Need to Know: What Nail Services to Offer
As a salon owner or mobile nail tech, one of the most exciting parts of building your business is curating the perfect menu of nail services. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your offering, understanding what services nail salons offer is key to meeting client expectations and growing your brand.
From classic manicures to advanced builder gels, each service offers unique benefits for your clients — and your business. In this guide, we break down the most popular salon services, along with additional treatments that can elevate your nail offering.
Need help setting up your nail business? Explore our Salon Essentials.
Main Nail Services
When planning your service menu, these seven core nail services are among the most requested by clients. They’re the foundation of most successful nail businesses and each has room for creativity and bespoke treatments.
Popular Nail Services Include:
- Standard manicure
- Gel manicure
- BIAB™ manicure
- Polygel manicure
- Nail extensions
- Additional services (like nail art or hand massages)
These are the main nail services every salon should consider. Let’s explore each in detail.
1. Standard Manicure
A standard manicure focuses on shaping the nails, cuticle care, and applying traditional nail polish — perfect for clients seeking a quick, affordable refresh. Using high-quality nail polish colours, like Peacci Nail Polish, elevates the experience and improves longevity.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Why clients love it: Classic colour choice, natural finish, minimal commitment and a quicker service.
Pro Tip: Use tools like the Half Moon Nail Buffer and Half Moon Nail File for flawless prep.
2. Gel Manicure
Gel manicures offer a longer-lasting, chip-free alternative to traditional nail polish. With curing under a UV or LED lamp, clients enjoy up to 30 days of glossy wear using TGB gel colours.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Why clients love it: Durable, high-shine finish and huge colour variety.
Stock up on TGB’s Gel Polish range for endless creative potential.
3. BIAB™ Manicure
Builder In A Bottle™ (BIAB™) is designed for clients who want to grow and strengthen their natural nails. This self-levelling builder gel creates a flawless overlay that adds strength while remaining flexible.
Duration: 60-75 minutes
Why clients love it: Supports natural nail growth with a strong, natural-looking finish.
Explore our full BIAB™ range to get started.
4. Polygel Manicure
Polygel combines the flexibility of gel with the strength of acrylic, giving clients the best of both worlds. It’s easy to mould and shape, making it ideal for strong and durable overlays or extensions.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Why clients love it: Lightweight yet durable, with a natural look and feel.
Try ProForm™, TGB’s innovative polygel system designed for pro results.
5. Nail Extensions
Nail extensions remain one of the most requested services for clients chasing instant length. Techniques vary with gel or polygel, applied over forms or tips.
Duration: 90-120 minutes
Why clients love it: Dramatic length and shape customisation for special occasions or long-term wear.
Explore our extension systems: DesignEx Pro™, GelPot or ProForm™.
6. Additional Services to Enhance Your Nail Menu
Beyond the basics, salons can increase revenue and client satisfaction by offering additional nail and hand treatments, such as:
- Hand massages
- Luxury skin treatments with TGB SPA™
- Custom nail art (from minimalist designs to intricate artwork)
Elevate your salon offering with our range of luxurious TGB SPA™ products, designed for high-end treatments.
Download our Luxury Treatment Workshop with TGB SPA™ to learn more.
How to Charge for Your Salon Services
Knowing how to charge for nail services is crucial to building a profitable business. Prices should reflect:
- Product cost
- Service time
- Your skill level and experience
- Local market rates
Pro Tip: Offer tiered pricing based on design complexity or service add-ons.
Want help setting the perfect price? Our FREE Pricing Calculator will guide you through pricing strategies that protect your profit margins.
Learn with TGB: Take Your Nail Career Further
At TGB, we’re passionate about helping nail professionals refine their skills and expand their service menus. Whether it’s mastering BIAB™, ProForm™ sculpting, or nail art techniques, our training courses cover every aspect of professional nail services.
Explore training with TGB Academy to grow your confidence and your business.