Sydney Shellac Manicure Price Guide 2025

Shellac has become one of Sydney’s most in-demand nail services thanks to its long-lasting shine, fast curing, and salon-perfect finish. But with prices varying across suburbs, service levels, and techniques, many clients still search for a clear breakdown of what a Shellac manicure should actually cost in 2025. This guide outlines the real price ranges in Sydney, the factors that influence cost, and what to expect from different salon tiers so clients can compare value confidently.

In Sydney’s lower North Shore, J.Aesthetic is known for delivering Shellac manicures with meticulous prep, premium CND™ Shellac colours, and hygiene standards that prioritise nail health. The salon’s transparent pricing structure also makes it easy for clients to understand exactly what they’re paying for-whether they prefer a quick express service or a full spa-style Shellac experience.

What Is the Typical Cost of a Shellac Manicure?

For anyone comparing options quickly, these are the typical Shellac manicure price brackets in Australia in 2025:

• Express Shellac manicure (shape + Shellac colour only):
  → A$35-A$55 in most suburban or mall-style salons.
• 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 inclusions.
• Shellac mani-pedi packages:
  → Commonly A$80-A$120 for combined hands and feet services.

For context, many US salons list Shellac manicures at roughly US$30-US$60, sitting in a similar global mid-range position once currency and local wages are considered.

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What Are the Typical Shellac Manicure Price Ranges in Australia?

Before comparing specific services, it helps to understand how salons generally structure Shellac pricing across Australia. Most price differences come from service depth, technician skill, salon location, and whether the treatment includes full manicure steps or just colour application.

Shellac polish on hands only - A$30-A$45

• File + shape
• Shellac colour application
• Quick finish

Shellac manicure (full service) - A$45-A$75

• Nail prep
• Cuticle tidy
• Shaping
• Shellac colour
• Oil or short massage

Luxury / Spa Shellac manicure - A$70-A$110

• Extended hand massage
• Exfoliation
• Masks or paraffin treatment
• Premium lotions & products

Shellac pedicure - A$55-A$90

• Warm soak
• Exfoliation
• Cuticle work
• Shellac applied on toes

Shellac mani + pedi bundle - A$85-A$120+

• Combined Shellac manicure and pedicure
• More cost-effective than booking separately

Shellac removal only - A$5-A$25

• Gentle soak-off
• Nail conditioning
• No aggressive filing

Pricing context (summary insight):

• Budget-friendly salons (shopping centres/kiosks): Shellac hands A$30-A$35
• Boutique or technique-focused salons (Russian manicure + premium brands like CND™ Shellac): A$60-A$90 for a full experience

What actually drives Shellac manicure price?

Shellac manicure price is not random. It reflects a mix of labour, product quality, salon overheads and service design.

Key factors include:

1. Location and salon type

• Inner-city and premium suburbs pay higher rent and staff wages, so Shellac manicures naturally sit toward the A$60-A$80 bracket in areas like Sydney CBD and high-street shopping strips.
• Suburban, kiosk and mall salons can stay closer to A$35-A$50 because they often focus on speed and volume.

2. Service inclusions

A Shellac manicure that includes:

• detailed nail consultation
• thorough cuticle work
• nail reshaping and buffing
• exfoliation, mask or paraffin
• hand massage and high-end finishing products

will always cost more than a simple “file + Shellac colour” service. Long treatment times and extra steps increase both product consumption and technician time, which visibly shows in premium and spa-level pricing.

3. Technician skill and technique

Advanced techniques such as Russian manicure, structured base application, and precise cuticle detailing demand additional training and slower, more controlled work. Salons that specialise in this detail-driven approach therefore position Shellac pricing at the higher end, reflecting both expertise and time investment.

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4. Product brand and durability

Not all “gel polishes” are equal. CND™ Shellac and other premium hybrid systems are formulated to provide:

• controlled wear of 10-14 days with proper prep
• consistent shine and colour payoff
• tested removal systems that protect the natural nail.

Salons that invest in these professional brands, plus high-quality lamps and sterilisation, often charge moderately more than venues using generic products.

5. Length, shape and design complexity

As nail length and shape get more intricate (almond, stiletto, long square), the time required for perfect Shellac application increases. Add-ons such as French tips, gradients, chrome, foils or detailed nail art typically attract a per-nail surcharge or a tiered “simple / medium / complex” design fee.

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6. Removal policy

Some salons build Shellac removal into the manicure price, especially for returning clients, while others list removal as A$5-A$25 depending on whether the original product was applied in-house. Transparent removal pricing is essential because rushed or aggressive removal is one of the main reasons clients experience nail damage and dissatisfaction.

How Does Shellac Pricing Stack Up Against Gel, BIAB and SNS?

Clients rarely look at Shellac manicure price in isolation. The real question is often, “Is Shellac better value than gel, BIAB or SNS?”

Based on Australian and international salon menus:

Regular polish manicures

• Usually the cheapest (often A$25-A$40).
• Shorter wear (3-7 days), more prone to chips.

Shellac / gel polish manicures

• Sit in the mid-range (A$40-A$80).
• Hybrid Shellac systems offer fast curing, high gloss, and around 10-14 days of wear.

BIAB / builder gel overlays

• Often A$70-A$110+ for full sets or infills, reflecting longer appointment times and strengthening benefits.

SNS / dip powder

• Commonly A$60-A$100, appealing to clients who want strength and thickness similar to acrylic, with a different application process.

Shellac often sits in the sweet spot: more durable and glossy than regular polish, less expensive and less intense than a full BIAB or acrylic system. For clients who prioritise natural-looking nails, medium wear time and quick appointments, Shellac price typically delivers strong value.

How Can You Read a Salon Price List to Understand Shellac Pricing?

Salon menus can be confusing when Shellac, gel polish and “manicure” are all listed in different ways. A few patterns appear across Australian price lists:

“Shellac Hands” / “Gel Polish (Shellac) - Hands”

• Usually refers to Shellac colour on its own with basic shaping.

“Shellac Manicure”

• Adds cuticle work and more detailed hand care on top of Shellac colour.

“Add Shellac to Manicure”

• Shows the surcharge to upgrade a classic manicure to a Shellac finish.

“Shellac Mani + Pedi” / “Shellac Package”

• Combines hands and feet at a lower total than booking separately.

When comparing Shellac manicure price, it helps to check:

1. What exactly is included?
   Are cuticles, exfoliation or massage part of the service, or is it a quick polish change?
2. Is removal separate?
   Some menus show Shellac removal as “complimentary with new application”; others charge a dedicated removal fee.
3. Are designs and French tips extra?
   Many menus list French tips or nail art as per-nail add-ons.
4. How long is the appointment?
   A 25-minute express Shellac will naturally cost less than a 70-minute luxury manicure with Shellac finish.

Understanding these details allows clients to compare value, not just headline price.

Is a higher Shellac manicure price worth it?

A premium Shellac price usually reflects a different experience, not just a higher bill. Clients often report that paying a little more results in:

• Longer wear time: 10-14 days of chip-resistant shine when nails are prepped correctly.
• Healthier nails: professional removal avoids scraping and heavy filing that can thin the nail plate.
• Better shaping and cuticle work: more flattering nail proportions and smoother regrowth.
• Safer hygiene: proper sterilisation, disposable tools where needed, and high-quality products.

On social platforms like Reddit and Facebook, clients regularly share that they are comfortable paying mid-to-high prices for Shellac when the service feels meticulous and the results last, but they become price-sensitive when manicures chip within a few days or removal leaves nails damaged.

In other words, Shellac manicure price feels fair when durability, design and care line up with expectations.

How Can You Budget and Save on Shellac Manicures Without Compromising Safety?

Clients who love Shellac but want to stay within a budget can still make smart decisions:

Alternate Shellac and regular polish

• For weeks with fewer events, a classic polish manicure can reduce overall spend while Shellac is saved for busy periods or special occasions.

Opt for simple designs more often

• Full-hand detailed nail art is stunning but can push Shellac price toward the top end. Choosing solid colours or minimalist designs keeps appointments quicker and more affordable.

Use bundled mani-pedi packages

• Combined Shellac packages often cost less than separate bookings, especially in suburban Sydney salons.

Look for mid-week or off-peak promotions

• Many salons promote discounted Shellac services during quieter days or times, particularly for new clients.

Avoid risky DIY removal

• Soaking and scraping Shellac incorrectly at home can cause nail damage that costs more to fix later. Professional removal is usually a small add-on relative to the overall price and protects long-term nail health.

The most important savings strategy is simple: never trade basic hygiene and nail health for a bargain-basement Shellac price.

How Much Does a Shellac Manicure Cost at J.Aesthetic in Gladesville?

J.Aesthetic, located at 267 Victoria Road, Gladesville, NSW 2111, positions Shellac services within the typical Sydney mid-range while focusing heavily on prep quality, hygiene and longevity.

Key points about Shellac manicures at J.Aesthetic:

• Professional brands only - Services use CND™ Shellac and high-performance prep and removal systems designed to minimise nail damage.
• Detail-driven prep - Nail cleaning, shaping, and cuticle work are treated as non-negotiable steps, not optional extras, which directly supports better wear time.
• Tailored to nail condition - Technicians adjust technique for clients with weak or sensitive nails and can combine Shellac with BIAB overlays if extra strength is needed.
• Transparent pricing - Shellac manicure price is clearly listed and aligned with Sydney’s A$50-A$80 Shellac range, depending on inclusions such as spa add-ons or nail art.
• Integrated service menu - Clients can pair Shellac manicures with pedicures, BIAB infills, GEL X extensions or custom nail art for a cohesive look in a single visit.

For clients specifically searching “shellac manicure price near me” in the Gladesville and Hunters Hill area, J.Aesthetic provides a balance of specialist nail care, modern designs and clear pricing rather than rushed, volume-driven services.

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What Are the Most Common FAQs About Shellac Manicure Price?

Before booking, clients often ask a cluster of price-related questions. The answers below provide practical context for planning budget and expectations.

How much does a Shellac manicure usually cost in Sydney?

In Sydney, Shellac manicure price typically falls between A$45 and A$75 for most salons, with express file-and-polish options starting around A$35-A$45 in suburban or mall-based venues. Premium boutiques in inner-city locations, particularly those offering spa-style manicures or advanced techniques, can charge up to A$85-A$110 for Shellac when extended massage, masks or complex nail art are included.

When comparing prices, it is essential to note what is included: thorough cuticle care, custom shaping, and professional removal policies all influence total spend. A mid-range Shellac manicure that lasts close to two weeks, looks smooth from cuticle to tip, and is removed gently at the next visit generally represents better value than a cheaper service that chips quickly or leaves nails damaged.

Why is a Shellac manicure more expensive than regular nail polish?

Shellac manicure price is higher than classic polish for structural reasons. Hybrid Shellac formulas require UV/LED curing, multiple precise layers and specialised removal systems, which means more expensive products, equipment and training. Technicians also spend additional time preparing the nail plate, sealing edges and perfecting each coat to ensure the finish remains chip-resistant for 10-14 days, rather than the 3-7 days typical of regular polish.

Salons need to invest in professional-grade lamps, sterilisation protocols and premium brands such as CND™ Shellac, all of which are reflected in the service price. For many clients, paying more upfront feels reasonable when balanced against fewer touch-ups, less smudging and a consistently glossy result throughout the wear period.

How long does a Shellac manicure last - and does that justify the price?

A well-applied Shellac manicure usually lasts around 10-14 days without obvious chipping, and many clients experience even longer wear when nails are not exposed to harsh chemicals or constant picking.Spread across two weeks, a mid-range Shellac manicure often works out to only a few dollars per day of perfect nails, which feels like fair value compared with re-painting regular polish every couple of days.

The longevity becomes particularly compelling for busy professionals, frequent social events, holidays or weddings, where there is little time for constant touch-ups. When combined with professional removal that preserves nail health, Shellac’s per-day cost can be lower than regular polish, even though the upfront price is higher.

How much should Shellac removal cost, and is it ever free?

Shellac removal pricing varies, but most salons list it between A$5 and A$25, depending on whether the original Shellac was applied in-house and whether a new application follows. Many venues offer complimentary or reduced-cost removal if clients are returning for another Shellac manicure, while charging full removal price for walk-ins wearing product from another salon.

The key is time and technique. Safe removal involves soaking in the correct remover, using wraps or foils, and gently lifting product without scraping the natural nail plate. This process consumes product and technician time, so a small fee is reasonable. Choosing salons that prioritise careful removal is often more cost-effective long-term than opting for cheaper services that compromise nail health.

Is Shellac manicure price worth it compared with BIAB or acrylics?

Shellac, BIAB and acrylics serve different needs, so price comparison depends on goals. Shellac suits clients who want natural-looking nails with medium-term wear and easy colour changes. BIAB and builder gels, by contrast, are semi-permanent strengthening systems that can be infilled, often costing more upfront but stretching appointments further apart.

Acrylic sets and BIAB overlays can easily sit in the A$80-A$140 range with infills every three to four weeks, while Shellac manicures usually sit at A$40-A$80 with two-week wear. For clients who simply want polished, tidy hands without heavy structure, Shellac often delivers the best balance between price, comfort and removal. For those needing length, strength or corrective structure, paying more for BIAB or acrylics can be justified.

Shellac manicure price in 2025 reflects more than just colour on the nails. It bundles together expertise, product science, hygiene standards and the comfort of knowing hands will stay glossy and chip-resistant for days on end. For Sydney clients, especially around Gladesville and the lower North Shore, choosing a salon like J.Aesthetic means paying within the city’s typical Shellac range while gaining the reassurance of careful prep, premium CND™ formulas and design-focused results that match the investment.