A pedicure can cost between $20 to $70, although it is not uncommon for the price to go higher. The cost depends on the type of pedicure, polish used, additional services, and more.
A friend recently called me up, annoyed. She wanted to get a pedicure and had looked through a few salon websites only to find that prices on each one were different. As a nail tech I understand the variation in prices. I also understand that this can be a pretty confusing topic so let me clear it up for you.
In this post I will breakdown how much does a pedicure cost based on the various types of pedicures and what can increase or lower the cost. Let’s get started!
How Much Does a Pedicure Cost?
I want to start off by saying that the pedicure costs can vary quite a bit. This can depend on the nail salon that you are visiting, the kind of pedicure that you are getting, the type of nail polish used, and various other factors.
Due to this, the average pedicure cost can vary between $20 and $70.
Considering this variation, it is only natural to be about confused about how much your pedicure is going to cost you.
To get rid of any uncertainty, I am going to provide you with a thorough guide of how much each kind of pedicure may cost you as well as any factors that can alter the total cost.
Nail Salons vs. Spa Pedicures
Let’s first start with where you can get your pedicure from. You can choose to go to your local nail salon, opt for a high end salon, or go to a spa.
With local salons, the pedicure has as few frills as possible. While you get good service, there aren’t too many additional services or features. What’s more, these salons use standard quality products.
Due to this, the pedicures are on the cheaper side – they may be between $20 to $35, depending on the kind of pedicure you are getting.
High-end salons, on the other hand, use higher quality products. You may also find services like the deluxe pedicure – procedures with added features. In these cases, it is about helping your feet look good while you relax.
Getting a pedicure here may run you from $35 to $60.
Then, you have the spa pedicure. While the spa offers a standard pedicure, here, the focus is more on a relaxing experience rather than just getting your feet and toenails into great shape.
Due to this, you will find package deals such as the deluxe spa pedicure. This kind of spa pedicure will include a foot massage, aromatherapy, and perhaps even foot reflexology. You may also find foot masks, and various other add-ons.
As a result, the starting price for a pedicure at a spa may be $45 and it will readily climb with the more services that you add to the package.
How Much Does a Pedicure Cost Based on Nail Polish?
Yes, there are different types of polishes that can be used during your pedicure.
In general, standard polish is used for a basic pedicure. This polish doesn’t have any frills to it and, as such, is cheaper. If this kind of polish is used, you can expect to pay around $20 to $25 as long as you are getting a basic pedicure done.
Then, there is the gel pedicure – this uses gel polish. What you should know about gel polish is that this product is thicker. As a result, it is less prone to chipping or scratching. What’s more, it is cured with UV light so the polish sets faster.
As they are fairly common now, the pedicure prices for a gel manicure isn’t that much higher. However, it can cost between $25 and $35.
How Much Does a Pedicure Cost Based on Pedicure Type?
There are quite a few types of pedicures available from basic to a fish pedicure and there are more being added to the menu every day. I will be covering the most popular procedures here.
Mini Pedicure
First off, there is the mini pedicure – these are available at all nail salons. Here, the focus is only on the toenails. A nail tech will soak your feet, tend to your cuticles, trim your nails, and shape them.
Finally, they will paint your nails – you can choose between a standard or gel pedicure. First, a base coat is applied. This helps the nail polish to adhere to your nail bed so that the pedicure will last longer. Then, two or more coats of the polish will be applied. This will be topped off with the top coat. This acts as a protective layer to reduce the risk of chipping.
This kind of pedicure will usually cost you about $20 to $25 as it is a very basic pedicure.
Full Pedicure
So:
What is included in a full pedicure?
Many people consider a full pedicure to be a basic pedicure. Not only is it available in most nail salons but it is also one of the most requested procedures.
Here, the nail technicians start by soaking your feet in warm water. This helps to soften the skin. Next, they will apply a foot scrub to your lower legs and feet. Next up, they will exfoliate the dead skin usually with a pumice stone or file.
They will then apply lotion, followed by trimming your nails, shaping them, and painting them, the same way that you would with a basic pedicure.
Due to the added steps, you can expect to pay between $35 and $50 for this treatment.
Paraffin Pedicure
One procedure that’s gaining popularity is the paraffin wax treatment, also known as the paraffin pedicure. Here, you get all the features of a full and basic pedicure. This includes the foot soak, the scrub, and the removal of the dead skin.
However, before your nails are painted, your feet are placed in a bath of liquid paraffin wax. This is done several times to create a coating around your feet. Your feet may then be wrapped in a warm towel for several minutes.
The paraffin will then be removed from your feet. Your toenails will then be painted.
The cost for paraffin wax treatments
This can range from $45 to $60, depending on the establishment and the kind of procedures the techs go through.
Hot Stone Pedicure
This is a rather unusual procedure and you may not find it at every salon. In addition to the other services like soaking and exfoliating dead skin, this pedicure involves the placement of hot stones on your feet.
This is meant to be soothing and relaxing and doesn’t do too much for the aesthetics of your feet. After this process is completed, you then have your nails painted.
This type of pedicure can cost between $60 and $75 for a single pedicure.
Jelly Pedicure
Finally, there is the jelly pedicure. Now, this pedicure is perhaps the rarest of them all. It has only recently hit the luxury spa scene. So, it falls under the category of a deluxe pedicure.
Here, the feet are placed in a jelly-like substance that contains aromatic oils and various other nourishing components. This is after the techs buff your feet and remove dead skin. After this, the rest of the manicure takes place.
Each jelly formula can be quite different and, as a result, the price ranges can vary quite a bit too. On average, this type of pedicure can cost around $45 to $60.
The Cost According to Nail Art Designs
Even with a typical pedicure, there are different types of designs to choose from. If your pedicure only involves a couple of coats of polish, then the price may be around $20 t0 $25.
If you want a French pedicure, with French tips, you may be charged $5 to $10 for this. While this is a fairly basic procedure, French tips do require a bit more effort to draw on each nail. So, the French pedicure contains an additional fee.
Then there is actual nail art. This can include various designs, the addition of glitter, stones, and various other features. All this takes skill as well as time. Not to mention, the salon provides these nail art elements for you.
The exact price here is difficult to estimate as this all depends on the complexity of the design as well as the products that are used.
You can expect to be charged an additional $20 to $50 (or even more) depending on the kind of design.
This is something you will need to discuss with your nail tech ahead of time. Show them an example of what you want and they will provide you with an estimate. Keep in mind that the cost may be higher if there is more detail or work involved.
How Much Should You Tip for Your Pedicure?
The price of a pedicure is just the start. If you want the total price, you have to think about tipping as well.
In general, a 20 percent tip is normal when it comes to a pedicure.
So:
How much do you tip for a $25 pedicure?
You can tip a minimum of $5 for this pedicure.
How much do you tip for a $50 pedicure?
Here, you can tip a minimum of $12.50 for your pedicure.
Of course, it isn’t just about the price alone. When tipping for a pedicure, you may want to think about the effort that the technician put into your pedicure.
For instance, if you got a long, luxurious foot massage, then you may want to consider tipping them a little extra. The same goes for someone who has done a complex design pattern beautifully.
How Long Does a Pedicure Usually Last?
Like the price, how long your pedicure can last can depends on the type of pedicure, polish used, and more. On average, though, a pedicure can hold up for around one week to six weeks.
There you go – I have determined how much a pedicure is with as much detail and accuracy as I could. The next time that you book your appointment you can do so with all the confidence in the world.