Nail salon prices: what manicures, gel nails & more cost
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If you’re heading to a nail salon for the first time, the price list can be confusing. Why is a manicure 20 euros in one place and 45 in the next? And what exactly is a full set, an infill or a refill? This guide gives you realistic price ranges for the most common services in Germany, explains what pushes prices up or down, and does a rough calculation of what nice nails really cost over a year. By the end, you’ll be able to tell whether an offer is fair or suspiciously cheap.
Price list: what does what cost at a nail salon?
The ranges below are guide prices for Germany as of 2026. They vary considerably depending on the city, the salon and the amount of work involved, so treat them as orientation rather than fixed numbers.
| Service | Price range (guide) | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Classic manicure without polish | €20–40 | 30–45 min |
| Manicure with regular polish | €25–45 | 40–50 min |
| Manicure with shellac/gel polish | €30–55 | 45–60 min |
| Gel nails, full set | €45–90 | 90–120 min |
| Gel nails, infill | €35–65 | 60–90 min |
| Acrylic nails, full set | €45–90 | 90–120 min |
| Acrylic nails, infill | €35–60 | 60–90 min |
| BIAB, new | €40–70 | 60–75 min |
| BIAB refill | €35–60 | 60 min |
| Russian manicure with gel polish | €45–80 | 75–120 min |
| Nail art per nail | €2–10 | depends on design |
| French or babyboomer (extra) | €5–15 | – |
| Cosmetic pedicure | €30–55 | 45–60 min |
| Pedicure with gel polish | €40–70 | 60–75 min |
| Gel polish removal | €10–20 | 15–20 min |
| Full set removal | €15–30 | 20–40 min |
| Repairing a single nail | €3–8 | 10 min |
A quick glossary: with a full set, your nails are built up completely from scratch. With an infill, only the grown-out area is filled and the shape is corrected. If you’re unsure how gel polish differs from sculpted gel, read shellac vs. gel nails. Torn between artificial nail systems? Acrylic or gel will help you decide.
What affects nail salon prices
Two salons can charge very different amounts for what looks like the same service. There are usually good reasons for that.
City and location
In big cities like Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt, rent and wages are higher, and that shows in the price. In smaller towns and rural areas, the same treatment is often noticeably cheaper. Location within a city matters too: a salon on the main shopping street calculates differently from one in a residential area.
Experience and training
A nail technician with years of experience, regular training and a fully booked calendar charges more than a beginner. In return, you usually get cleaner work, longer-lasting nails and fewer touch-ups.
Materials
Branded products with clear ingredient labelling cost far more to buy than no-name gels. Material quality matters especially with gel and acrylic, also when it comes to allergies. Salons that deliberately work with HEMA-free or high-end systems pass those costs on.
Time, length and shape
The longer the nails and the more elaborate the shape, the more working time goes into them. Many salons charge around 5 to 20 euros extra for extensions or shapes like stiletto or coffin. A careful Russian manicure also costs more, because detailed cuticle work with an e-file takes time.
Designs and extras
Rhinestones, chrome effects, ombré or hand-painted motifs are usually charged per nail. Two accent nails are affordable, while ten elaborately decorated nails can almost double the price. If you enjoy patterns, you can try simple ideas from nail art for beginners at home.
Follow-up costs: what gel nails cost per year
The full set is only the beginning. Gel and acrylic nails grow out with your natural nail and need an infill roughly every three to four weeks. You can learn how to spot the right moment in when to get gel nails filled.
A rough calculation shows what that means:
- An infill every 3 to 4 weeks adds up to about 13 to 17 appointments a year.
- At 35 to 65 euros each, you end up at roughly 450 to 1,100 euros annually.
- On top of that come the occasional design, repair or new full set.
The maths is similar for gel polish, since it also needs redoing after two to three weeks. A classic manicure with regular polish is the cheapest option, but it only stays flawless for a few days. So factor in follow-up costs before you choose a system.
How to tell a salon is too cheap
A low price isn’t automatically bad. But there are warning signs that deserve a closer look:
- Rushed work: A full set in 30 minutes is hardly possible with care. If filing is hectic and the next client is already waiting, quality suffers.
- Hygiene: Tools should be cleaned and disinfected after every client, and files should ideally be disposable or used only for you.
- Aggressive drilling: If filing burns or hurts, too much of your natural nail is being removed.
- No consultation: A good salon asks about your nails, allergies and habits before getting started.
You’ll find detailed criteria in the guide how to spot a good nail salon. By the way, redness, swelling or pain around the nail after an appointment should be checked by a doctor rather than ignored.
Saving tips: great nails for less
Saving money doesn’t mean picking the cheapest salon. It’s smarter to lower your costs across the year:
- Use package deals: Many salons offer manicure and pedicure combos or loyalty cards. Just ask.
- BIAB instead of a full set: If you don’t need extensions, BIAB is often cheaper and gentler than classic sculpted gel.
- Stick to your appointments: Waiting too long for an infill risks broken nails and costly repairs.
- Care between visits: Daily cuticle oil keeps cuticles and natural nails supple, so the product lifts less quickly. See how to care for your cuticles for the details.
- Be flexible without an appointment: Last-minute gaps are sometimes offered at a better rate. More on that in nail salon without an appointment.
- DIY in between: For a party, press-on nails are often enough. With how to apply press-on nails, they’re on in minutes.
To find a suitable salon near you, use the Nail Salon Finder, where you can compare services and reviews.
Tipping at the nail salon: yes or no?
Tipping is voluntary in Germany, but common at nail salons if you’re happy with the result. Many people give 5 to 10 percent or round up to an even amount. If you’re a regular, a small extra at Christmas is a nice gesture. If you weren’t satisfied, it’s better to say so openly: good salons fix issues free of charge within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
How much do salon nails cost?
As a guide, expect to pay around 30 to 55 euros for a manicure with gel polish, 45 to 90 euros for a new set of gel or acrylic nails and 35 to 65 euros for an infill. Designs, extensions and special shapes cost extra.
What does a good nail salon cost?
A good salon usually sits in the middle to upper part of the price ranges. What really counts, though, is hygiene, consultation, careful work and nails that last three to four weeks without chipping.
How often should you get your nails done?
Gel, acrylic and BIAB nails should be filled every three to four weeks. Gel polish typically lasts two to three weeks, and a classic manicure every three to four weeks is enough if you look after your nails in between.
Why does an infill cost almost as much as a full set?
During an infill, the old product is filed down, the shape is rebuilt and the grown-out area is filled. That often takes 60 to 90 minutes, nearly as long as a full set. You use less material, but hardly less time.
Do I have to pay extra for removal?
At many salons, yes, usually 10 to 30 euros depending on the system. If you’re getting a new set straight away, removal is often included. It’s best to ask beforehand.
Do you run a nail salon yourself? You can list it in our directory for free.
