How Much Do You Tip at a Nail Salon?
The Emily Post Institute general tipping guide (checked October 2026) puts the tip for a manicurist at 15–20% of the service, and the same applies to pedicures, gel and acrylic sets. 20% is the most common choice for good work. Tip on the price before tax and on the full price even if you used a coupon or package deal.
Nail salon tip chart
| Service price | 15% | 18% | 20% | 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20.00 | $3.00 | $3.60 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
| $25.00 | $3.75 | $4.50 | $5.00 | $6.25 |
| $30.00 | $4.50 | $5.40 | $6.00 | $7.50 |
| $35.00 | $5.25 | $6.30 | $7.00 | $8.75 |
| $40.00 | $6.00 | $7.20 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| $45.00 | $6.75 | $8.10 | $9.00 | $11.25 |
| $50.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| $60.00 | $9.00 | $10.80 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| $70.00 | $10.50 | $12.60 | $14.00 | $17.50 |
| $80.00 | $12.00 | $14.40 | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| $100.00 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
How Much to Tip for a Pedicure
A pedicure is tipped like any salon service: 15–20%. On a $45 pedicure that's $7–9; on a $70 spa pedicure, $10.50–14. Tip at the higher end for long massages, callus work or extra time.
How Much to Tip for a Manicure, Gel or Acrylic Nails
The same 15–20% applies. A $30 manicure is $4.50–6; a $60 acrylic full set is $9–12. Nail art and add-ons are part of the service, so include them in the price you tip on.
Why Some Sites Say 10–20%
You may see "10–20%" quoted (for example by NerdWallet, citing an etiquette expert who uses 10% for adequate, 15% for great and 20% for exceptional service). Etiquette guides such as the Emily Post Institute use 15–20% as the standard, and that's what we recommend: treat 10% as the floor for service you weren't happy with.
Two Nail Techs? How to Split the Tip
If one technician did your manicure and another your pedicure, tip each on their own service, or set Split between to 2 and the calculator divides the tip evenly, rounded to whole dollars for cash.
Cash or Card at the Nail Salon?
Many nail salons prefer cash tips: they go straight to your technician, and some salons pass card processing fees on to staff. With Round up to whole dollars on, the calculator shows exactly which bills to leave.
Holiday Tip for Your Nail Tech
For a technician you see regularly, the Emily Post Institute holiday tipping guide suggests up to the cost of one salon visit or a gift.
More Tipping Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you tip for a pedicure?
15–20% of the pedicure price before tax. A $45 pedicure is a $7–9 tip; a $70 spa pedicure is $10.50–14.
How much do you tip for a manicure?
15–20%. A $30 manicure is about $4.50–6, usually rounded up to $5 or $6 in cash.
How much do you tip for a $60 mani-pedi?
$9–12 at 15–20%. If two technicians worked on you, split it between them.
How much do you tip for acrylic or gel nails?
The same 15–20% of the full price, including nail art and add-ons. A $60 full set is a $9–12 tip.
Is 10% a bad tip at a nail salon?
Etiquette guides use 15–20% as the standard, so 10% reads as a sign you weren't happy with the service.
Should you tip nail techs in cash?
Cash is often preferred because it goes straight to your technician, but a card tip is fine too.
Written by Prakhar Singh, software engineer and creator of K4Converter · Last updated October 2026