How to Price Nail Services: A Nail Tech Guide to Charging Your Worth

Sep 11 / TGB Academy
Pricing your nail services doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide breaks down what to consider and introduces the TGB Pricing Calculator — the tool that helps nail techs charge confidently and profitably.

Pricing Your Nail Services: A Nail Tech’s Guide to Charging Your Worth

Let’s be real, pricing your nail services can feel like one of the trickiest parts of running your business. You want to be competitive, fair and professional, but you also need to make sure you’re covering costs and actually making a profit (you deserve more than just ‘breaking even’ for your time and talent). 

The good news? Pricing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to break it down, plus a handy tool that takes away all the guesswork. 

What to Think About When Setting Your Prices

1. Your Products

Using high-quality products from trusted brands (like TGB) can justify higher pricing. They last longer, perform better, and give your clients that ‘worth every penny’ finish. Don’t forget to work out how much product you’re using per service: BIAB™, gel polish, gel nail foils, nail files… it all adds up.

2. Your Overheads

Running a business isn’t just about nails, it’s about the hidden costs too. Whether you rent a chair, run your own salon, or work from home, you’ll have bills like rent, electricity and water that should be factored into your prices.

3. Your Time

Time is money, literally. Work out what you want to earn per hour, then check how long each service takes you. A full BIAB™ overlay shouldn’t be priced the same as a quick file and polish. Your pricing should reflect the labour and skill involved. 

4. Your Location

Every area has its ‘average’ prices. Research what local salons and techs are charging, then position yourself competitively while still reflecting the quality you offer.

Meet Your New Best Friend: The TGB Pricing Calculator

This clever tool has been designed to take the stress out of pricing. It crunches the numbers for you so you can focus on your clients, not spreadsheets. 

Here’s why it’s a game-changer: 
  • Everything’s Covered: From product usage to National Insurance and tax, it works it all out. 
  • Up to Date: Pre-loaded with TGB’s product prices (as of Oct 2024)  
  • Flexible: Update whenever your costs or working hours change. 
  • Confident Pricing: Know your numbers and explain your rates with clarity and confidence. 


How to use it:
  • Purchase the Course: Find it here  
  • Complete the Modules: Learn how to price like a pro.  
  • Download the Calculator: Available in Module 2.  
  • Fill in Your Details: Rent, bills, product usage — the lot. 
  • Check Your Numbers: See what you really need to charge per treatment to hit your goals. 
  • Keep It Updated: Adjust as your costs or hours change. 

Why It Matters

Pricing isn’t just about covering costs; it’s about building a sustainable business that values your time, skill and professionalism. Undercharging can lead to burnout and low profits, while overcharging without the right structure can deter clients. 

Our calculator takes away the guesswork, helps you price with confidence and ensures you’re not only covering your bills, but making the profit you deserve. 

The Power of Knowing Your Worth

Your clients come to you for gorgeous nails, but behind the scenes, you’re running a business. The way you price your services is just as important as the way you file, shape and paint. With the TGB Pricing Calculator, you can stop second-guessing yourself and finally charge your worth. 

Because at the end of the day, you’re not ‘just a nail tech, you’re a business owner, an artist and a professional who deserves to be paid properly. We’re here to support you throughout your career, not just with pricing, but with your wellbeing too. 

Feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? Check out our guide to mental health and wellbeing for nail techs — packed with tips, tools and real talk to help you stay balanced, motivated and supported in your journey.