The standard tip for a nail technician is generally between 15% and 20% of the total service cost. For example, if your manicure costs $40, a tip of $6 to $8 is appropriate
. For special or more complex services like nail art, gel, acrylic nails, or paraffin treatments, it’s customary to add an extra 5-10% to show appreciation for the additional skill and time required
. In upscale salons, tipping 20-25% is common to acknowledge the premium experience
. If your service is less expensive, some people leave a flat tip of around $5, while for higher-priced services, tipping can be proportionally higher
. Many nail techs prefer cash tips because they receive it immediately rather than waiting for payroll
. In summary:
- Basic services: 15-20% of the bill
- Specialty services (nail art, gel, acrylic): 20-30% (including extra 5-10%)
- Upscale salons: 20-25%
- Cash tips preferred
Adjust your tip based on your satisfaction and budget, but 15-20% is widely accepted as the standard guideline
