Getting your nails done can be an indulgent treat, but regular upkeep with nail fills can really add up. If you’ve ever wondered just how much a basic nail fill costs, you’re not alone!<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The average cost of a basic nail fill in the U<\/b>.S. is $25-$45.<\/p>\nWhat is a Nail Fill?<\/h2>\n
A nail fill is a quick touch-up of grown out acrylic or gel nails. It doesn’t include new polish or design. As our nails grow out, the acrylic or gel starts to separate from the natural nail, leaving gaps near the cuticle and tip. A fill helps to fill these gaps and reinforce the enhancement.<\/p>\n
Acrylic and gel nail enhancements typically last 2-3 weeks before needing a fill. As the natural nail grows out, the product begins to lift and separate. Having a regular fill keeps enhancements looking fresh and avoids damage to the natural nail.<\/p>\n
During a fill, the technician will:<\/p>\n
Fills take less time than a full set application. They maintain the strength and structure of the enhancements between full sets.<\/p>\n
A basic nail fill focuses on reinforcing the enhancement only. It doesn’t include taking off old polish, applying new polish or new nail art. Many salons charge extra for these add-on services.<\/p>\n
You can opt for polish and art changes at the time of your fill or in between fills when the polish starts to chip or fade.<\/p>\n
Some reasons to get a fill without new polish:<\/p>\n
Fresh polish can always be added anytime for an instant style change!<\/p>\n
Where you get your nail fill done can significantly impact the price. Salons in major cities and upscale neighborhoods tend to charge more due to higher rents and labor costs. Expect fills to be cheaper in suburban and rural areas.<\/p>\n
For example, a fill in New York City or San Francisco may run $30-50 while the same service could cost $15-25 in a small town.<\/p>\n
The more experienced and skilled the nail technician, the pricier the fill. Technicians with 10+ years under their belt and lots of training can command rates at the top of the market. Recent graduates and beginners charge less as they build up their portfolio and expertise.<\/p>\n
Make sure to review the technician’s credentials if the price seems above average.<\/p>\n
Upscale salons with luxury features like massage chairs, complimentary beverages, and aesthetician services often charge more across the board, including for nail fills. A fill at a no-frills nail salon may only set you back $15 compared to $40+ at a high-end spot.<\/p>\n
Consider what amenities matter to you when choosing where to go.<\/p>\n
| Service<\/td>\n | Average Price<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||
| Natural Nail Fill<\/td>\n | $15-30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||
| Acrylic Fill<\/td>\n | $25-45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||
| Gel Fill<\/td>\n | $30-50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Filling and shaping grown-out acrylic or gel manicures takes more time, products, and technical skill. This gets reflected in the higher price range. Going with regular polish on your natural nails is the most budget-friendly option.<\/p>\n How Long It’s Been Since Your Last Fill<\/h3>\nThe longer you wait between fills, the more your manicurist has to file down and reshape overgrown nails. Quick check-ins for fills every 2-3 weeks can stay on the lower end cost-wise, while leaving it longer stretches the appointment to more labor and supplies.<\/p>\n For natural nails growing slowly, 4 weeks may only add $5 versus people with fast-growing nails facing $15+ for a long overdue acrylic fill.<\/p>\n Average Costs for a Basic Nail Fill<\/h2>\n |
| California<\/td>\n | $30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| New York <\/td>\n | $28<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Texas<\/td>\n | $22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Florida<\/td>\n | $26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nDiscount Salons vs. High-End Salons<\/h3>\nYou can pay even less by going to a discount nail salon like Happy Nails or Pro Nails. High-end salons like Salon Z can charge up to 2X more<\/b>. For example:<\/p>\n High-end salons use higher quality polish, tools, and nail technicians, resulting in longer-lasting fills. But discount salons can still do a decent job at a fraction of the price. The average cost difference is around $15 to $25 per fill<\/b>.<\/p>\n Changing up your nail polish color is one of the most popular add-ons at a nail salon. The base price of a standard manicure or pedicure usually only includes one color of polish. If you want to switch to a different color, most salons charge an additional $5-10 to change the polish.<\/p>\n Some reasons you may want to pay extra to change up your polish:<\/p>\n While a polish change add-on isn’t prohibitively expensive, choosing more elaborate nail art or designs can significantly increase the cost of your nail service.<\/p>\n Intricate nail art and designs are having a major moment right now. Everything from delicate flowers to abstract shapes and rhinestone embellishments can take a basic manicure to the next level.<\/p>\n Depending on the skill and time required, most salons charge between $5-25 per nail for custom nail art. Some popular nail design add-on options include:<\/p>\n While glamorous, keep in mind extremely complex designs can take 1-2 hours of skilled labor per set – significantly adding to the cost. \u23f0<\/p>\n Paraffin wax treatments involve dipping your hands or feet into melted paraffin wax for 15-30 minutes. The wax hardens into a mitt around the skin, locking in moisture and nutrients. The treatment moisturizes skin, increases blood circulation, and exfoliates dead cells to leave skin exceptionally soft and supple.<\/p>\n Most nail salons charge around $15-25 for a standalone paraffin wax treatment. Luxury spas or salons located in high-rent districts may charge even more. While not technically polish or a design add-on, paraffin treatments are a popular way to enhance your standard mani\/pedi.<\/p>\n Gel manicures and acrylics use a hard resin overlay on the natural nail for extended wear and chip-resistant color. Since these services require more product, labor, and curing\/drying time under special lights, they cost more than a standard polish change.<\/p>\n |