How Much Are French Tip Nails? Typical Prices + What Changes the Cost

French tip nail pricing varies a lot by city, salon level, and what you’re actually getting (natural nails vs extensions, gel vs acrylic, simple vs detailed). Instead of giving one number, the most helpful approach is to understand what moves the price up or down and how to estimate your total before you sit down.

The biggest price drivers

These factors usually change the price the most:

Product type: regular polish, gel, acrylic, or gel extensions
Length and shape: longer and more sculpted shapes cost more
Design complexity: micro tips are simpler; chrome/glitter/designs add cost
Removal: soaking off old sets or hard gel removal can add a fee
Salon + location: pricing differs dramatically by region and demand

A simple way to estimate your French tip total

Think of your total as:

Base service + French tip add-on + design add-ons + removal

Common add-ons include:

French tip upgrade (if not included)
Shape upgrade (almond/coffin) or length upgrade
Chrome or glitter finish
Nail art accents (hearts, stars, lines)

If you want a “clean, classic” baseline, see white French tips. If you want a trend finish, see chrome French tips or glitter French tips.

Gel vs acrylic: how the choice changes price

Gel French tips are often priced as:

gel manicure base
plus French tip add-on

They’re popular because they’re glossy and last about 2–3 weeks on natural nails. See French tip gel nails.

Acrylic French tips (especially with extensions) are often priced as:

full set base (or fill)
plus French design
plus length/shape tier

They’re popular for durable length and shapes like coffin. See French tip acrylic nails.

What design choices cost more

These options commonly add time (and cost):

Long length and sculpted shapes like coffin
Very crisp lines and hand-painted smile lines (vs stamps or guides)
Multiple colors or “mix-and-match” tips
Finish effects like chrome or heavy glitter
Detailed designs (see French tips with design)

If you want the trend look but want to keep cost reasonable, ask for micro tips and a single effect (like a chrome glaze) instead of complex art.

How to ask for a price quote (without confusion)

When you call or book, tell them:

“Gel manicure” or “acrylic full set” (or “fill”)
Your preferred shape and approximate length
“French tips” and whether they’re white or colored
Any add-ons (chrome/glitter/one accent nail)
Whether you need removal

Example: “Gel manicure with micro French tips, short almond, no removal.”

How to keep your French tips looking worth it

Even the best French set can look less “clean” if:

Tips are too thick for your nail length
The base tone clashes with your skin tone
The smile line isn’t symmetrical

Choose a category look you like (white, nude, black, pink) and bring a reference photo. For short nails, micro tips are usually the most flattering (see short French tips).

Next step

If you’re price-shopping, decide whether you want gel on natural nails or an extension set first—that choice will narrow pricing quickly. Then choose your target style from categories so you can communicate it clearly.