How Much Do Almond Nails Cost In 2023?
With their elongated, rounded shape, almond nails are one of the most popular nail trends right now. But before rushing off to the salon, you’re probably wondering – how much do almond nails cost?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: On average, a basic almond nail set costs $30-50 in most US salons. More elaborate designs with gems, foil, or hand-painted art can cost $70-150 or more.
What Are Almond Nails?
Almond nails, also known as almond-shaped nails or oval nails, refer to artificial nails that have an elongated oval shape. Compared to square or rounded artificial nails, almond nails are longer and more oval in form, resembling the shape of an almond.
Almond-shaped Artificial Nails
As the name suggests, almond nails mimic the narrow, oval shape of almonds. The tip of each nail gently tapers from the cuticle to the free edge, creating an elegant elongated shape. When properly applied by a professional nail technician, almond artificial nails appear smooth, uniform, and natural-looking.
Elongated Oval Shape
The key characteristic of the almond nail shape is the narrow, oval form that is more extended than short or square nail shapes. From the cuticle area to the free edge, almond nails have an oval width to length ratio ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:2.
This gives them a striking, elegant appearance especially when nails are long.
Longer than Square or Rounded Nails
Compared to popular short square or rounded artificial nails, professionally done almond nails are visibly longer. An average full set of almond nails extends 0.5 to 1 inch tip length beyond the fingertips for a feminine, aristocratic look.
With their smooth elongated edges, almond nails draw the eye down the length of the nails, making the fingers appear longer and more slender.
Almond Nail Cost Factors
Nail salon location
The location of the nail salon plays a big role in determining almond nail prices. Salons in affluent urban areas like Los Angeles or New York City typically charge higher prices due to higher rents and labor costs.
According to 2021 data from Angie’s List, the average price for a basic mani-pedi in NYC was $76 versus the national average of $48.
Level of nail technician experience
More experienced nail techs will understand how to properly prep and apply acrylics for an immaculate almond-shaped look. They may charge slightly higher prices but deliver better results and longevity. Newer techs sometimes charge promotional prices but may not get the shape or application right.
Add-ons like art, gems or foil
Almond nails look fabulous on their own with a solid color or French tip. But you can dramatically enhance the look with add-ons like hand-painted art, Swarovski crystals, glitter, or metal foil. These extras add time and skill to the service, increasing the nail cost $5-$20 or more per add-on.
How long and strong you want the nails
| Nail Length | Average Cost |
| Short (just past fingertip) | $45 |
| Medium (1/2 inch extension) | $65 |
| Long (1 inch extension or more) | $85+ |
Whether you get other nail services like manicure or pedicure
Most clients pairing almond nails with a spa manicure or pedicure. This allows proper nail prep and a flawless polished finish. You’ll pay an additional $15-35 for these combo services over just the enhancements. But the total cost remains competitive compared to a high-end salon.
Almond Nail Cost by Location
Major coastal cities: $40-80
In the trendy coastal cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami, the average cost of an almond nail service ranges from $40 on the very low end, to $80 at high-end salons. Given the affluence and interest in beauty services in these areas, almond nails are extremely popular.
At an average nail salon in LA or NYC, a basic almond manicure with gel polish will run you about $55. In Miami, the popularity of long, embellished nail styles drives the average price up to around $65.
Many A-list celebrities and influencers based in these cities frequently sport almond nails in eye-catching colors and designs. As a result, demand is high and nail techs can charge more for these services.
The sky’s the limit for ornate almond nails with hand-painted art, Swarovski crystals, or 3D embellishments in coastal cities – some over-the-top manicures cost up to $250!
Mid-sized towns and cities: $30-60
In mid-sized metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, and Chicago, most salons charge between $30-60 for almond sculpted nail services. $45 is an average base price for an almond manicure with gel polish.
Extra design details like ombre fading, glitter, striping tape accents may be an additional $5-10.
Small towns and rural areas: $20-40
In sleepy small towns, suburban neighborhoods, and rural areas, most nail salons charge $20-40 for almond sculpted manicures. An average base price is $30 for almond shaping with regular nail polish. Some value-conscious salons run weekly specials like “Almond Manis on Mondays” for just $25!
Compared to busy cities, these areas have lower demand and fewer nail salons per capita. Plus costs of running a business are cheaper. This allows nail techs to offer discounts. While basic french tip and pink-and-white almond manicures are popular classics, small town clients tend to be more experimental with blue, green, and purple polish colors.
Cost of Almond Nail Upgrades and Add-Ons
Almond nails are a classic, elegant look that never goes out of style. While a basic almond manicure starts around $30, there are many ways to customize your almond nails with upgrades and add-ons for an extra special look.
Hand-painted art or custom designs: $5-20 per nail
Adding hand-painted art or custom designs is a fabulous way to make your almond nails truly one-of-a-kind. Skilled nail technicians can freehand paint anything from flowers and animals to landscapes or abstract designs. Expect to pay $5-20 per nail depending on the complexity of the artwork.
Some popular almond nail design ideas include:
- Floral patterns
- Geometric shapes
- Scenic landscapes
- Glitter ombré
- Your initials
Rhinestones or gems: $1-5 per nail
Blinged-out nails are a glamorous choice. Adding sparkling accents like rhinestones or gems can instantly amp up your almond manicure. Expect to pay $1-5 per nail depending on the size and number of rhinestones/gems applied.
Some popular options include:
- A few scattered rhinestones or gems on each nail
- Rhinestone/gem French tips
- Fully blinged-out accent nails
Foil or chrome powder: $5-10 per nail
Foil and chrome powder finishes add a futuristic, holographic effect to almond nails in metallic shades like silver, gold, rose gold or other custom colors. The foil is applied then sealed with a top coat for maximum shine. Cost is around $5-10 per nail for this eye-catching upgrade.
Extra long or thick nails: $5-20 more
If you want to go bold and glam with extra long almond nails or add strength with thicker nail enhancements, expect to tack on an additional $5-20+ to your base manicure cost. Longer or thicker sets require more product and time from your nail tech.
- Extra long almond nails extend well beyond your natural fingertip for dramatic length, while thicker enhancements add reinforcement so lengthy nails are less prone to breakage.
Manicure: $10-30
An almond manicure includes shaping and grooming nails into the signature almond look, cuticle care, buffing, hand massage and a polish finish. Basic manicures start around $10-15 while deluxe spa manicures with extras like paraffin wax or masques run $25-30.
Pedicure: $20-50
Add almond-shaped toenails with a pedicure service, costing $20 for a basic pedi and $40-50+ for a luxurious spa pedicure. Your feet will look and feel amazing. It’s best paired with an almond manicure for a completely fabulous finger-and-toe makeover.
With almond nails, the opportunities to customize your manicure are endless, limited only by your imagination (and budget!). Chat with your nail technician if you have additional ideas for making your almond nails uniquely you.
Factors That Impact Overall Cost
Salon’s reputation and nail tech’s skill level
The reputation of the salon and skill level of the nail technician are major factors affecting the cost of almond nails. High-end salons with experienced nail techs often charge more for their services. However, you pay for quality work that lasts longer.
An experienced nail tech will likely do a better job shaping and applying the tips, leading to a beautiful, long-lasting manicure. According to industry experts, a high-quality salon almond manicure costs $70-$120 on average.
How long you want the nails
The length of the almond nails also impacts the overall cost. Longer nail tips take more time and skill to apply. Most salons charge extra for very long nails, like 2-3 inches beyond your natural nail length.
For example, a standard almond manicure may cost $70, while adding 2-inch long tips could be $90+. The pricing is usually based on increments of 0.5 inches.
How elaborate the nail art is
Fancy nail art like glitter, rhinestones, chrome powders or airbrushing can add $5-$30 per nail to the manicure cost. Simple nude or solid color almond nails are the most budget-friendly. Designs like ombre fade tips, swirled colors, or floral art raise the price significantly.
But don’t skip the nail art thinking it saves money – a skilled technician’s creativity is part of what makes almond nails so gorgeous!
Whether you get a manicure/pedicure too
Most salons offer discounted combination deals if you get almond nails along with other services like a regular manicure, pedicure, or both. For example, instead of paying $75 for an almond set and $35 for a pedicure separately, you may pay $100 for the combo.
Some salons offer loyalty programs with free manicure/pedicure refresher visits between new sets.
How often you get fills vs. new sets
Getting 2-3 week fill appointments to refresh your almond manicure is more affordable than removing and replacing the entire set each visit. A fill may cost $30-$50 while a new set could be $70+. But don’t stretch your fills too long, or the nails can weaken and break.
Aim for fills every 2-3 weeks for the healthiest nails.
With factors like salon reputation, nail length and designs, and frequency of visits all affecting the costs, an almond manicure can range from $50 simple short nails at a budget salon up to $250+ for an elaborate set at a luxury spa.
But like most beauty services, you get what you pay for with quality and longevity. Do your research to find a technician whose work you love.
Conclusion
While a basic almond nail set may only run you $30-50, the sky’s the limit for more elaborate designs. Hand-painted art, rhinestones, and other upgrades can bring the price to over $100. But for most people, expect to invest around $50-80 for a quality almond manicure with a few extras.
Knowing typical almond nail prices in your area can help you plan your manicure budget. With the right technician and some stylish add-ons, you can get on-trend almond nails that make your hands look salon-fabulous.
