Ready to get those dream acrylics without a shocking salon bill? Let’s map out your perfect nail budget, no hidden fees or awkward surprises. If you’re asking, how much are acrylic nails? You’re not alone. In 2025, UK prices vary a lot. A full set of acrylic nails usually costs between £30 and £45. The price depends on where you go, who does them, and any extras you add.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down. You’ll see exact prices from real salons. We’ll compare London to Manchester, Birmingham to Glasgow. We’ll also cover infills, removal, DIY kits, and what makes nails cost more (or less). We’re cutting through the fluff to give you the real numbers—no awkward upsells or surprise charges.
What Are Acrylic Nails and Why Do Prices Vary?
Acrylic nails are made by mixing some powder and liquid to create a hard layer on top of your natural nails. Most salons stick on tips and then cover them, while others shape the whole nail from scratch. Either way, you get strong, shiny nails that stay looking good for weeks.
Prices vary because not all acrylics are equal. Here’s why:
- Location: Salons in big cities charge more for rent and staff.
- Experience: A top nail tech costs more, but gives longer-lasting results.
- Designs: Simple sets cost less. Nail art, ombré, or gems add to the bill.
- Products: High-end powders, gels, and monomers cost more.
How Much Are Acrylic Nails? Full Set Prices by City
Let’s get straight to it. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a full set in different UK cities:
- London: Around £45 at mid-range salons. Trendy spots may go up to £60 with designs.
- Manchester: Average is £35. Budget-friendly salons offer basic sets for £30.
- Birmingham: Expect about £40 for a full set with basic polish or clear finish.
- Glasgow: You’ll pay around £35–40, depending on the area and salon rating.
UK Average: Most full sets land between £30 and £45.
Always check if the price includes:
- Nail shaping and tip application
- Acrylic overlay
- Colour polish or top coat
Some salons include simple nail art. Others charge extra, often £5 to £10 per feature.
What About Infills? (And Why You Need Them)
Acrylics grow out as your natural nail grows. That creates a gap near the cuticle after 2 to 3 weeks. That’s where infills come in.
Infills cost a little less than a full set. Here’s what salons charge in 2025:
- London: £42
- Manchester: £30
- Birmingham: £35
- Glasgow: £30–35
- UK Average: £30–40
Infills include filing, refilling the gap, shaping, and repainting. If you let your nails grow out too far, you might need a full set again—which costs more.
What Makes Acrylic Nails Cost More?
Here’s where prices jump:
- Nail art: Hand-painted designs start at £5 and go up to £25.
- Ombre or marble: Expect £10 to £20 on top of the base cost.
- Extra length or shaping: Long coffin or stiletto styles can add £5–10.
- Fancy Colours or Chrome: These cost more than plain finishes.
- Big-Name Salons Charge Big Prices: Big names and influencers charge premium prices.
Watch Out for the Extras
Little things like nail art, gel topcoats, or soak-offs can add up. Always ask what’s actually included in the price.
Why Salon Hygiene Affects Price (And Why It Matters)
Clean doesn’t just mean tidy—it means safe. Good salons won’t reuse nail files, they’ll clean tools between clients, and they’ll wipe everything down. You’re paying for peace of mind. These steps cost time and money, which slightly raises the price.
Here’s what a safe salon should offer:
- Fresh towels and table covers for each client
- Sterilised tools (not just wiped down)
- Covered bins and sealed product containers
- Gloves worn for prep and removal
- No strong chemical odours filling the room
Cheaper salons sometimes skip these steps. That puts you at risk for infections, especially if your skin gets nicked. Always check reviews and trust your gut. If the space looks messy, walk away.
Can You Get Cheap Acrylic Nails That Last?
Yes—if you choose wisely. Budget salons can do great work. But you need to know what to look for.
Look for salons that:
- Show real customer photos (not stock images)
- List full prices up front
- Have qualified, insured technicians
- Use clean tools and stations
Skip salons with unclear pricing or bad hygiene. Cheap doesn’t mean dirty.
Are There Eco-Friendly Acrylic Options in 2025?
Yes, and they’re improving every year. Old-school acrylics used harsh chemicals that weren’t great for the environment, especially if not thrown away right. But salons are starting to offer greener choices.
Look for:
- Odourless monomer formulas (less harsh for techs and clients)
- Vegan-friendly powders without animal byproducts
- Recyclable packaging on nail products
- Low-tox or HEMA-free systems that reduce allergic reactions
These options might cost slightly more, but the impact on your skin, health, and the planet is worth it. Some salons now even market themselves as “green beauty spaces.” Ask what’s available when you book.
Are DIY Acrylic Kits Cheaper?
Yes, but it depends on your skill.
Basic Kits: £30–40. Great for beginners. Includes powder, monomer, tips, and tools.
Pro Kits: £100–150. These come with salon-quality tools and better formulas.
DIY saves money in the long run, but mistakes are common. If you’re new, expect lifting, bubbles, or uneven shapes. That means more re-dos.
Unless you’re confident with brushes and ratios, stick with pro salons.
Don’t Forget Removal Costs
Removing acrylics costs extra. If you try peeling them off at home, you’ll damage your natural nails.
Salon Removal: Around £10–15
At-Home Removal: Acetone, foil, and time
If you want to save here, soak in acetone for 20 minutes and gently file. But avoid ripping or scraping. That thins your nail bed.
How Long Do Acrylic Nail Tips Last?
Most full sets last 2 to 3 weeks with regular care. After that, you need an infill. If you type, clean, or work with your hands, they may lift sooner.
Care tips that help nails last:
- Wear gloves when washing up
- Use cuticle oil daily
- Avoid using nails to open things
- Don’t pick, peel, or tap with your tips
With proper care and infills, some people keep their acrylics going for up to 8 to 10 weeks before full removal.
Should You Pay More for Better Quality?
Usually, yes. Higher prices often mean better product, more skill, and safer techniques. That means your set lasts longer and looks better.
What you pay for at a good salon:
- Stronger acrylic that doesn’t lift fast
- Cleaner application with no air bubbles
- Proper prep that protects your natural nail
- Safer removal techniques when you’re ready to take them off
Think of it like this: a bad £25 set that lasts 10 days is worse value than a £45 set that lasts 3 weeks.
Final Word: How Much Are Acrylic Nails Really Worth?
You usually get what you pay for. In the UK, in 2025, acrylic nails will be worth between £30 and £60, depending on the style you choose. Infills are cheaper but just as important. And the more extras you choose, the higher the bill.
Plan your nail budget like this:
- Basic full set: £30–45
- Infills every 2–3 weeks: £30–40
- Removal (every few months): £10–15
- Optional extras (art, ombre, chrome): £5–25
Budgeting for upkeep is key. If you want long-lasting acrylics, you have to care for them and maintain them.
Learn More or Train Yourself
Want to go deeper? Want to learn how to do nails like a pro?
Check out our Acrylic Nail Training Course at School of Healthcare. We teach you to apply, maintain, and remove acrylics step-by-step. Whether you want to save money, start a side hustle, or launch a full career—this course puts you ahead.
Nails are more than a beauty trend. They’re a skill. And that skill starts with knowledge.
Start smart. Spend wisely. And let your nails do the talking.
