Manicure Cost Australia
Complete guide to manicure costs across Australia. Compare salon and mobile nail service prices for all types of manicures and nail treatments.
Manicure Service Costs at a Glance
File, shape, cuticle care, and regular polish
Long-lasting gel polish with professional curing
CND Shellac system with chip-free finish
Classic French tip design with white tips
Custom nail art, patterns, and decorations
Professional manicure service at your location
Manicure Services & Pricing Breakdown
Standard Manicure Services
Basic Manicure Treatments
- Nail shaping & filing$8 - $15
- Cuticle care & removal$10 - $18
- Hand massage & moisturizing$5 - $12
- Regular polish application$8 - $15
Premium Polish Services
- Gel polish application$15 - $25
- Shellac manicure$20 - $35
- French manicure$10 - $20
- Colour change (no service)$15 - $30
Specialized Nail Services
Nail Art & Design
- Simple nail art (per nail)$3 - $8
- Detailed designs (per nail)$8 - $15
- 3D nail art$10 - $20
- Full set nail art$50 - $150
Treatment Services
- Nail strengthening treatment$10 - $20
- Paraffin wax treatment$15 - $25
- Hand exfoliation & scrub$10 - $18
- Callus removal$15 - $30
Mobile & Home Services
Mobile Manicure Services
- Basic mobile manicure$40 - $65
- Mobile gel manicure$50 - $80
- Group bookings (per person)$35 - $60
- Travel fee (outside 10km)$10 - $25
Additional Services
- Gel removal$10 - $20
- Nail repair (per nail)$5 - $15
- Weekend/evening surcharge$5 - $15
- Same-day booking fee$10 - $20
Manicure Package Comparison
- Nail shaping and filing
- Cuticle tidying
- Hand moisturizer application
- Quick-dry polish
- Perfect for touch-ups
- Complete cuticle care
- Nail shaping and buffing
- Hand exfoliation
- Relaxing hand massage
- Choice of polish colors
- Base and top coat application
- All classic manicure services
- Hot towel treatment
- Premium hand mask
- Extended massage
- Paraffin wax treatment
- Nail strengthening treatment
Manicure Costs by Australian City
| City | Basic Manicure | Gel Manicure |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $30 - $50 | $40 - $70 |
| Melbourne | $25 - $45 | $35 - $65 |
| Brisbane | $25 - $40 | $35 - $60 |
| Perth | $25 - $45 | $35 - $65 |
| Adelaide | $20 - $40 | $30 - $60 |
| Gold Coast | $25 - $45 | $35 - $65 |
| Canberra | $30 - $50 | $40 - $70 |
| Darwin | $30 - $55 | $45 - $75 |
Factors Affecting Manicure Costs
Service Type & Complexity
- • Basic manicure: File, shape, polish - lowest cost
- • Gel manicure: Long-lasting, requires UV curing
- • Nail art: Intricate designs increase time and cost
- • French manicure: Precision work, moderate premium
- • Luxury treatments: Paraffin, masks, extended massage
Salon Location & Quality
- • High-end salons: Premium locations, luxury experience
- • Chain salons: Standardized pricing, consistent quality
- • Home-based salons: Lower overheads, competitive rates
- • Mobile services: Convenience premium, travel costs
- • Shopping center salons: Mid-range pricing, accessibility
Technician Experience
- • Senior nail artists: Premium rates for expertise
- • Certified technicians: Professional qualifications
- • Specialist skills: 3D art, advanced techniques
- • Salon owners: Typically highest rates
- • Junior technicians: Lower rates, supervised work
Timing & Demand
- • Peak times: Weekends, evenings cost more
- • Special events: Wedding season, holidays
- • Group bookings: Often discounted per person
- • Regular clients: Loyalty discounts common
- • Off-peak hours: Weekday mornings cheaper
Salon vs Mobile Manicure Services
Professional Environment
- • Professional-grade equipment and lighting
- • Wide selection of colors and products
- • Sterilized tools and hygienic practices
- • Relaxing salon atmosphere
Service Benefits
- • Additional treatments available
- • Expert advice and consultations
- • Immediate problem resolution
- • Social salon experience
Cost: $25-$65 depending on service level
Convenience Benefits
- • Service at your preferred location
- • No travel time or parking concerns
- • Private, personalized attention
- • Flexible scheduling options
Service Considerations
- • Limited color selection (portable kit)
- • Requires suitable workspace at home
- • May have minimum booking requirements
- • Travel fees for distant locations
Cost: $40-$80 + travel fees if applicable
How to Save Money on Manicures
Timing & Booking Strategies
- • Off-peak hours: Weekday mornings often 10-20% cheaper
- • Package deals: Manicure + pedicure combos save $10-20
- • Group bookings: Friends or bridal parties get discounts
- • Regular appointments: Build loyalty for better rates
Service Selection
- • Start with basic manicure before upgrading
- • Bring your own polish for color changes
- • Skip add-ons unless specifically needed
- • Consider DIY prep work before appointment
Promotions & Discounts
- • Student discounts (10-15% common)
- • First-time client specials
- • Social media follow promotions
- • Birthday month discounts
Maintenance Tips
- • Use cuticle oil daily to extend time between services
- • Wear gloves for cleaning and gardening
- • Touch up polish at home between appointments
- • Invest in quality base and top coats
Nail Salon Quality & Safety Standards
Health & Safety Requirements
- • Sterilization: All tools properly disinfected between clients
- • Single-use items: Files, buffers, orange sticks disposed after use
- • Clean workstations: Surfaces sanitized between appointments
- • Quality products: Professional-grade polishes and treatments
- • Ventilation: Proper air circulation for chemical safety
- • Licensing: Technicians hold valid beauty therapy certificates
Professional Standards
- • Australian Beauty Industry Association standards
- • Public liability insurance coverage
- • Ongoing education in techniques and safety
- • Client consultation and allergy assessments
- • Proper waste disposal procedures
- • Clear pricing and service information displayed
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do different types of manicures last?
Basic manicures with regular polish last 3-7 days, gel manicures last 2-3 weeks, and Shellac manicures can last up to 3 weeks without chipping. Proper care and avoiding harsh chemicals helps extend the life of your manicure.
What's the difference between gel and Shellac manicures?
Shellac is a specific brand of gel polish by CND, while "gel" refers to the broader category. Shellac typically lasts longer, goes on thinner, and removes more easily than traditional gel polishes. Both require UV or LED curing and offer chip-resistant, glossy finishes.
How much should I tip for a manicure?
Tipping 15-20% is standard for good service in Australian nail salons. For a $40 manicure, a $6-8 tip is appropriate. Tips can be higher for exceptional service or complex nail art. Some salons include service charges, so check your receipt first.
Is it safe to get manicures regularly?
Yes, when proper hygiene and sterilization procedures are followed. Choose salons that sterilize tools, use new files for each client, and maintain clean workstations. Give your nails occasional breaks from polish to prevent yellowing and maintain nail health.
What should I do to prepare for a manicure appointment?
Arrive with clean hands and remove any existing polish beforehand if possible. Avoid cutting your cuticles at home as this is best done professionally. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, inform your technician before the service begins.
Can I get a manicure if I bite my nails?
Absolutely! Professional manicurists can work with very short nails and help improve their appearance. They can shape what nail you have, care for damaged cuticles, and apply strengthening treatments. Regular manicures often help people stop nail-biting habits.
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