How to Create a Nail Service Menu

A nail service menu is more than a price list — it's what clients use to decide whether to book. Here's how to structure, name, and present a menu that works.

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Nelsy Editorial

Nail Tech Business Guide

What a service menu includes

A service menu is the complete list of services you offer, with pricing and enough detail for a client to choose what they want and book confidently. It answers: what can I get, how long will it take, and what will it cost?

A well-built menu reduces booking friction (clients know what to book before they arrive), reduces DM time (clients can answer their own questions), and helps clients self-select — those who are aligned with your pricing book; those who aren\'t, don\'t contact you expecting different prices.

How to structure your menu

Group services logically so clients can find what they're looking for without reading everything:

CategoryWhat belongs here
Gel ManicuresGel polish over natural nails, BIAB/structured overlay, cuticle treatments
ExtensionsGel-X, acrylic, hard gel, any add-length service
Infills / MaintenanceInfill services for existing clients
Nail ArtIf offered as a standalone service, or detailed as an add-on here
Add-onsChrome, nail art upgrade, cuticle treatment, strengthening treatment
RemovalGel removal, acrylic removal, extension removal

Naming services clearly

Service names should describe what the client receives, not the product you use to deliver it:

Product-focused nameClient-focused name
"BIAB""Structured Gel Overlay" or "Builder Gel Manicure"
"Aprés Gel-X""Soft Gel Extension Tips"
"Acrylic L&P""Acrylic Extensions"
"PolyGel""Flex Gel Extensions" or "Structured Extension"

It\'s fine to include the product name in parentheses or as a note for clients who know what they\'re looking for: "Structured Gel Overlay (BIAB) — £45." But the primary name should be descriptive.

What information to include per service

ElementWhy include it
Service nameWhat the client searches for
Brief description (1 line)What's included — "includes cuticle care and shape"
DurationClients plan their day around the appointment
PriceFilters enquiries; prevents price surprises
"From £X" vs fixed price"From" gives flexibility for variable services (nail art, long extensions); fixed price is cleaner for standard services

Add-ons and upgrades

Add-ons are small upgrades clients choose at booking or at the appointment. They improve your average appointment value without requiring a separate booking slot:

Add-onTypical price
Chrome / mirror effect£8–£15
Nail art (per nail)£2–£5
Nail art (accent nails)£8–£15
Cuticle treatment / oil£5–£10
Nail strengthening treatment£5–£10
Glitter overlay£5–£10

For detailed add-on pricing strategy: how to price nail art add-ons.

Where to publish your menu

✓ Service menu placement checklist

  • ✓Booking page — the primary location; visible before booking is completed
  • ✓Instagram Highlights — a "Prices" or "Menu" Highlight
  • ✓Instagram bio link — link directly to the booking page with your menu
  • ✓In the FAQ section of your booking page (for common questions like "does X include removal?")
  • ✓In your booking confirmation message (summarised)

For pricing examples: nail tech price list examples.

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Frequently asked questions

How many services should a nail tech offer?

Fewer is usually better, especially early on. A menu with 5–8 core services is easier for clients to navigate and easier for you to manage. Too many options creates decision fatigue and makes it harder to become known for specific work. Add services as your skills and demand grow — not upfront.

Should I include removal in my service menu?

Yes, as a standalone option and as a consideration within other services. Clients often come in needing their existing nails removed before a new set — knowing the price and whether removal is included in their service is important for setting expectations. Many nail techs include removal in the full set price; others charge separately for removal of a different tech's work.

Do I need a separate service for infills vs full sets?

Yes — infills take less time and product and are priced lower. Having them as a separate service with clear conditions ("for existing clients returning within X weeks") sets the rebooking expectation correctly. Clients should understand that infills are for their existing nails, not a cheaper first set.