Start with a one-line answer: a full set of acrylics costs ~£32–£45 outside London and ~£60–£95+ in central/premium London. Add that infills every 2–3 weeks are cheaper—~£22–£35 regional, ~£50–£85 London—and common add-ons are removal (£10–£30) and gel finish (+£5–£10). Note that price varies by length/design, technician experience, and location, and suggest readers check their local salon’s menu before booking.

What Is an Acrylic Manicure?

Instruction: Define acrylics as extensions/overlays created with liquid monomer + powder polymer; a standard service includes prep → tip/overlay → shape → finish, while gel finish is usually an extra. (Example menus show acrylic with gel priced higher than regular polish.) (professionailsandbeauty.co.uk)

How Much Does an Acrylic Manicure Cost in the UK?

Instruction: Typical full set prices: ~£32–£45 at regional/chain salons; ~£60–£95+ at central London/premium studios. (Examples: Great Yarmouth £32–£38; chain £35–£38; Knightsbridge £60–£80+; Central London up to £95.) (professionailsandbeauty.co.uk)

How Much Are Acrylic Refills or Infills?

Instruction: Infills (every ~2–3 weeks) are cheaper than a new set: ~£22–£35 regionally; ~£50–£85 at London/premium salons. (Examples: £22–£32 regional; Knightsbridge £50–£65; Central London £85.) (professionailsandbeauty.co.uk)

Why Prices Vary Between Salons and Locations

Instruction: Biggest drivers: location/rent (London > other cities), the technician’s experience & time booked, and finish/design tier—seen in menus where premium central venues list far higher rates than regional salons. (paintnailslondon.co.uk)

How Nail Length and Design Affect the Cost

Instruction: Expect length surcharges (e.g., “extra-long acrylics +£5”) and design tiers (e.g., Level 1–3 nail art £20/£30/£45, French tip +£15, Chrome +£20). Always confirm add-on pricing when you book. (London Nails Finchley)

Average Acrylic Prices in London vs Other UK Cities

Instruction: Snapshot: Knightsbridge/Mayfair often list acrylic full sets ~£60–£80+ (some premium menus show £95; infills £65–£85). Regional examples show ~£32–£43 full sets and ~£22–£32 infills. (CH Nail Spa)

Extra Costs: Removal, Nail Art, and Gel Finish

Instruction: Typical add-ons: acrylic removal £10–£30 (varies by venue), gel/BIAB finish usually +£5–£10+ vs regular polish, and nail art from £3 per nail or £15–£45 per set depending on complexity. (Treatwell)

Are Cheap Acrylic Nails Worth It?

Instruction: Low prices can mean shorter appointments or poor product choice. UK guidance warns about MMA (methyl methacrylate)—linked with irritation/allergy; salons should use EMA instead and follow safe-working practices. Choose trained techs with good hygiene and reviews. (dudley.gov.uk)

How to Find a Good Nail Technician Near You

Instruction: Check recent client photos and reviews on booking platforms, confirm sanitisation & brands, and ask for an all-in quote (set + infill cycle + removal + art). London listings and menus make these costs transparent before you book. (Booksy)

Final Thoughts: What’s a Fair Price for Acrylic Nails?

Instruction: As a 2025 benchmark: £32–£45 is common outside London; £60–£95+ in central/premium London. Infills typically £22–£35 regionally and £50–£85 in premium areas. Prioritise skill, hygiene, and finish over the absolute lowest price. (professionailsandbeauty.co.uk)

All figures are taken from live UK salon menus and booking pages as of 2025; always check your local salon’s current price list before booking.

FAQs

Average Acrylic Manicure Cost in the UK

If you want to know the acrylic manicure cost in the UK, here’s a quick answer. A full set costs about £32–£45 outside London. In London, prices are higher — around £60–£95 or more. Infills cost less. You need them every two to three weeks. They are about £22–£35 outside London or £50–£85 in London. Many people also add extras. Removal costs £10–£30, and a gel finish costs £5–£10 more.

Prices change for many reasons. The design, nail length, and the nail artist’s skill all make a difference. Simple nails cost less than long or detailed ones. Before you book, always check your local salon’s price list. It helps you plan your budget and avoid any surprise costs.

In this article, we look at how much an acrylic manicure costs in the UK. You’ll learn about the average prices in 2025, why costs differ between salons, and what factors affect the final price. By the end, you’ll know how to plan your budget before your next nail appointment.

What Is an Acrylic Manicure?

An acrylic manicure means adding strong fake nails on top of your natural ones. The nail artist mixes a liquid and a powder to make a paste. This paste becomes hard and forms the new nail shape.

A normal acrylic manicure has a few easy steps. First, the nails are cleaned and filed. Then the artist adds tips or overlays to make them longer. After that, they shape and smooth the nails before adding a shiny finish. Many people like to add a gel finish, too. It makes the nails extra shiny and helps them last longer. This part usually costs a bit more. On salon menus, “acrylic with gel” often costs more than “regular polish.”

If you want strong, pretty nails that last for weeks, an acrylic manicure is a great choice.

How Much Does an Acrylic Manicure Cost in the UK?

So, how much does an acrylic manicure cost in the UK? Prices change from place to place, but here’s a simple guide.

• Small towns or chain salons: about £32–£45 for a full set
• Great Yarmouth: around £32–£38
• Big salon chains: about £35–£38
• Knightsbridge or fancy studios: around £60–£80
• Central London salons: up to £95 or more

The cost depends on a few things:

• The design you want
• The length of your nails
• The skill of your nail artist

Before you book, always check your local salon’s price list. It helps you plan your money and avoid any surprise costs. Plus, you’ll know exactly what to expect when you sit down for your manicure.

How Much Are Acrylic Refills or Infills?

After a few weeks, your nails grow, and you’ll need acrylic refills, also called infills. Don’t worry — they cost less than getting a full new set!

Here’s a simple guide to prices:

• Regional salons: around £22–£35
• Smaller towns: about £22–£32
• Knightsbridge or other premium areas: about £50–£65
• Central London salons: up to £85

Infills are needed every two to three weeks to keep your nails looking neat and smooth. The price can change depending on the salon, your design, and how much repair your nails need.

So, instead of removing everything and starting again, infills help you save money and keep your nails strong. It’s a simple way to keep them looking fresh without spending too much!

Why Prices Vary Between Salons and Locations

Ever wonder why some salons charge more for the same nails? Let’s look at the main reasons.

1. Location and Rent

Salons in London or big cities pay higher rent. Because of that, their prices are higher. In small towns, the cost is lower. For example, a full set might be £35 in a small town but £75 in central London. City salons also pay more for staff and bills, so the price goes up.

2. Experience and Time

A skilled nail artist often charges more. They spend years learning how to do perfect nails. They also take more time to make your nails last longer and look neat. You pay extra for their skill and care.

3. Design and Finish

Simple nails cost less than fancy designs. If you want gems, chrome, or hand-painted art, the price will rise. A gel or BIAB finish also costs more than normal polish because it needs more time and products.

4. Salon Reputation and Products

Famous salons may charge more because they use top-quality products. They also keep everything very clean and safe. The salon looks nice, and the service feels more relaxing.

A Quick Tip

The closer the salon is to the city centre or the fancier the design, the higher the price. But remember, good nails are worth paying for. Always pick a nail artist who makes your nails look and feel beautiful.

How Nail Length and Design Affect the Cost

The length and design of your nails can change the price a lot. Longer nails need more time and more product, so they cost more. Many salons add a small extra charge, like “extra-long acrylics +£5.”

The design you choose also changes the price. Simple styles are cheaper, but fancy ones cost more. Many salons have different design levels, such as:

• Level 1: simple nail art – about £20
• Level 2: medium detail – about £30
• Level 3: detailed nail art – about £45

Special styles also add to the price.

• French tip: about +£15
• Chrome finish: about +£20

It’s always good to ask the salon about extra costs before you book. Then you’ll know how much to pay and can plan your budget easily. Long nails and pretty designs take more work, but the result is worth it. You’ll leave the salon with strong, shiny nails that look amazing.

Average Acrylic Prices in London vs Other UK Cities

The price of acrylic nails changes in different places. In London, it costs more, especially in Knightsbridge and Mayfair. A full set there costs around £60–£80, and some fancy salons charge up to £95. For infills, the price is around £65–£85. In other cities and towns, it is cheaper. Many salons outside London charge £32–£43 for a full set and £22–£32 for infills.

Here is a simple price table:

London prices are higher because rent and bills cost more. Also, nail artists there often have more training and offer detailed designs. But salons in other cities also do lovely work for less money. So, whether you go to a big London salon or a small local one, you can still get pretty nails that make you happy.

Extra Costs: Removal, Nail Art, and Gel Finish

When you get your nails done, there are often extra costs to think about. These small add-ons can change the total price, so it’s smart to check them before you book. 

Here’s a simple guide to common extras:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KLwOu-xlEU2Z6SGtOA4m3gXVp7Z2t-y7/view?usp=drive_link

These extras make your nails look even better. Always ask about add-on prices before booking, so you know the full cost.

Are Cheap Acrylic Nails Worth It?

Cheap acrylic nails can look tempting, but they are not always a good deal. Sometimes, low prices mean the products or services are not safe or long-lasting. Let’s look at why paying a bit more can be better for your nails.

Shorter Appointments and Rushed Work

In cheap salons, appointments can feel rushed. The nail artist might work very fast to fit in more clients. When nails are done too quickly, they may lift, break, or look uneven. It may also mean less care is taken to clean or prepare your nails properly.

Low-Quality Products

Cheap acrylic nails often use poor-quality products. These can harm your natural nails, making them weak or thin. Some low-cost salons use unsafe chemicals that smell very strong and feel harsh on your nails.

 The MMA Problem

In the UK, experts warn about a chemical called MMA (methyl methacrylate). It is used in some very cheap salons. MMA can cause skin irritation, burns, or allergic reactions. Safe salons use EMA (ethyl methacrylate) instead. EMA is much safer and approved for nail use.

 Hygiene and Safety

Good nail care is not just about looks. Hygiene matters too. A trained nail technician should clean all tools and use fresh products each time. If tools are not cleaned properly, you could get an infection. Always look for a salon that follows hygiene rules.

 Check the Technician’s Training and Reviews

A well-trained nail artist will know how to protect your nails and use safe products. Before booking, read online reviews or ask to see pictures of their work. A good salon will be happy to show you.

How to Find a Good Nail Technician Near You

Finding a good nail technician is important. You want someone who does neat work and keeps your nails healthy. Start by looking at photos and reviews online. Websites like Booksy or Google show real pictures from other people. This helps you see what the nails look like before you book.

Next, check if the salon is clean. Tools and tables should be sanitised after each client. Also, ask what brands or products they use. Good brands usually mean safer and stronger nails. It’s also a good idea to ask for the full price before your visit. That means the cost for the full set, infills, removal, and any nail art. Many London salons show these prices clearly online.

Take your time before you choose. A good nail tech will happily answer your questions and make you feel comfortable. When you find one, you’ll enjoy every visit and love how your nails look!

Final Thoughts: What’s a Fair Price for Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are a lovely way to keep your hands looking neat and stylish. The cost can change depending on where you go, how long your nails are, and what design you choose. London salons usually charge more, while smaller towns are often cheaper.

If you want your nails to stay strong and healthy, it’s best to choose a trusted salon. Look for clean tools, good products, and a trained nail artist. Paying a little more for safe, quality work is always worth it.

And if you dream of learning these skills yourself, you can take an Acrylic Nail Course from the School of Health Care. It’s a great way to start a new career or improve your beauty skills while doing something creative and fun.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Have Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails cost about £30–£45 for a full set and £30–£40 for refills. BIAB gel nails cost a bit more — around £40–£50 for a full set.

Which is cheaper, gel or acrylic nails?

Acrylic nails are usually cheaper than gel nails. They use a simple mix of liquid and powder, while gel nails need pricier products.

What Are the Negatives of Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails can sometimes damage your natural nails. They may also cause allergies or infections if not applied or removed properly.

Can I Shower with Acrylic Nails?

Yes, you can shower with acrylic nails. Just wait at least an hour after getting them so they can fully harden.

Do Acrylic Nails Damage Your Nails?

Acrylic nails can harm your natural nails if they’re applied or removed carelessly. Proper care helps prevent damage.