Pedicure Costs UK
Pedicures have evolved from a luxury treat to a regular grooming essential for many people in the UK, offering both aesthetic and health benefits for your feet. Whether you're preparing for sandal season, maintaining foot health, or simply enjoying some pampering time, understanding pedicure costs helps you budget for this popular beauty service. From basic nail trims to luxurious spa pedicures with massage and specialized treatments, the range of services and prices available across UK salons caters to every budget and preference.
Regular pedicures not only keep your feet looking beautiful but also help prevent issues like ingrown toenails, calluses, and fungal infections. With options ranging from quick express services to hour-long spa experiences, and from high street nail bars to exclusive salons, knowing what to expect price-wise ensures you get good value. Many people combine pedicures with manicures for package deals, while others opt for gel pedicures that last longer between appointments.
How Much Does a Pedicure Cost in the UK?
Pedicure costs in the UK vary based on service type, location, and salon quality. Here's a comprehensive price breakdown:
Basic Pedicure: £20 to £30 at most high street salons. This includes nail trim and shape, cuticle work, exfoliation, moisturizing, and regular polish. Takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Deluxe/Spa Pedicure: £35 to £50 including extended massage, callus removal, hot towel treatment, and mask application. Premium London salons charge £45 to £65 for deluxe services lasting 60-75 minutes.
Gel Pedicure: £30 to £45 for long-lasting gel polish that lasts 2-4 weeks without chipping. Gel removal adds £5 to £10 if done separately. Many salons offer gel as standard now, though some still charge a premium of £8-12 over regular polish.
Medical Pedicure: £40 to £80 performed by qualified podiatrists for people with foot health issues like diabetes, thick nails, or fungal infections. Available at specialist clinics and some pharmacies, these are more therapeutic than cosmetic.
Express Pedicure: £15 to £25 for a quick 20-30 minute service including just nail work and polish. Perfect for maintenance between full pedicures.
Mobile Pedicure: £35 to £60 for therapists who come to your home. The convenience premium is typically £10-15 more than salon prices, but you save travel time and can relax at home.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Pedicures in the UK
📍 Location and Salon Type
Central London salons charge £35-65 for standard pedicures, while the same service in northern England or Wales costs £20-30. High-end hotel spas and luxury salons charge £50-80, often double the price of high street nail bars. Asian-run nail salons typically offer the most competitive prices at £18-28 for quality service.
💅 Service Type and Duration
A basic 30-minute pedicure costs £20-30, while a luxurious 90-minute spa pedicure with extended massage, scrubs, and masks reaches £50-70. Additional treatments like paraffin wax (£5-10), callus peel (£5-8), or nail art (£2-5 per nail) increase the final bill.
🎨 Polish Type
Regular polish is included in base prices, gel polish adds £8-15, and specialized finishes like chrome or cat-eye add another £5-10. Shellac and other hybrid polishes fall between regular and gel at £5-10 extra. French tip designs typically add £3-8 regardless of polish type.
👣 Foot Condition
If you have significant calluses, very thick nails, or haven't had a pedicure in months, expect therapists to charge extra time or recommend a medical pedicure. Severe callus removal can add £5-15 to standard pricing. Regular maintenance every 4-6 weeks keeps costs at standard rates.
🎁 Packages and Memberships
Many salons offer manicure-pedicure packages saving £10-20 versus booking separately. A package costing £50 (versus £60-65 separately) provides good value. Membership schemes like "buy 5 get 1 free" or monthly subscriptions at £60-80 for unlimited services suit regular clients.
How to Save Money on Pedicures in the UK
🕐 Book Off-Peak Times
Weekday morning and early afternoon appointments often come with 10-20% discounts at quieter salons. A £30 pedicure becomes £24-27, saving £30-60 annually if you go monthly. Tuesday-Thursday are typically the quietest days with best availability and occasional promotions.
🎫 Use Deal Sites
Groupon, Wowcher, and Treatwell regularly feature pedicure deals at 30-50% off. Find deluxe pedicures for £18-25 instead of £40-50. Perfect for trying new salons, though read reviews first. Many new salons offer introductory discounts of £15-20 for first-time clients.
💰 Do Your Own Maintenance
Professional pedicures every 6-8 weeks (£120-240 annually) with DIY maintenance in between saves money. Buy a basic pedicure kit for £15-30 and maintain at home between professional treatments. This extends the time between salon visits while keeping feet looking good.
🤝 Book Packages
Manicure-pedicure combos save £10-20 per visit. If you're getting your nails done regularly anyway, combined services at £45-60 versus separate bookings at £55-75 add up to £120-180 saved annually on monthly visits.
👥 Group Bookings
Many salons offer group discounts for hen parties, birthdays, or spa days. Groups of 4+ often receive 10-15% off per person, reducing a £35 pedicure to £30. Mobile therapists sometimes waive travel fees for group bookings.
FAQs
How long does a pedicure last UK?
A pedicure with regular polish lasts 5-7 days before chipping, while gel pedicures last 2-4 weeks maintaining their shine and staying chip-free. The nail shaping, cuticle work, and foot care benefits last 4-6 weeks. Most people book pedicures every 4-6 weeks to maintain foot appearance and health, making monthly pedicures costing £20-45 a common routine.
Should I tip for a pedicure UK?
Tipping isn't mandatory in UK salons but is appreciated for good service. A tip of £3-5 on a £25-30 pedicure (10-15%) is standard. For exceptional service or luxury treatments costing £50+, £5-10 is appropriate. Many people round up the payment or leave loose change.
What's included in a pedicure UK?
A standard UK pedicure includes soaking feet in warm water, nail trimming and shaping, cuticle care, exfoliation or scrub, callus removal, foot massage (5-10 minutes), moisturizing, and polish application. Deluxe pedicures add extended massage, masks, hot towel wraps, and paraffin treatments. The therapist should use clean, sanitized tools and fresh foot bath for hygiene.
How much does a gel pedicure cost UK?
Gel pedicures cost £30 to £45 in the UK, approximately £8-15 more than regular polish pedicures. The premium is worth it for many people as gel lasts 2-4 weeks without chipping versus 5-7 days for regular polish. London salons charge £40-50, while smaller towns average £28-38. Gel removal adds £5-10 if done as a separate service.
Is it worth getting pedicures regularly?
Regular pedicures provide health benefits beyond aesthetics. Professional removal of calluses and proper nail care prevent painful conditions like ingrown toenails that can require expensive podiatrist treatment costing £50-150. Monthly pedicures at £25-35 are worthwhile for foot health, especially if you're on your feet frequently. The relaxation and self-care aspect also provides mental health value.
Conclusion
Pedicure costs in the UK typically range from £20 to £50 depending on service type and location, with most people paying £25 to £35 for a standard treatment. Gel pedicures at £30-45 offer better value for those wanting longer-lasting results, while basic pedicures suit budget-conscious clients or those who enjoy frequent changes of nail color. The investment in professional foot care goes beyond vanity—regular pedicures maintain foot health, prevent problems, and provide a relaxing self-care ritual.
To maximize value, book off-peak appointments, watch for promotional deals, and consider package options if you also get manicures. Whether you choose a quick £20 express treatment or indulge in a £50 deluxe spa pedicure, the key is finding a salon with good hygiene standards, skilled therapists, and pricing that fits your budget. Most people settle into a routine of professional pedicures every 4-6 weeks, making this a manageable ongoing expense that contributes significantly to overall grooming and foot health. 💅
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Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
