Nail Art Cost Calculator
Compare the annual cost of doing your nails at home versus going to a salon.
Find out how quickly a home kit pays for itself.
The true cost of nail care
Regular nail care — whether professional or DIY — adds up quickly over a year. Understanding the real annual cost helps you make an informed decision about whether salon visits or a home kit better fits your budget.
Salon costs
A standard manicure at a nail salon typically costs between $20 and $60 depending on the service level: basic polish, gel, acrylic, or nail art. Tips (15–20%) add to this. Most people who get regular manicures visit once every 2–4 weeks. At $35 per visit (including tip) every 3 weeks, annual cost is approximately $600.
Home kit costs
A good home nail kit (LED lamp, gel polishes, files, tools) typically costs $40–$120 as a one-time investment. Ongoing supplies (gel polishes, base/top coat, remover) average around $3–$8 per session when spread over the kit’s lifespan. The break-even point — where the kit has paid for itself compared to salon visits — usually occurs within 2–5 sessions.
Gel vs regular polish
Gel manicures last 2–3 weeks without chipping, while regular nail polish typically lasts 5–7 days. This means gel is done less frequently, reducing the total number of sessions per year. However, gel requires UV/LED curing and proper removal to avoid damaging nails, and the removal process requires acetone and time.
Total cost of ownership
This calculator shows the full annual cost of each option, plus the break-even point — the number of sessions after which your home kit has paid for itself.