How to Price Your Nail Services

Due to popular demand, Habib and Tracey revisit nail service pricing structure. Tracey explains how she priced full sets, fills, long nails, color, and nail art.
Let us know in the comments how you’ve structured your salon prices!
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Young Nails manufactures the highest quality professional nail care products (acrylic, hard gel, gel polish, nail art, nail polish, nail accessories, nail files, etc) in the world. To learn the nail application in all of the forms - acrylic, gel, nail art, etc - watch our videos for extreme education. We offer nail education out of our Anaheim, CA facility. Contact us for details [e-mail]
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“How do two brothers get into the nail care business?” This is the single most common question people ask us. There’s a long and rocky version but we’ll give you the short one. We have our fearless and unconventional mother, Young Salo, to thank. With a single-minded entrepreneurial spirit, she decided to start her own business at the age of 49. She had a passion for the nail industry and we did everything in our power to support her. In the end, this is a family business.
Greg, the older brother, became a licensed nail technician after switching gears from fire fighter’s training. He is energy personified and has a true passion for developing the best professional nail care products and education. Habib is the younger brother. He jumped in a few years later; taking a detour from medical school and a life in music. He brings his own creative mind for business, marketing and strategy. Unexpectedly, we are a perfect team.
Today, more than 20 years later, Young Nails Inc., is a professional nail care manufacturing company exporting to over 40 countries worldwide and distributing domestically to over 3000 stores. We’re respected for our next-level product innovation and education. Our mission is to bring you the best quality products and we’ll show you how to use them with incredible results. It’s really that simple.
Welcome to the Young Nails family!
#BizTalk #YoungNails #nailprice #salonpricesheet #howto

[@smartcookie9724]

Tracey taught me that "cheese pizza" is great! It's delicious!! But, if you want toppings then you have to pay for those toppings! You want "supreme pizza" you gotta pay for "supreme pizza" toppings! We can make some beautiful "base nails", absolutely BEAUTIFUL, but if they want glitters, crystals, foils, stamping, and striping tape? That will be extra for each! My clients understand this explanation so well... Thank you sooooooo much Tracey!! 😘😘🥰

[@youngnailsinc]

🍕 Best analogy ever, because it's delicious 😁 So glad it's worked for you!

[@327csharp]

This is the exact way I describe it

[@FTA249]

Great 👍 analogy, I’m going to use that. I tell my wife to start charging for extras. She’s just worried because she just started working at a salon.

[@armineworld419]

I'm just starting my nail business. I'm from the Netherlands btw. And here they're competing also with prices. The Chinese salons are very cheap . I explain to my customers ,that I can't compete with them. And that I use good expensive products ( Young nails 😉) and I work only with forms. And that's a craft! And I'm not a big salon ,I work from home. So the cost for my purchase is not cheap. Plus you as customers have all my attention. Nobody's is sitting behind you and hurrie you up. And I'm specialising myself in custom nailart. And I'm gonna be the best in the aria 😉 . And if you wanna go cheap, and have nails like everyone in town...go for it 😂 I give for now as new clients a full set for a special price. But the next appointment you're gonna pay the full price. And about raising prices . Here in the Netherlands prices are decades the same. And thanks guy for all the teaching and advice you all give 😀

[@22dammit]

It makes sense by giving a base price to your clients and then showing the add-ons. Great idea

[@youngnailsinc]

So glad you liked it!

[@daniellemsturdivant4732]

I live in Houston, Tx and my full sets AND fills are $25 no matter the extras. I have been doin nails for about 4yrs....I needed the hell out this video. Thank you so much for liting this fire back up under me!

[@youngnailsinc]

Oh wow! It's our pleasure!

[@Shadow_foxx1]

I have been doing my own hybrid/ gel sculpted only nails for about 5 years MANY hours hundreds of trial and error practice. And I just got a review from one of the best techs in my city and he said my work is worth 75-90$ base with 1 color. I was thrilled to get such a good review from such a talented man. Don’t be afraid to ask the techs you look up too.

[@rhondaallison7815]

I think these biz talks are one of my favorite things to watch! I think the hardest thing for me when I first started years ago was figuring out how to calculate my actual product cost like breaking down how many sets I would get out of my powder, monomer and prep products then everything else used during a set that was something I never could find anyone really talk about

[@youngnailsinc]

We love making them it's one of our favorite type of content to create. So glad it's helping you that's why we do it!! Thank you for watching!

[@MM-fy5fy]

Can you do a sample price list/posting? I’m not a nail tech but I’m OBSESSED with your videos and the business side of this.

[@youngnailsinc]

Great idea, noted!

[@kahylimayy]

Can you guys make an updated version please this is one of the most helpful videos y’all have made!!

[@youngnailsinc]

We have many videos on pricing available in our playlist, but we still believe in this model of charging for services and add-ons/art.

[@kkw_5828]

I freakin love their relationship. Professional yet down to earth and real.

[@kkw_5828]

I was here firrrstttttt

[@youngnailsinc]

You definitely were, and thank you!

[@cailloutowers]

I love these videos I’m not a nail tech but it’s nice knowing when I get my nails done what decisions got behind the pricing. My nail tech is pricy but I’m paying for quality and I’m glad she knows her worth by not pricing too low

[@kathytarman2302]

Here you go again helping so many people. You guys have been so helpful to people in the same business and that is so special. Thank you for being you.

[@youngnailsinc]

It's always and forever going to be our pleasure!

[@benettanorthern9586]

Most if not all the salons in the Hampton Roads area charge more for gel. When I asked about it, at one salon, she gave me some crazy answer. Since she filed my nails so thin it bled… I started doing my own. I now make press ons for friends and now know more about product…this is so very interesting and insightful.

[@alphaznailsfabulous3182]

Thank you guys so much! You don't understand how much it helps getting tips and tricks on how to survive in this industry.

[@youngnailsinc]

Happy to help!

[@empogirl]

I still get mad when clients send pictures and wants a 100$ set for 60$

[@34Nails]

I'm waiting to get more better with my work before I start taking clients plus I'm in the process of seeing if I can get licensed through my state board since I've already completed the full 1,500 hours required for state board testing.

[@Krazy4Pink_Kerry]

Loving these biz talks and the banter between Tracey and habib. They have like a brother sister relationship always picking on each other. In jest of course. I could watch these all day long. Always stop whatever I’m doing when a new one drops.

[@youngnailsinc]

Thank you for watching, we love creating them. We feel like we can always give value with Biz Talk!

[@terio3955]

I'm glad you covered no surprises! The worst surprise I had was getting charged $25 extra for regular polish on a square sport set. Not being told polish was extra caused me never to return when that was not the general practice in the area and nothing on the wall suggesting it wouldn't be included

[@youngnailsinc]

Exactly! We believe in transparency, always be upfront with the clients it's the best practice as a business.

[@sylviabelt4843]

I have been working on commission for over a year. And I'm ready to start on my own. This has helped out a lot! Thank you so much!

[@youngnailsinc]

Our pleasure!

[@chelseabangs9657]

That’s so true about the trade shows. I do hair and love it. I love nails too, but don’t do other peoples because I was so intimidated. There wasn’t really any education or sometimes even nail products at these things. You guys are really breaking things down and inspiring me to start offering nail services to my guests. I love your products too, I’ve not been able to return to other polish since caption usually lasts 2 or 3 weeks on me.

[@tycolab9143]

I need this!!! This has been my problem for awhile!! You guys read my mind!!!😊😊

[@youngnailsinc]

❤️💖

[@GhettoStylewithEjai]

I just want to say "THANK YOU" I really needed this. I'm not a nail "technician" but I am a hair stylist and a barber licensed in both. I do my own nails and occasionally my sisters. Was thinking of starting a mobile nail service and what should be some of the cost to start? Thanks again

[@Jessicarbt510]

To summarize: 1. Decide on your earnings per hour and work from there 2. Fill should be approx ⅔ the price of a full set 2.1 Fills can include the add ons from the original set and can be built on the foundation for weeks or months as long as the set and shape are holding up 2.2 Full set base price is for "active length" nails and includes one gel color 2.3 there is no price difference between acrylic and gel 3. Add ons such as additional colors, glitter, stamps, nail art and some bling start at $5. Additional length and shaping run from $10 to $20 each to add on. 4. As you move faster you don't charge less, you book more.

[@xochitl5899]

I learn so much from you ❤

[@monicaacarmona]

Thank you for this video I really needed to know all of these things, it’s very helpful and makes complete sense 🤗 I’m going to change my prices to just a base price and do add ons

[@youngnailsinc]

It's our pleasure! Let us know how it goes!

[@Brookedroz]

This really made a lot of sense and I think this is a great way to price. I love Biz talk, thanks for sharing all your tips, tricks and educating us! 🤍

[@mbkabdo]

what would you recommend for a beginner? 90 full set 60 fills sounds awesome, my area charges 45-60 full sets & $5 for add ons. charging $30 less would be insane right lol. trying to figure out how to navigate fill pricing when my full set pricing is considered lower. thanks for the advice! ☺️

[@youngnailsinc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqq4aKSPmdp5Y80

[@cruz92cruz]

Thank you for this I'm about to start nail business and i was struggling how to price...just add toppings love it. 😄

[@youngnailsinc]

Yes it's like pizza! But not really 😂

[@Jennifer-Lilly]

My biggest question since I’m new to this industry is, do I charge her on designs? is the price that you guys gave for extensions and sizing for all 10 fingers?

[@youngnailsinc]

Which price are you talking about specifically? Yes, we ALWAYS recommend charging for nail art of any kind.

[@treatsdesignzby977]

I feel a little slow, but I'm also new to nails and a current nail student, but what is an ACTIVE LENGTH?

[@EJ-uv9mb]

Wow absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for this

[@susanmuthoni1364]

Top Class Content; Young Nails, client from Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

[@youngnailsinc]

Thank you!

[@nailsbyabril9196]

I love these pricing videos. What about this. Full sets take me 2-3 hours right now and I don’t do a lot of them so not a lot of practice to get faster. Structured gel manis are all the rave in my area. But I still want to offer full sets. I charge $50 for them. They take me forever and I make much more money on gel manicures. But I want to offer them, I just can’t justify charging a lot more when it’s not the clients fault I’m so slow. What advice do you have?

[@ahsat1020]

Thanks for sharing great informative video

[@c.flores9196]

I just LOVE your biz talks! I put them on with the intention of listening while cleaning up but because you guys are just so entertaining to watch yet VERY informative, I end up sitting and just watching lol leave the cleaning for later lol my question is: can you charge more for sculpting the nails rather than using tips?

[@youngnailsinc]

Oh yeah you can definitely charge more!

[@alexdadam]

Do you guys have any advice on how to do research for the time scale clients prefer to be sat in the chair. Obviously new technicians will take lingers but how do you gather the information? Would it be through platforms such as instagram doing a Q&A on personally & business accounts? Same with Facebook, tiktok etc xx

[@youngnailsinc]

It really does depend on the client, but we find that about an hour is an average timeframe that clients like to sit patiently. You can definitely bring this question to our Facebook Community group or other social media to get more feedback.

[@AlexandraObjio]

And does this apply to a beginner nail techs also? I will get my license in a week or so. But I don’t have a clientele yet and I’ve only been doing family and friends nails. But I’ve been starting off with low prices to try to come to me. But I don’t want the clients to think I’m going to be charging $35 for an acrylic full set forever either. I’m just confused.

[@youngnailsinc]

It does, it's tougher when you're trying to establish yourself and the same time be profitable and successful, we made a great video on pricing as a beginner, think it will help you! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqq4aKSPmdp5Y80

[@diamonds_n_daisies]

As always, very helpful info! Thx YN's!!!

[@youngnailsinc]

Our pleasure!

[@daniellemsturdivant4732]

So how do you charge for colored acrylics? A lot of my clients dont like gel polish and want colored acrylics and change every time they come get a fill.

[@coragallagher6881]

Love biz talk great advice 💗

[@erin8000uk]

Through time it is a great idea but like I said before this cant be done overnight

[@Velia_Luz]

Love the content 😊

[@choyanwong2272]

This is a great and helpful video. Can I ask about how Much do you charge for a stone? Some client would like to put stones on their nails, do you charge them $5 per nail or price for different stone,or you mean $5 for 10 nails? Hopefully can get back from you. Thanks

[@flatbrokeatfifty]

Great information as always. Can you do a video on the magic wand showing everything it does? Thanks in advance.

[@youngnailsinc]

Great idea, definitely noted!

[@createinspain]

I loved watching real time! :)

[@youngnailsinc]

Glad you enjoyed, it they were fun to make!

[@PD-rg4dh]

you guys are so good thank you so much for awesome video god bless you

[@youngnailsinc]

Our pleasure!! Thank you for watching!

[@nailsbylaura7349]

What would be the price difference between gel nails polygel and acrylic or would you price them around the same

[@youngnailsinc]

Unfortunately, we can't speak on polygel as we don't use it. I believe we mention in this video or possibly another, that we don't have different prices for acrylic vs hard gel. We don't want clients choosing which they want based on price. We want to be able to choose what they need based on what condition their nails are in.

[@nailsbylaura7349]

Hah yes sorry I ask this question just as you're getting up to this what would be the different circumstances as to knowing whether your client needs acrylic or gel

[@kibaetienne2171]

Great content 👍 Am not at the point where am ready to take clients but I appreciate this biz talk. 🙌

[@youngnailsinc]

We love the idea of turning your passion into a successful business! Best of luck!

[@Yamileth_Nails]

What about Cristals and 3D and also. $5.00 for 2 nails decorated or $5 for only one Nail?

[@youngnailsinc]

Depending on what kind of stones you use (Swarovski crystals vs basic rhinestones), you can charge per stone or you can have a set price per nail. Keep in mind that if you do a set price per nail, you may want to have a different price for short, medium, long, extra long. For example, you could charge $10 per nail for short, $15 for med, $20 for long. If you are using Swarovski, it may be higher depending on the size/shape of the crystals.

[@hannahayoung6776]

What is the difference between acrylic and gel? How do you know when to suggest to a client what would be best for them to wear since you do not charge differently for the prices. Thank you!!!!

[@SarahhhBeth]

Following

[@youngnailsinc]

Great question we made a full video on this exact question hopefully it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LEnotni7Kqp9U

[@PearlsGlitter]

Thanks a lot for this, I love your biz talks! 😊

[@youngnailsinc]

Glad you like them!

[@ivettecorreanailz3258]

Is it ok to charge 5 less then every other salon. I’m doing nails at home, just started. Nails around my neighborhood are 35 for gel, 25 for regular. That includes the shape and length. For fill ins it’s 28 for gel and 18 for reg. Need help in this area cause it’s extremely cheap and I don’t want to go cheaper. Thank you so much.

[@youngnailsinc]

It really depends, you want to make sure you cover costs, also think it's more of how you market what you offer compared to the market. Always be upfront, show and provide value, and be honest! Most clients appreciate the nail education along with the service 😉.

[@mstiffany]

Maybe I missed it but did you mention pricing per crystals/gems ??

[@Yamileth_Nails]

I would like to know that too!

[@binge1804]

I do agree that independent nail artist should charge more because I feel that they are more specialize and offer private and or more personal care. However, every place is different. In the city, almost every Asian owned shop charges $20 bucks full set manicure or pedicure (That's kinda hard to compete with) Except if you want gel nail/polish. Then it can range anywhere from $50-80. Design is $4-6 per nail and Manicure no tips anywhere from $8-15. Eyebrow $5 Philadelphia

[@betsyjames2925]

I'd like to price the acrylic and hard gel the same but my thing is that they cost differently when buying them. How can you price them the same when they're inventory cost differ?

[@youngnailsinc]

You always want to price to cover cost so you're at a profit and giving value. Think of it this way when you go out for dinner 2 plates can be very different in cost, that is because of what's on the plate, even though they are both considered dinner. 😁

[@dejavoonails60]

Do you still offer regular polish or do you feel we are in a world that gel polish should be the go too for polish? I dislike lacquer and would like to only offer gel, but people sometimes prefer lacquer for toes at least.. what are your thoughts? Price as well please

[@youngnailsinc]

Gel polish has become a main service in the nail industry but a lot of techs still offer traditional polish. If you are a self employed/independent tech, you can choose what services you want to provide & if you prefer to only offer gel polish, that’s ok. You will attract & build that clientele rather than a clientele that prefers traditional polish. As for pricing, you would want to set your prices so that you are making the same amount “per hour” whether you are doing a gel manicure or a full set/fill. For example, if you are charging $80 for a full set that takes you an hour, you would charge at least $40 for a fill or gel polish that that’s you a half hour. Either way, you bring in $80/hour.

[@terrastone5670]

I’m new to all this and pricing has been my struggle but this was amazingly helpful. I could order cheaper product but then you loose quality.

[@youngnailsinc]

You definitely want to invest in quality! It's always a great idea in the long run!

[@terrastone5670]

I was struggling with cheaper product then decided to try the young nail products and i need to say please don’t ever go away as you product is so easy to work with. No matter what was used previously I had lifting and breakages but not with your products. I use the fact that I use young nails products to charge more and people are ok with it for just that reason. It may cost more but quality is the most important fact to me. All I need is to improve my time as I’m fairly slow but I will get there. Thank you again for this video!!

[@rochelltrent3540]

I charged fixed $50 for toes because specially they want their ingrown to be removed. So I was thinking that they may think it's too expensive 🤔and it also took me over 2hours for the service

[@919MXRCR]

I’m confused on the “spending so much money for their full set to only last 2-3 weeks and the fills working off that base set so it’s not as much and you keep it going” can you explain more on that? And give an example? Does my question make sense?

[@youngnailsinc]

In that section, they are talking about dimensional nails where the color/glitter/design is encapsulated within the nail, not on the surface of the nail. When they come back in 2-3 weeks, they can leave all of the design within the nail and can simply do a fill or even add to the design rather than having to remove all of the art that they paid extra for. Here's a video that will show this technique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ3bpa2BZtyrY6csi=gwbot1mHzejW1cDF

[@gracepruett4515]

Do you charge extra for going long between fills?

[@youngnailsinc]

not necessarily extra but if they go longer then they may need a rebalance or of there is a lot of lifting then a full set instead. Both of which are a different and higher price than a fill

[@kimheartsuds]

What about pricing difference between tips vs forms?

[@nelidasotelo3067]

Thank you for sharing this video. It was very helpful to me! 💖💅💖yn

[@youngnailsinc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michelleparker9919]

So how do you charge the extras? the nails are so complex these days chrome, stamping, rhinestones, encapsulating flowers. So it’s really hard to have a price list when every client wants different things

[@youngnailsinc]

You can try tiering add on's or grouping them to simplify it for your client!

[@michelleparker9919]

YoungNailsInc yes ok that’s a good idea maybe grouping them. It’s hard because it’s so involved...I think it must of been so much easier years ago with a hand full of colours and two shapes lol

[@katielunn6394]

Did you guys mean to match lol you're straight up twinsies today 👯 it's cute!

[@youngnailsinc]

Completely coincidence 😂

[@damarismelinaferrera]

I think nail techs dont charge what they should 'cos clients dont wanna pay extras. It takes time and patience to change people's minds about that.

[@rosaparedon4243]

You also want to base your pricing on the quality of the set right? An example would be not just charging someone too much when possibly the application is bad and will fall off or the shape is bad. Because even though you are spending your time they also pay for the quality

[@kindaabboudi8143]

Thank u alot .so helpfull

[@youngnailsinc]

You're welcome 😊

[@skinnydog4]

Ya it takes me an hour and half to 2 hours for fullset and hour to hour and 15 minutes for fill. Because most all my clients want gel polish, design on a few nails, or chromes etc. Most of the time I will gel polish and design one hand at a time because they are always touching their hair or whatever with the other hand. So I have to.re cleanse the other hand to start designs

[@livealittle2397]

What would you charge for rhinestones?

[@youngnailsinc]

Depending on what kind of stones you use (Swarovski crystals vs basic rhinestones), you can charge per stone or you can have a set price per nail. Keep in mind that if you do a set price per nail, you may want to have a different price for short, medium, long, extra long. For example, you could charge $10 per nail for short, $15 for med, $20 for long. If you are using Swarovski, it may be higher depending on the size/shape of the crystals.

[@duzzie1817]

What you guys think about charging per nail for nail art?

[@falinedwarika2789]

I was waiting for this video

[@youngnailsinc]

Long overdue right? Really hope its helpful ❤️

[@falinedwarika2789]

@@youngnailsinc it's sure is

[@ms.shepherd9245]

How much for just 2 accent gel glitter nails

[@youngnailsinc]

If it’s a glitter gel polish that is an additional color or raw glitter, we usually charge $5 extra for that no matter how many nails it is on.

[@joylash5582]

Sorry I’m new to this...what’s a fill??? Is that an in-fill??

[@ashgrovenailbeauty9669]

Yes

[@youngnailsinc]

It's ok that's a great question we made a video that explains fills for beginners here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaaYpIWHhpuFjNk

[@joylash5582]

YoungNailsInc thank you so much you guys are so amazing!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lupeperez4671]

How does a customer figure out how much to tip?

[@beethery]

Tracey should name her grey hair that she found Habib

[@smartcookie9724]

😂😂😂

[@youngnailsinc]

😂😂

[@rozyrositah]

Whats is an active nude set?? 🤔👀

[@celiacoloma-rodriguez1211]

I don’t dont think that it is realistic to do a fill in 30 mins and a full set for an hour sculpted or tips !

[@celiacoloma-rodriguez1211]

for me anyway i apologize for not pointing that out . I was referring to myself . Hi five to who can do it i envy you in a good way

[@JasmineDev]

I know that nss employees must complete a full set in 30 mins, or they will be fired, in Australia. But their nails are not shaped. No apex, and terrible nail art. Cuticles are often bleeding.

[@leahs4612]

Stealing your “gauc is extra bro” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I been hashtagging #respecttheglitter too 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤷‍♀️❤️😜

[@StephanieElayne]

Okay but what about crystals??

[@youngnailsinc]

Depending on what kind of stones you use (Swarovski crystals vs basic rhinestones), you can charge per stone or you can have a set price per nail. Keep in mind that if you do a set price per nail, you may want to have a different price for short, medium, long, extra long. For example, you could charge $10 per nail for short, $15 for med, $20 for long. If you are using Swarovski, it may be higher depending on the size/shape of the crystals.

[@leahs4612]

@tracey when he asks you what is the basic and said “active, nude.” What about what shape? Square? Do you think it’s weird that (I’m using forms not tips) I find it easier to do coffin than square?? 🤣🤣🤣😩🤦‍♀️

[@girlcuteforlife8540]

Heyday