Madison · Pricing · Updated July 2026
How much do nails cost in Madison?
Typical Madison ranges — downtown and Monroe Street carry a premium, with the west- and east-side strip-mall salons more moderate; steady student demand keeps gel and dip busy.
The 2026 price table
Typical ranges across the city — we refine these against published salon menus as our reviews continue. Downtown and Monroe Street carry a premium over west- and east-side strip-mall salons; the large student population keeps trend-driven gel and dip work in constant demand. Nail art adds $10–30+.
| Service | Typical Madison price | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Classic manicure | $24–34 | Polish brand, massage length |
| Gel manicure | $40–55 | Brand of gel, French/chrome add-ons |
| Russian (dry) manicure + gel | $72–104 | Tech's training, appointment length |
| Gel-X extensions (full set) | $55–85 | Length, shape, art |
| Acrylic full set | $43–72 | Length, sculpted vs. tips; fills run less |
| Builder gel / BIAB overlay | $40–59 | Overlay vs. short extension |
| Classic pedicure | $25–40 | Massage time, callus work |
| Spa / deluxe pedicure | $40–65 | Scrubs, masks, extended massage |
| Nail art | $5–25 per nail | Hand-painting time, 3D details |
| Gel removal (with service) | $5–15 | Often waived with a new set |
Cost-per-week: the honest way to compare
A $40 gel manicure that lasts about 12 days runs roughly $3 a week. A longer-wear Russian manicure or builder-gel overlay worn 4 weeks often costs less per week — with cleaner grow-out the whole time. Our Russian manicure guide explains why they last.
Tipping in Madison
18–20% is standard; cash is preferred by most technicians. Check whether gratuity is added for larger groups before tipping twice.
Ready to pick a salon? The researched Madison salon directory lists who's worth knowing, by neighborhood.