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| | | Standard manicures typically take between 15 and 30 minutes and standard pedicures, 30 to 45 minutes. Some salons and spas offer deluxe pampering that lasts 45 minutes for manicures and 60 minutes for pedicures. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For small nail shops (low range), manicures range $10 -$15 (standard) and $20 -$25 (deluxe); pedicures range $15 -$25 (standard) and $25 -$35 (deluxe). Acrylic nails are $25 -$35 (standard) and $30 -$40 (pink and white).
- At spas or salons (mid range), manicures cost $20 -$25 (standard) and $30 -$45 (deluxe); pedicures cost $35 -$40 (standard) or $45 -$60 (deluxe). Acrylic nails range $35 -$45 (standard) or $45 -$50 (pink and white).
- At hotel or resort spas (high range), manicures are $25 -$45 (standard) and $50 -$75 (deluxe); pedicures range $45 -$50 (standard) and $75 -$135 (deluxe). Acrylic nails cost $50 -$70 (standard) and $75 -$85 (pink and white).
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| What should be included: | - Standard manicures typically begin with cleaning and soaking the hand or fingers in lotion-infused water or other moisturizer to soften the skin and nails. Technicians then cut and shape the nail, push back the cuticles and buff the nail to even out its surface.
- Technicians then add polish if you have requested it. Shops should provide polish in a variety of colors, but you may bring your own. Some technicians also offer a brief hand massage. For deluxe service, technicians often exfoliate the hands with a light sugar or salt scrub then soak them in aromatic oils or lotions. Some technicians dip the hands in paraffin wax for 10 minutes or more to add an extra layer of softness.
- During standard pedicures, customers typically sit in large chairs with their feet in a small whirlpool-like tub to clean and soak the feet in warm water to soften the skin and nail beds. Some salons feature automatic massage chairs that give customers a neck or back rub, and some technicians provide a short foot massage.
- Technicians then clip and shape the nail and typically use a pumice stone to remove dry skin or calluses. They buff the nail to even out the surface before adding polish, if you have requested it. Shops should provide polish in a variety of colors, but you may bring your own.
- During deluxe services, technicians usually exfoliate the feet with an aromatic sugar or salt scrub, concentrating on removing dry skin from the heel and balls of the feet. Then they often soak the feet in a light oil, lotion or paraffin wax to make the skin extra soft. Many therapists also include a brief foot massages.
- For acrylics, you get to select the shape, length and color. Technicians begin with many of the same preparation services, including cleaning and soaking the fingers or entire hands. Then they apply an adhesive before attaching an acrylic nail to the nail bed. Technicians sand down and shape the nail then add polish and accessories, if you have requested them.
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| Additional costs: | - French tips -- when technicians paint white tips on the nail -- add between $5 -$10 to any manicure, pedicure or acrylic.
- Polish changes cost $5 -$15 at most salons. Paraffin wax treatments are sometimes sold separately at $8 -$15 each for hands and feet.
- Specialty designs for acrylics, including fake jewels and multiple color strands, can increase the cost by 20 percent or more. Some salons charge an additional $3 -$5 per nail. Creative Nail Design, an industry leader in upscale styles and polishes, offers a gallery of fashion nails.
- Gel refills for acrylics cost $30 -$40 for a full set. Repairs to broken acrylics run $5 -$10 per nail.
- Gratuity of 15-20 percent of the total service cost is customary for all nail services.
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| Discounts: | - Most spas and resorts offer packages that combine standard and deluxe manicure and pedicure services at a 15-20 percent discount of what they would cost individually.
- Folica.com offers the Gena Pedi Pak Salon home pedicure system for $50, which includes soaking agents, an exfoliating scrub and lotions for pedicures. For a bit of extra indulgence, the HotSpa Nail Bubble Spa is a heated soaking tub to soften the hands in preparation for a manicure. `
- Clipper sets, which typically include nail and cuticle instruments, are $20 -$50, with pedicure sets costing more. Folica.com sells the Japonesque Manicure Set for $25 or the Tweezerman Professional Pedicure Solution Kit for $45.
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| Shopping for manicures and pedicures: | |
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated October 2007 |
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