The Perfect Spa Manicure and Pedicure

A spa manicure and pedicure are more expensive than what you get at the local nail salon -- MUCH more expensive, depending on where you live .  The average manicure in New York City costs $10.50 in New York City.  Many salons charge $19.95 for a manicure and pedicure, according to The New York Times expose The Cost of Nice Nails published in May of 2015.  

But those rock-bottom prices at the Korean nail salons are only possible because the workers are being underpaid, sometimes as little as $1.50 an hour.

 It's also likely that they are not licensed manicurists.  Without that training (and sanitary equipment and procedures in place at the salon), you could end up with an infection.  

All of a sudden $15 to $75 for manicure and $35 to $150 for a pedicure doesn't look so bad! (Well, maybe a $150 pedicure does.) The cost will vary depending on where you're getting the spa manicure and pedicure, how long it is, and how many extras you get, like longer treatments, massage with hot stones, lightening treatments, etc.

Generally a spa manicure will cost $25 and up at a day spa, $50 and up at a resort spa, $75 and up at a luxury hotel or resort spa.  A spa pedicure usually start at $45 + at a day spa, $60 + at a resort spa, and $100 + at the most luxurious hotel spas. So what are you getting for your money?

Why Is The Spa Manicure and Pedicure More Expensive?

It is a longer service, with more steps -- an aromatic salt rub, hydrating mask, hot towel wrap, hot stone massage or paraffin dip -- that make the spa manicure last longer and feel more luxurious.You are paying for a more beautiful, luxurious atmosphere.

Instead of fluorescent lights and noxious fumes from airbrushed nails, you have pretty light fixtures, good design, and a handsome pedicure chair in a quiet corner. The pedicure chair should drain (not recirculate water) so that the pedicure is completely sanitary.

You can be sure the technicians are highly experienced and give you a special experience.

They can give you beautifully shaped nails, suggest the perfect color for your skin and the season, and their work lasts -- no chips or bubbles. They should have a very nice manner and follow the highest level of spa sanitation.

Most resort spas don't offer the full robe and slipper treatment and give you access to spa facilities if you are only purchasing nail services.  If you need to save, get a spa manicure or pedicure as a special treat and do your regular maintenance at home or with a local nail or beauty salon. But watch how they work before you book. If they cut corners on sanitation or have old-fashioned pedicure chairs that recirculate the water, just walk away!  Sometimes cheap isn't worth it. 

Alternatives To The Paraffin Dip

Have you ever had your foot dipped in a paraffin bath during a spa pedicure and wondered how many other people's feet have been in there? Or how long the paraffin has been in there? Your concern is justified. Paraffin baths are one of the prime examples of cross-contamination in a spa, the transfer of fungi and bacteria. To protect yourself, look for spas that are using a single-use system called Perfectsense Paraffin Wax system. 

Basically, the spa nail technician heats up plastic bags filled with paraffin and then eases them onto your hands and feet.

 While it's heating it also releases an aromatherapy vapor with the soothing scent of lavender from real essential oils.)

I'll admit it doesn't feel quite as delicious as having your whole hand or foot dipped, but it's completely sanitary -- and it still feels pretty good!