How Much Does a Shellac Manicure Cost in 2025?

Shellac manicures typically cost between A$40 and A$80 in Australia, with national averages ranging from about A$30 up to A$110 in higher-end or complex services. In Sydney’s inner suburbs and CBD, most salons sit in the A$50–A$85 bracket for a full Shellac manicure, with express options at the lower end and spa-style or nail art sets at the top.

From there, price moves up or down based on salon location, reputation, technician expertise, and how many extras are added (French tips, nail art, removal, treatments). This guide breaks that down so clients know whether a quote is a bargain, standard, or premium.

Why Is a Shellac Manicure More Expensive Than Regular Polish?

Shellac is a branded hybrid gel polish system created by CND (Creative Nail Design). It combines the thin, glossy look of classic nail polish with the durability and curing process of gel. Shellac is applied in thin layers and cured under UV or LED light, which locks in colour and shine for up to two to three weeks of wear with minimal chipping.

Shellac manicures usually cost more than a basic polish change because:

• The system uses professional-only products and precise application.
• Each layer is cured under a lamp, which takes more time and equipment.
• Removal is controlled and gentle, reducing the risk of nail damage.
• Clients are paying for longer wear, better gloss, and less chipping than standard polish.

Essentially, the price reflects both product technology and nail technician time.

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How Much Is a Shellac Manicure in Australia in 2025?

There is no single fixed price, but data from Australian salon menus and beauty platforms shows clear patterns.

Typical Shellac manicure price ranges in Australia (2025):

Express Shellac manicure (shape + Shellac colour)
→ A$40–A$60

Full Shellac manicure (cuticle work, shaping, Shellac, basic massage/oil)
→ A$55–A$85+ in metro areas like Sydney and Melbourne

Shellac pedicure
→ A$60–A$90 depending on soak, scrub, and massage time

Shellac mani–pedi combo
→ A$85–A$120+

Shellac removal only

 → A$10–A$25 (often cheaper when reapplying Shellac in the same visit)

Add-ons:

• French tips: +A$10–A$15
• Simple nail art: from A$5 per nail
• Complex or hand-painted designs: full set surcharge

Prices at large shopping-centre salons may sit closer to the lower range, while boutique or Japanese/Korean-style nail bars offering detailed nail art and specialist gel systems often charge at the higher end.

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How Does Shellac Manicure Pricing in Sydney Compare to Other Cities?

Sydney sits toward the upper-middle of the Australian price spectrum. Data from salon menus and cost guides indicates that:

Sydney CBD / inner city

• Express Shellac manicures: ~A$45–A$60
• Full Shellac manicures: often A$60–A$85+ at boutique salons

Greater Sydney suburbs

• More variation, with some salons advertising Shellac manicures in the A$40–A$70 range.

Other Australian cities (Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart)

• Similar brackets, but rents and salon positioning can pull prices slightly lower.
• Compared with many US salons, where a Shellac manicure commonly sits around US$30–US$60 (~A$45–A$90), Sydney’s pricing is competitive given labour costs, rent and Australian wage standards.

For clients in Sydney, it is normal to see a modest premium for well-reviewed salons in convenient locations with high hygiene standards and advanced nail art options.

How Do Shellac, Gel, and Acrylic Prices Compare?

Shellac often gets grouped with “gel nails” even though the products and services differ. Understanding the relative price helps clients judge value:

Shellac (hybrid gel polish)

• Usually priced below or similar to many soft-gel polish systems, especially when applied on natural nails.
• National averages suggest A$30–A$110, depending on whether it is a simple Shellac polish or part of a more complex service.

Soft/Hard Gel on natural nails or extensions

• Often more expensive than basic Shellac because of extra sculpting, building, or extension work.
• Detailed Korean/Japanese gel sets can exceed A$75+ for a manicure alone due to intricate design and premium products. 

Acrylic nails

• Priced similarly or slightly higher than Shellac art sets, depending on full sets vs infills and added Shellac or gel colour.

Shellac is therefore the middle ground: more investment than basic polish, but usually more cost-effective than fully sculpted gel or acrylic extensions when focusing solely on colour and wear time.

What Are Clients Actually Paying for in a Shellac Manicure?

The advertised price covers much more than the bottle of polish. A Shellac manicure typically includes:

• Professional consultation
  Shade selection, nail length preference, shape choice and any concerns about nail health.
• Nail prep and hygiene
  Sanitising tools, prepping the nail plate, gentle cuticle care and shaping - crucial for retention.
• Layered application
  Base coat, two or more colour coats, and top coat, each cured under UV/LED light.
• Time and expertise
  A-quality Shellac manicure usually takes 45–60 minutes depending on nail condition and any removal.
• Product and equipment costs
  Lamps, branded Shellac polishes, disinfectants, files, buffers and single-use implements.
• Salon overheads
  Rent, wages, licencing, training, insurance, and compliance with Australian hygiene standards.

Premium salons also build in time for mini hand massages, cuticle oil application and aftercare advice, which explains why their prices differ from ultra-fast, low-cost providers.

What Factors Influence the Price of a Shellac Manicure?

Across Sydney and other cities, Shellac pricing tends to shift based on a core set of variables:

1. Location and Rent

Salons in high-traffic shopping centres, CBD towers or trendy inner suburbs need to cover higher rent and wages. That cost is reflected in a Shellac manicure being a few dollars more than in suburban or neighbourhood strip-mall salons.

2. Salon Positioning and Brand

Upscale or concept nail studios that focus on design-forward nails, curated aesthetics and premium products usually charge more. Their pricing reflects:

• Smaller appointment volumes, more time per client.
• Specialist training in precise cuticle work and structured overlays.
• Investment in niche or imported products (Japanese gels, Korean art supplies).

3. Experience of the Nail Technician

Senior nail artists with advanced skills in hand-painted art, structural work and nail health understandably charge higher rates than junior technicians. Many salons apply a tiered pricing model based on skill level and appointment demand.

4. Service Type and Duration

An express Shellac shape-and-paint naturally costs less than a full spa manicure with soak, exfoliation and massage. The more steps and treatments included, the higher the final cost.

5. Removal and Nail Condition

Shellac removal adds time and product cost. If nails are heavily layered, picked at or damaged, a technician may need extra time to protect the natural nail, which may increase the service price or be booked as a separate treatment.

6. Nail Art, French Tips and Special Finishes

Custom looks are where prices move most:

• French tips or ombré: usually a small fixed surcharge.
• Simple decals or dots: priced per nail.
• Hand-painted art, character designs or 3D elements: often priced as a full design set.

7. Timing (Peak vs Off-Peak)

Peak periods such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, wedding season and long weekends often book out quickly. Some salons maintain the same price year-round; others may adjust or reduce promotional offers during high-demand periods.

How Often Should You Budget for Shellac Manicures?

Most Shellac manicures last 14–21 days before regrowth is obvious and the gloss begins to soften.

Budgeting guidance:

• For someone wanting always-polished nails, a fortnightly or three-weekly appointment cycle is common.
• At A$55–A$80 per full Shellac manicure, that equates roughly to A$110–A$160 per month.
• Those treating Shellac as a special-occasion service (events, holidays, weddings) might only need a few appointments per year.

Shellac is most cost-effective when clients:

• Follow aftercare instructions (no picking or peeling).
• Use gloves for harsh cleaning chemicals
• Apply cuticle oil regularly to maintain flexibility and shine.
• How Do You Read a Salon Price List and Avoid Surprise Fees?

Many price lists can seem confusing at first glance. A few checks help avoid bill shock:

1. Differentiate “Shellac Hands” vs “Shellac Manicure”
   “Hands” or “colour only” usually means shape + colour, while “manicure” may include cuticle work, exfoliation, or massage.
2. Look for “from” pricing
   When a Shellac manicure is listed as “from A$XX”, expect adjustments for art, extra time, or longer nails.
3. Check removal terms
   Some salons include removal when Shellac is reapplied; others charge extra for outside work or complex layers.
4. Confirm add-ons
   Ask whether French tips, chrome, contouring, or art are included or priced per nail.
5. Clarify infill vs fresh set
   Where overlays or extensions are involved, infills and colour refreshes may be priced separately.

Clear communication at booking time - including sending reference photos - helps the salon estimate an accurate price for the chosen look.

When Is a Higher Shellac Manicure Price Actually Worth It?

A low price is not always a saving if it results in chipping, lifting, or damaged nails. Paying a little more can be worth it when a salon offers:

• Thorough, gentle cuticle work that keeps manicures looking neat for longer.
• High-end Shellac or hybrid gels with strong pigment and minimal shrinkage.
• Proven hygiene standards, disposable tools where appropriate, and proper sterilisation.
• Technical skill in structuring the nail to avoid breakage.
• Custom art and personalisation that would be difficult to achieve at home.

For clients with weak, thin or previously damaged nails, choosing a reputable Sydney salon with a strong track record in nail health may justify a higher Shellac price, especially when combined with strengthening bases or structured manicures.

How Can You Get the Best Value from a Shellac Manicure in Sydney?

A few smart habits stretch every dollar:

• Book refills before heavy chipping
  Topping up at the three-week mark protects the nail and can be more cost-effective than emergency fixes.
• Choose classic, wearable colours
  Neutral or timeless shades suit more outfits and occasions, reducing the urge for frequent colour changes.
• Leverage off-peak times or packages
  Some salons offer better value for mani–pedi combos, midweek bookings or returning clients.
• Maintain nails between appointments
  Cuticle oil, gloves for cleaning, and avoiding nails as “tools” extend Shellac life.
• Follow the salon’s removal advice
  Home picking or prying shortens the time between appointments and may lead to extra repair or treatment costs.

In a city like Sydney, where many salons compete on quality and creativity, the best value Shellac manicure is rarely the absolute cheapest - it is the service that lasts, looks polished, and keeps nails healthy between visits.

What Are the Most Common Questions About Shellac Manicure Costs?

Before booking, many clients raise similar questions about what is “normal” or “fair” when it comes to Shellac pricing. The following FAQs cover the most common concerns.

Is Shellac more expensive than a regular manicure?

Yes. A Shellac manicure typically costs more than a standard polish manicure, but the price difference reflects clear, measurable benefits. Regular manicures use traditional air-dry polish, which usually begins chipping within a few days, especially on hands frequently exposed to keyboards, cleaning products or hot water.

Shellac, by contrast, is cured under UV or LED light and forms a tougher, more flexible film over the nail. This gives around two to three weeks of high-gloss wear with minimal chipping when properly applied and cared for. When the longer wear time is considered, the higher upfront cost often works out cheaper per day of use than constantly redoing regular polish at home or in-salon.

How much should a Shellac manicure cost in Sydney?

In Sydney, a fair price for a Shellac manicure usually sits between A$50 and A$80, with express services closer to the lower end and spa-style manicures or advanced nail art towards the higher end. Salons in the CBD and premium shopping precincts tend to charge more than neighbourhood salons because of higher rent and wages.

However, a higher price should also correspond with strong hygiene practices, neat cuticle work, consistent shaping and reliable retention. If a Shellac manicure is significantly cheaper than these averages, it is worth asking how long the service typically lasts, what products are used and whether removal or art is included. Clients in Sydney can expect a slightly higher rate than some international markets, but also benefit from Australian beauty regulations and professional standards.

Why do some salons charge so differently for Shellac manicures?

Price differences usually come down to salon positioning, training, and the time allocated per client. Budget salons often focus on speed and high volume, scheduling short appointment slots and keeping services minimal. Boutique studios are more likely to invest in extensive technician training, imported gels, detailed cuticle work and fully customised art.

These salons may schedule longer appointments, which automatically increases labour cost per service. Additionally, overheads such as rent and fit-out quality influence pricing, especially in central Sydney. Some salons also specialise in advanced Japanese or Korean gel techniques or structured manicures, which require high skill and meticulous application.The end result is a wide price spectrum, where the higher rate often reflects additional quality and time rather than arbitrary markups.

Does a Shellac manicure price usually include removal?

Not always. Pricing policies vary significantly between salons. Some include free removal when Shellac is reapplied in the same appointment, especially if the original set was done in the same salon. Others apply a small surcharge for removal to cover time, acetone, wraps and aftercare products.

Standalone removal - when the client wants Shellac taken off without a new application - is usually listed as a separate menu item, often in the A$10–A$25 range depending on location and nail condition. To avoid surprise charges, clients should check the menu for “removal only” or “soak-off” prices and clarify at booking whether the quoted Shellac manicure price includes removal of existing product from another salon.

Is a premium Shellac manicure worth it for special occasions?

For weddings, graduations, holidays or professional events, a premium Shellac manicure can be a smart investment. Higher-end salons often allow extra time to refine shape, address nail health issues, and tailor colour or art to the event styling. The extended wear of Shellac - typically up to two to three weeks - means nails stay polished through multiple celebrations, travel days or photo sessions without needing emergency touch-ups.

Premium services also usually include finer details like precise French lines, custom blending, hand-painted floral art or chrome finishes that can elevate overall appearance. When weighed against the cost of redoing chipped regular polish or fixing last-minute mishaps, a well-executed Shellac manicure from a reputable Sydney salon frequently offers strong value for major milestones.

Choosing the right salon matters as much as choosing the right colour. At J.Aesthetic, each Shellac manicure is performed with meticulous prep work, premium CND formulas, and strict hygiene protocols to ensure long-lasting wear without compromising nail health. Clients visit not just for glossy, chip-resistant finishes but for the level of care, gentle technique, and design precision that has become J.Aesthetic’s signature. For anyone comparing Shellac prices across Sydney, the value lies in consistent quality - and that’s exactly what J.Aesthetic delivers with every appointment.