Mobile Nail Technician Prices in the UK
A guide to what a mobile nail technician typically charges in the UK for manicures, gel polish, acrylics and nail art, and what changes the price.
Nail prices can look confusing because every technician names and bundles services differently. The good news is that, once you know the building blocks, a quote is easy to interpret.
Typical price ranges
Prices vary by region, technician experience and the complexity of the design. London and the South East are generally higher. As a rough guide, you may typically see:
- Basic manicure (shape, cuticle care, polish): around £20 to £35
- Gel polish manicure: around £25 to £45
- Gel removal and reapplication: often £5 to £15 on top for soak-off work
- Builder gel or gel overlay: around £35 to £55
- Acrylic full set: around £40 to £70
- Infills (maintenance of acrylic or builder gel): around £25 to £45
- Nail art: usually charged per nail or per design, often a few pounds per nail upward
If you are unsure which system you want, our guide to gel nails, acrylics and builder gel explains the differences.
What affects what you pay
The service type
Natural nail manicures are quicker than extensions. Sculpting nails with a product takes more skill and time, so it costs more.
Removal
Removing old gel or acrylic safely takes time. Some technicians include removal if they did the original set, and charge extra for work done elsewhere. Always say if you have existing product on your nails.
Length and shape
Extra-long or complex shapes such as stiletto or coffin need more product and time than a short, natural shape.
Design
Plain colour is the baseline. French tips, chrome powders, hand-painted designs and decorations add time. A technician will often quote for the design based on a reference photo, so send one.
Travel and minimums
As with other mobile treatments, there may be travel included, a call-out charge or a minimum spend. It is worth asking, especially if you want a single quick appointment.
How to get an accurate quote
- Say whether you have natural nails, existing gel, acrylics or tips
- Give your preferred length and shape
- Share a clear photo of the design you want
- Tell the technician about any nail or skin conditions, or allergies you know about
This last point is important. Reactions to nail products are possible, and a responsible technician will ask about your history and may recommend a patch test. See skin sensitivity and allergies before beauty treatments.
Planning the total cost
A set of extensions is not a one-off cost. Plan for:
- The initial set
- Maintenance every few weeks
- Removal when you want a break or a change
Looked at over several months, the upkeep can matter more than the first appointment. Ask your technician how often they suggest returning for your chosen system.
Booking through Compito
You can search by postcode, look at ID-verified nail technicians, send a request with your photos and preferences, and receive an offer you can accept and pay for online. Messaging helps you confirm what is included, and reviews from completed bookings show other customers' experiences. Our how it works page explains the steps.
A worked example
Suppose you want a gel manicure and a pedicure at home. A rough illustration might be £30 to £45 for the gel manicure and £35 to £55 for a pedicure, plus any travel charge. That would bring a combined visit to somewhere around £65 to £100. Extensions are higher: a full set of builder gel or acrylic might be £45 to £80, with infills every few weeks at £30 to £50. Prices vary by region and technician. London and the South East are usually higher.
Typical ranges
| Service | Rough range |
|---|---|
| Classic manicure | £20 to £35 |
| Gel polish manicure | £28 to £45 |
| Pedicure | £30 to £55 |
| Gel removal | £8 to £20 |
| Extensions, full set | £45 to £80 |
| Infills | £30 to £50 |
| Nail art | £2 to £5 per nail, or a flat add-on |
These are illustrative only and not quotes.
What to check on the offer
- Does the price include removal of previous product?
- Is nail art or a shape change extra?
- Is there a travel charge?
- What does a repair cost if a nail breaks?
Budgeting for upkeep
A full set is not a one-off cost. Infills every three to four weeks, plus removal at the end, mean you should budget for the entire cycle. Gel polish alone is cheaper but needs more frequent changes if you like variety. Compare systems in gel nails vs acrylics vs builder gel.
Value tips
- Avoid skipping infills, which often leads to a more expensive repair.
- Ask about a simpler design if you want to save.
- Book regular appointments so your technician can plan travel.
When to pause
If your nails feel sore, thin or look discoloured, speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than covering them up.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to go to a salon for nails?
Salon prices can be similar or lower for basic services, particularly with walk-in or student offers. A mobile technician offers convenience and personal attention. Compare a full quote including travel before deciding.
Do I have to pay for removal separately?
It depends on the technician. Many charge a modest fee for removing product, especially if it was applied elsewhere. Ask upfront so it is clear in the offer.
Why are nail art prices so different?
Detailed hand-painted designs, chrome finishes and embellishments take time and skill. Technicians price accordingly, so sending a photo helps you get a fair estimate.