might be thinking about switching to doing your nails yourself to save a little extra cash, but is it really cheaper? Or is the salon the smarter option?
We’re breaking it down: the costs, the pros and cons, and how to decide which option is better for you.
Cost of Getting Nails Done at a Salon
When you walk into a nail salon, the pricing can vary depending on the service you choose, but let’s be clear: it’s never cheap.
1. Basic Manicures and Pedicures
At a salon, a basic manicure and pedicure is the most affordable option. Prices for these services will depend on where you live and the salon you go to, but on average, here’s what you can expect:
- Basic manicure: £15-£30
- Basic pedicure: £20-£35
If you’re looking to get both done, you’re easily spending anywhere from £35 to £60 for a one-time treatment.
2. Gel Manicures at a Salon
If you prefer gel nails, which last longer and have that shiny, flawless finish, expect to pay more. Gel manicures are durable and can last up to three weeks, but that convenience comes with a price tag:
- Gel manicure: £25-£45
- Gel pedicure: £30-£50
Now, factor in that you’ll probably need to go back to the salon every three weeks to keep your nails looking fresh. Those appointments can add up fast.
3. Acrylic Nails at a Salon
Want acrylic nails for that longer, sculpted look? You’ll pay even more than gel. Acrylics can be custom shaped, whether you want square, coffin, or almond, and they’re incredibly strong.
- Acrylic full set: £30-£60
- Acrylic refill (usually needed after 2-3 weeks): £20-£35
Add in any nail art, extra length, or specific shapes, and the price climbs even higher. And don’t forget—you’ll need a refill or fresh set every few weeks to keep them in good condition.
Cost of Doing Nails at Home
So, how does the cost of doing your nails at home compare? The upfront cost of supplies might seem like a lot, but in the long run, it could save you significant money if you’re doing your nails regularly.
1. Basic At-Home Manicure Setup
For a basic manicure at home, you’ll need some essential tools. Here’s what you’ll typically spend on the basics:
- Nail clippers: £5-£10
- Nail file and buffer: £5-£10
- Cuticle pusher and nippers: £10-£15
- Base coat, nail polish, top coat: £15-£30
- Nail polish remover: £5-£10
Your total for a basic at-home setup? Anywhere from £40-£75, depending on the quality of the products you buy. But here’s the thing—once you’ve bought these items, you’re set for several months.
2. Gel Nails at Home
Want to take it up a notch with gel nails at home? Here’s what you’ll need:
- UV/LED lamp: £30-£60
- Gel polish kit (with base coat, colour, and top coat): £25-£40
- Nail buffer and file: £5-£10
- Cuticle oil and tools: £10-£15
The upfront cost for doing gel nails at home is higher, ranging from £70-£125, but again, this is a one-time investment for the tools. Once you’ve got the gear, it’s just the cost of replacing gel polish bottles as they run out, which typically costs £8-£15 per bottle.
3. Acrylic Nails at Home
Want to DIY your acrylic nails? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Acrylic nail kit: £25-£40
- Nail brush, monomer, and acrylic powder: £20-£35
- Nail files and buffers: £5-£10
- Cuticle pusher and oil: £10-£15
For acrylic nails, your upfront cost will be around £60-£100. Again, this is an initial investment. After that, it’s just the cost of replacing products, like acrylic powder or monomer, which will run you about £10-£20 per refill.
Comparing Salon Nails vs At-Home Nails
Now that you’ve got a sense of the costs, let’s break down the comparison.
1. Salon Costs Over Time
Let’s say you get a gel manicure at the salon every three weeks. Here’s what that looks like over the course of a year:
- Average cost per gel manicure: £35
- Number of gel manicures per year: 17
- Total annual cost: £595
For acrylic nails, the numbers are even higher. If you get a new set every month or a refill every three weeks:
- Average cost per acrylic refill: £30
- Number of refills per year: 17
- Total annual cost: £510 (just for refills)
2. At-Home Nail Costs Over Time
If you’ve invested in doing gel nails at home, here’s what the cost looks like over a year:
- Upfront cost (UV lamp and gel kit): £100 (one-time)
- Gel polish replacement (estimate): £40-£60 per year
- Total annual cost: £140-£160
For acrylic nails at home:
- Upfront cost (acrylic kit and tools): £80 (one-time)
- Acrylic refill products: £40-£60 per year
- Total annual cost: £120-£140
Is It Worth Doing Your Nails at Home?
At-home nails are clearly cheaper in the long run, but it’s not all about cost. There are pros and cons to both at-home and salon services, and it’s important to think about what works best for your lifestyle.
1. Convenience
Doing your nails at home means you can do them anytime, anywhere. You’re not waiting for a salon appointment, and you’re not working around anyone else’s schedule.
But let’s be real—at-home nails take time and effort. Doing your own gel or acrylic nails requires practice, and it can be tricky to get salon-level results right off the bat.
2. Quality
The quality of salon nails is generally going to be higher than at-home nails, especially when it comes to acrylics or complex nail art. Professional nail technicians have the tools, skills, and experience to create perfect nails every time.
At home, you’re relying on yourself. If you’ve got the patience to learn and practice, you can achieve great results. But it’s going to take some trial and error.
3. Long-Term Savings
If you’re someone who gets your nails done regularly, doing them at home can save you a ton of money in the long run. While the upfront cost of supplies might feel like a lot, the annual savings are significant.
3. DIY vs. Salon: Time and Effort
While cost is a huge factor in deciding between doing your nails at home or going to a salon, time and effort play a big role too. Time is money, right?
1. Time Investment for At-Home Nails
If you’re thinking of doing gel nails or acrylics at home, get ready to spend some time on it.
- A basic manicure at home might take about 30-40 minutes.
- Gel nails with proper curing under a UV lamp will take you around an hour or so, depending on how efficient you are.
- Acrylic nails? Those can take up to two hours, especially if you’re new to it and still learning how to apply and shape them correctly.
While the initial time investment might feel long, as you get better, you’ll save more time. Plus, you won’t need to book appointments or drive to the salon. You’re in control of your schedule.
2. Time Saved at the Salon
Salon visits are a time saver in terms of effort. You sit down, relax, and let the professionals do their thing. A typical gel manicure at a salon might take around 45 minutes to an hour, and acrylic nails can take up to 90 minutes. You don’t have to worry about buying tools, applying coats, or dealing with mistakes.
But here’s the trade-off: you’ll need to carve out time in your schedule to visit the salon, which could involve waiting for an appointment, travelling, and possible delays. It’s convenient in some ways but a hassle in others.
4. Nail Longevity: How Long Do They Last?
Let’s talk about longevity. When you pay for a service—whether at home or in a salon—you want your nails to last.
1. Salon Nails: Professional Durability
Salon nails, whether gel or acrylic, tend to last longer than DIY nails simply because of the professional application. Salon technicians use high-quality products and techniques that give your nails a durable finish.
- Gel nails done at a salon can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks.
- Acrylic nails are super durable and can last up to a month with regular refills.
However, keep in mind that when salon nails start to chip or grow out, you’ll need to return for a refill or fresh set, adding to the overall cost over time.
2. At-Home Nails: Learning Curve but Worth It
At-home nails can be just as long-lasting, but here’s the deal—it takes practice. Your first few attempts at doing gel nails or acrylics at home might not last as long because of application errors or improper curing.
- DIY gel nails can last about 1-2 weeks, depending on the products you use and your technique.
- DIY acrylics will last 2-3 weeks, but achieving that perfect shape and durability might take some trial and error.
If you invest in good-quality tools and learn the right techniques, you can extend the life of your at-home manicures and get salon-quality results at a fraction of the price.
5. Nail Art and Customisation
Alright, let’s talk about the fun stuff—nail art. Whether you love minimal designs or intricate patterns, the cost and complexity of nail art can vary greatly between DIY and salon services.
1. Custom Nail Art at the Salon
If you love nail art but don’t have the skill or patience to do it yourself, the salon is your best bet. Salon technicians can create intricate designs that might be tough to pull off at home. The downside? You’re paying for that extra time and expertise.
- Basic nail art (simple designs, like dots or lines): £5-£10 extra.
- Intricate nail art (glitter, ombre, or hand-painted designs): £15-£30 extra.
If you’re looking for special nails for an event or holiday, salon nail art is usually top-notch, but you’ll pay for it.
2. DIY Nail Art: Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re on a budget but still want fun designs, doing nail art at home is a great option—if you’re willing to put in the effort. Simple designs like dots, stripes, or glitter are easy enough to master with a bit of practice.
- Nail art tools (dotting tools, brushes, and striping tape): £10-£20 for a basic kit.
- Nail stickers or decals: £5-£15 for a pack.
DIY nail art takes time to master, but once you’ve got it down, you can create stunning designs without the added salon costs.
6. Tools and Products: What You Need at Home
The other thing you need to consider is the quality of the tools you’re using at home. Cheap products can lead to poor results. But investing in salon-grade products for home use can give you that professional finish at a fraction of the cost in the long run.
1. Gel and Acrylic Kits
When doing gel nails at home, you need a good UV lamp for proper curing. Skimping on this means your gel polish won’t harden correctly, leading to chips and early peeling. Same with acrylics—you need proper brushes, acrylic powder, and monomer to get a smooth, long-lasting result.
- Invest in a good UV/LED lamp: £30-£60 for a quality one.
- Gel or acrylic kits: £25-£40 for mid-range products.
2. Nail Care and Maintenance Tools
To keep your nails looking their best—whether you’re doing them at home or extending their life after a salon visit—you need proper nail care tools.
- Cuticle oil: £5-£10 to keep your nails hydrated.
- Nail file and buffer: £5-£10 for durable, reusable tools.
- Nail strengthener: £10-£20 for long-term nail health.
7. Common Concerns: Is It Really Cheaper to Do Nails at Home?
Alright, let’s answer the big question: “How much does it cost to get nails done at home vs salon?” While at-home nails save you money in the long run, there are some concerns to think about.
1. Quality and Durability
Even though doing your nails at home is cheaper, it might take a while to achieve salon-quality results. You need to learn proper techniques, invest in good tools, and practice before you get the hang of it.
2. Initial Investment
The upfront cost of at-home nails is higher than just booking a single salon appointment. But over time, you’ll save hundreds, especially if you’re someone who gets your nails done every few weeks.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get nails done at home vs salon?
At home, you’re looking at an initial investment of £60-£100 for tools and products, with ongoing costs for polishes and refills. In a salon, expect to pay £30-£60 per visit, depending on the service and frequency.
2. Are at-home nails worth it in the long run?
Yes, if you do your nails regularly. While there’s an upfront cost for tools, the savings over time can be significant compared to frequent salon visits.
3. Can I achieve salon-quality results at home?
It’s possible but requires practice. You’ll need to invest in quality tools and take the time to learn proper techniques, especially for gel and acrylic nails.
4. How long do at-home nails last compared to salon nails?
Salon nails tend to last longer due to professional-grade products and application techniques. However, with the right tools and practice, at-home nails can last up to two weeks for gel and three weeks for acrylics.
5. What’s the biggest difference between salon and DIY nails?
The biggest difference is convenience versus cost. At a salon, you get professional results without effort. At home, you save money but need to invest time and practice to get similar results.