What drives pricing for each type
| Factor | Acrylic | Gel-X | Builder Gel / BIAB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product cost per set | Monomer + polymer + tips/forms; varies by brand | Pre-formed extensions + adhesive gel; can be higher per set | Builder gel product; typically moderate cost |
| Application time | Longer for full set; experienced tech may be 90–120 min | Can be faster for experienced tech; 60–90 min typical | 45–75 min for natural nail overlay / short enhancements |
| Skill requirement | High; ratio, apex, shaping all require significant skill | Moderate; less shaping but sizing and cure are key | Moderate to high; self-levelling helps but apex building matters |
| Infill complexity | Significant — infills require technical skill | Gel-X typically removed and replaced rather than infilled | Infills straightforward once familiar; rebalancing required |
Pricing acrylics
Acrylics are typically the most labour-intensive and skill-dependent enhancement service. Pricing should reflect:
- Full set application time (typically the longest of the three for most techs)
- Monomer and polymer product cost
- Tips or forms (tips are typically cheaper; forms add time but better customisation)
- Finishing: shaping, filing, buffing time
Pricing Gel-X
Gel-X is a softer extension system that uses pre-formed gel tips with a gel adhesive. Key pricing considerations:
- Pre-formed tip product cost (Apres or equivalent brands tend to be more expensive per set than basic acrylic supplies)
- Application time — faster for an experienced tech once sizing becomes intuitive
- Removal: Gel-X is typically removed (soaked off or filed off) and replaced rather than infilled — this affects your pricing structure (full price per appointment rather than an infill tier)
Pricing builder gel / BIAB
Builder gel (BIAB) is typically applied as an overlay or short enhancement on the natural nail. It's often priced higher than standard gel polish to reflect the extra product, time, and skill involved:
- Builder gel product cost (typically more product per nail than standard gel polish)
- Application time: similar to gel manicure but with additional build and shape time
- Infill appointments at 3–4 week intervals: typically simpler than acrylic infills but still require rebalancing
Infill and maintenance pricing
| Service | Typical pricing relationship |
|---|---|
| Acrylic infill | 60–75% of full set price is common; reflects less product and time than a full set |
| BIAB infill | Similar logic — lower than a fresh set; accounts for rebalancing and colour change |
| Gel-X | Typically full set pricing each time; no separate infill tier for most techs |
Structuring your enhancement menu
Keep it clear — clients shouldn't need to calculate or guess:
- List each enhancement type separately with full set price
- List infill prices for services that have them (acrylic, BIAB)
- Note what's included (e.g. "gel colour included" or "add a gel colour from £X")
- List length upgrades if you price by length
For full price list examples: nail tech price list examples. For calculating exact product costs: how to calculate your nail product cost.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Should Gel-X be more or less expensive than acrylics?
It depends on your time, skill level, and product costs — not a general rule. Gel-X typically requires less filing and shaping time, which might make it faster and therefore equal or lower in time cost. But the product cost of Gel-X (the pre-formed extensions + gel adhesive system) may be different from your acrylic costs. Calculate from your own time and materials, not from what you've seen others charge.
Should I charge more for longer nails?
Yes — longer nails typically require more product, more time, and more shaping work. A common approach is a base price for a standard length and an upsell for extra length ("long length + £5–£10"). Some nail techs price by nail length band (short/medium/long/extra long). Either approach works — just make sure your long nail price covers your actual extra time and materials.
Why does BIAB sometimes cost more than gel polish at salons?
BIAB (builder gel) uses more product than a standard gel polish coat, takes more application time and skill to shape correctly, and produces a result that lasts significantly longer with better strength. The premium reflects product cost, skill requirement, and the enhanced result — not just the product name.
