How much to tip for a manicure or pedicure (2025)

FAQs

How much to tip for a manicure or pedicure? ›

Between 15-20% is OK for the basics. For more complex or detailed services like nail art or a full set of acrylics, 20-25% is appropriate. Location: Tipping norms may vary depending on the location and local culture.

The amount you tip at the nail salon is ultimately up to you. However, the industry standard is 10% to 20%, experts say. For a $45 pedicure, that works out to a $4.50 to $9 tip.

In general, it's recommended to tip 15-20% of your total bill. This is pretty standard across most service industries. This means if you spent $40 on that shiny new gel manicure, you'd be looking at tipping between $6-$8.

How Much Should You Tip? Much like at restaurants and hair salons, the industry standard for tipping at the nail salon ranges around 15 to 20 percent, and it is generally recommended that if you've received extra services or specialty designs, a minimum of 20 percent is appreciated.

Basic manicure/pedicure:

The cost of a manicure or pedicure in the U.S. can range from $20 to $50, with the national average being $45. The typical tipping amount for a basic manicure or pedicure service is 17-18%. Of course, you are welcome to tip more, but the minimum recommended tip is at least $5.

"Don't get me wrong — you don't have to tip if you aren't satisfied with the service," Dantzler said. "But if you are happy about your nails and the nail technician did a good job, you should tip."

The standard tipping amount: How much to tip at a nail salon

Generally, the usual tipping amount for any service is 15-20% of the total cost, although 20% is more common.

When in doubt, tip 20%. This percentage is the average go-to when it comes to tipping, and you can't go wrong with 20%.

During your appointment, avoid talking on your phone unless it's an emergency. You and everyone else at the salon or spa are there to relax. It's also considered proper etiquette to tip your pedicurist – about 15-20% is considered appropriate.

20% is the standard, and unless there is an extenuating circumstance, you shoulnd't tip less than that. If you're just getting a basic polish, it's still nice (and frankly, expected) to tip. "Tipping around 20% or more is still a good practice to show appreciation for the service," even if it seems basic, Correa says.

How often should I get a pedicure? ›

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to wait 4 to 6 weeks between pedicures. This allows your nails to grow out and can help prevent any potential damage or infection that could occur from getting pedicures too frequently.

In the end, tipping is all about customer satisfaction, so a standard 15 to 20 percent per nail tech, per service, is a fair amount, assuming you were happy with your experience.

Delivery fees can be quite high, but that money usually doesn't go to the driver. Delivery giant Grubhub advises tipping $5 or 20 percent of your meal price — whichever is greater — if it's a simple delivery.

20% is the standard, and unless there is an extenuating circumstance, you shoulnd't tip less than that. If you're just getting a basic polish, it's still nice (and frankly, expected) to tip. "Tipping around 20% or more is still a good practice to show appreciation for the service," even if it seems basic, Correa says.

The general rule for how much to tip at a nail salon is 20% of the total bill. This is the one rule that Lee alluded to earlier. Gottsman agrees, adding, “20% is the base tip for a good service. If you got great service, tip 25% or more.”

The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15 percent, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20 percent.

As a rule of thumb, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is considered standard in the industry.