26 August 2026
If you are asking how much does it cost to get your nails done, Therapy’s current nail prices in Canterbury range from £32 for gel polish to £45 for BIAB with tips. A gel pedicure costs £40, while optional nail art starts from £5.
The final price depends on the treatment you choose, whether you want additional length and how detailed your finish is. “Getting your nails done” can describe several different services, and the cheapest option is not necessarily the best match for what your natural nails need.
Here is what each treatment costs at Therapy Hair Body & Nails, what is included and how to choose the right option.
How much does it cost to get your nails done?
Therapy’s current nail prices are:
Nail treatmentPriceGel polish£32BIAB and gel£35BIAB with tips£45Gel pedicure£40Nail artFrom £5
These prices reflect different products, techniques and appointment requirements. A gel manicure adds durable colour to the natural nail, while BIAB creates a more structured overlay. Tips add length and require additional work. Nail art is priced separately because the time involved can vary considerably between designs.
Always check the current treatment page when booking, as salon prices can change over time.
Why do nail appointment prices vary?
The cost of a nail treatment is influenced by more than the colour placed on top.
A professional appointment may include:
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Assessing the natural nails
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Preparing and shaping each nail
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Caring for the cuticle area
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Applying the chosen product precisely
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Building structure where required
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Curing each layer correctly
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Refining the shape and finish
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Applying colour and a top coat
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Adding any requested art or detail
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Providing maintenance and removal advice
The product and skill required also differ between services. BIAB application, for example, involves creating a balanced structure over the natural nail. This is more involved than applying a thin layer of gel colour.
Location, technician experience, product quality and appointment length can also affect salon pricing. Comparing prices is reasonable, but compare like with like. Two treatments described as “gel nails” may include different preparation, products or finishes.
How much do gel nails cost?
A gel manicure at Therapy costs £32.
Gel polish is applied in thin layers over the natural nail and cured under a suitable UV or LED lamp. It creates a glossy, chip-resistant colour that generally lasts longer than ordinary nail varnish.
Gel is a good choice if:
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Your natural nails are reasonably strong
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You mainly want colour and shine
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You prefer a slim, natural-looking finish
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You do not need additional structure or length
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You want a manicure that commonly lasts two to three weeks
A standard appointment usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour. French finishes, detailed designs or additional preparation may require more time.
Explore gel nails at Therapy for treatment details and current pricing.
How much do BIAB nails cost?
BIAB with a gel finish costs £35 at Therapy.
BIAB means Builder In A Bottle. It is a builder-gel system used to create a strengthening overlay on the natural nail. It provides more structure than gel polish alone while maintaining a relatively natural appearance.
The small price difference between gel and BIAB does not mean they are interchangeable. They serve different purposes.
BIAB may be appropriate if:
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Your natural nails benefit from additional support
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You are trying to grow your own nails
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Gel polish alone tends to chip on you
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You want a structured but natural-looking finish
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You prefer an overlay rather than added length
Therapy specialises in BIAB application, which requires careful shaping and balancing to create a durable finish without unnecessary bulk.
Read more about BIAB nails in Canterbury.
How much does BIAB with tips cost?
BIAB with tips costs £45.
Tips add length to the natural nail before the BIAB structure and finish are completed. This requires more product, preparation and appointment time than applying an overlay to the existing nail.
Choose BIAB with tips if you want extra length that your natural nails do not currently provide. Your technician can help select a length and shape that work with your nail beds, hands and daily routine.
Longer is not automatically better. Very long nails may be impractical if you type frequently, work with your hands, play sport or perform tasks that repeatedly place pressure on the free edge.
A shorter, well-balanced extension can be more comfortable and easier to maintain than selecting length based solely on a photograph.
How much does a gel pedicure cost?
A professional gel pedicure at Therapy costs £40.
The treatment includes preparing and shaping the toenails, cuticle care and applying gel polish for a long-lasting, glossy finish. A standard appointment takes around one hour, with more time required for detailed finishes or nail art.
Gel pedicures often last longer than gel manicures because toenails grow more slowly and are not exposed to the same level of daily wear as fingernails. However, longevity varies between clients.
A gel pedicure is particularly popular before:
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Holidays
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Weddings
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Special occasions
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Open-toed shoe season
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Periods when regular polish maintenance would be inconvenient
Our guide explains how long a gel pedicure takes, including preparation, appointment stages and aftercare.
You can also view Therapy’s gel pedicure service.
How much does nail art cost?
Nail art at Therapy starts from £5 and is added to the price of the underlying gel, BIAB or pedicure service.
The total depends on:
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The number of nails being decorated
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The complexity of the design
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Whether it is hand-painted
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The number of colours used
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Chrome, foil or other finishes
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The time required
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Whether the design needs to be adapted
Minimal dots, lines or accent nails may remain close to the starting price. Intricate freehand art across every nail will cost more because it requires significantly more appointment time and precision.
Send or bring inspiration photographs where possible. A reference image helps the technician understand the style, but the final design may need to be adapted for your nail length and shape.
Mention nail art when booking. Adding it unexpectedly during a standard appointment may not be possible if another client is booked immediately afterwards.
See examples and pricing information for nail art in Canterbury.
Does the price include removal?
Do not assume that removal is automatically included in the price of a new set.
Removal policies may differ depending on:
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The product currently on your nails
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Whether it was applied at the same salon
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The condition of the product
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Whether removal time was included when booking
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The treatment you want next
Therapy’s service information contains treatment-specific guidance, so tell the salon exactly what is currently on your nails before booking. This allows the team to confirm whether removal is available, whether there is an additional charge and how much time is required.
Never hide existing product under ordinary polish or describe acrylic, hard gel or BIAB simply as “gel”. Different systems require different removal methods.
Most importantly, do not peel or pick product off to save removal time. Peeling can take layers from the natural nail, leaving it thin, rough or sensitive.
Gel or BIAB: which offers better value?
Value depends on what your nails need, not simply which treatment costs less.
Gel may offer better value when:
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Your natural nails are already strong
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You mainly want long-lasting colour
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You prefer the thinnest possible finish
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You reliably get good wear from gel polish
BIAB may offer better value when:
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Your nails need more structure
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Gel polish regularly chips or lifts
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You are trying to retain natural length
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You want a protective overlay
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Your technician considers BIAB suitable for your nail type
At Therapy, the difference between gel at £32 and BIAB with gel at £35 is £3. However, that does not mean every client should automatically choose BIAB. Applying more product than the nail needs is not inherently beneficial.
A consultation with an experienced technician is more useful than selecting a treatment based only on trends.
What affects how long your nails last?
A lower-priced manicure that suits your nails and lasts well can offer better value than a more expensive service that does not suit your lifestyle.
Wear time can be affected by:
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Your natural nail condition
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Nail growth rate
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Product choice
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Preparation and application
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Nail length and shape
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Work and household tasks
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Frequent water exposure
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Cleaning chemicals
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Picking or peeling
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Using nails to open or lift objects
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Following the recommended maintenance schedule
Gel and BIAB commonly last around two to three weeks before they require attention, although individual results vary.
Visible growth at the cuticle is normal. Even if the product remains attached, the manicure will gradually lose its freshly finished appearance as the natural nail grows.
Are cheaper nail treatments a false economy?
Not always. A lower price does not automatically indicate poor quality, just as a higher price does not guarantee good work.
When comparing nail salons, consider:
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Technician training and experience
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Salon cleanliness
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Product knowledge
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Correct curing procedures
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Care around the natural nail
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Honest advice about suitability
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Safe removal practices
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Whether adequate appointment time is allowed
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How clearly prices and policies are explained
Be cautious about choosing on price alone if a service appears unrealistically quick or if the technician cannot explain the products being used.
The British Association of Dermatologists has warned about allergic reactions linked to artificial nail products, particularly when uncured gel contacts the skin or products are not cured correctly. Experienced application and correct use of the matching product system and lamp therefore matter.
What should a professional nail appointment include?
Your technician should begin by looking at the natural nails and discussing what you want.
A good consultation may cover:
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The length and shape you prefer
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Your work and lifestyle
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Previous lifting or chipping
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Any product already present
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Allergies or previous reactions
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Whether you want nail art
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The level of maintenance involved
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Whether the requested treatment suits your nails
The technician should not diagnose a medical condition. If a nail looks infected, painful or unsuitable for cosmetic treatment, they may advise you to seek help from a pharmacist, GP or podiatrist.
A responsible salon may occasionally decline or postpone a treatment. That is a sign of appropriate care, not poor service.
When should you avoid having your nails done?
Postpone a cosmetic nail appointment and seek appropriate advice if you have:
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Broken or bleeding skin around the nail
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Significant pain, heat or swelling
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Pus or signs of infection
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A suspected fungal nail infection
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A new rash or allergic reaction
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Unexpected nail separation
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Unexplained changes in nail colour or thickness
Gel, BIAB and nail art should not be used to conceal a possible infection or unexplained nail change.
If you have reacted to nail products before, tell the salon when enquiring. Symptoms such as itching, blistering, swelling or a rash around the nails should be taken seriously.
How can you make your nail appointment better value?
Good aftercare can help protect both the finish and your natural nails.
Use cuticle oil
Regular cuticle oil helps keep the skin around the nails conditioned. Apply it as advised by your technician.
Wear gloves for cleaning
Repeated water exposure and cleaning chemicals can affect both the skin and the manicure. Wear suitable gloves when washing up or cleaning.
Do not use your nails as tools
Opening cans, scraping labels and lifting objects with the nail edge can cause chips, cracks or lifting.
Book maintenance at the recommended time
Leaving a structured product on for too long changes its balance as the natural nail grows. Follow the maintenance schedule recommended for your treatment.
Arrange proper removal
Do not peel, bite or prise off gel or BIAB. Correct removal helps protect the surface of the natural nail.
Choose a practical length
A length that suits your daily routine is more likely to last. Your technician can adapt an inspiration image without copying an impractical shape exactly.
How often will you need to pay for maintenance?
Many gel and BIAB clients return every two to three weeks, although appointments vary with nail growth, wear and the service used.
When considering the cost, think beyond the first appointment. For example, a £35 BIAB service every three weeks represents a different ongoing commitment from booking gel occasionally for events.
Ask about:
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The expected maintenance interval
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Whether the next appointment is a refresh, infill or removal
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Any removal costs
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Nail-art charges at future visits
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What happens if a nail breaks between appointments
There is no need to maintain a continuous manicure if you do not want one. Professional nail treatments can be booked regularly or for individual occasions, provided removal and nail care are handled appropriately.
Frequently asked questions
How much is it to get gel nails done near me?
Gel nails cost £32 at Therapy Hair Body & Nails in Canterbury. Prices at other salons vary according to location, products, technician experience and what the appointment includes.
How much do BIAB nails cost in Canterbury?
BIAB with gel costs £35 at Therapy. BIAB with tips for additional length costs £45.
Is nail art included in the manicure price?
No. Nail art starts from £5 and is added to the underlying gel, BIAB or pedicure treatment. The price depends on the design and time required.
Why does BIAB cost more than gel?
BIAB creates a structured overlay and requires different application skills and products. Gel polish primarily provides colour and shine, while BIAB adds support to the natural nail.
Are tips included with BIAB?
Tips are included when you book the BIAB-with-tips service, currently priced at £45. Standard BIAB and gel at £35 is applied to the natural nail without added length.
How much is a gel pedicure?
A gel pedicure at Therapy costs £40. Nail art can be added from £5 if requested when booking.
How long do gel nails last?
Gel nails commonly last two to three weeks, depending on nail growth, lifestyle, preparation and aftercare.
How long does BIAB last?
BIAB commonly requires a refresh after approximately two to three weeks. Your technician can recommend a suitable schedule based on your nails and the finished length.
Can I bring a nail-art photograph?
Yes. Inspiration images help communicate the style you want. Mention the design when booking so enough time can be allocated and the likely price discussed.
Book a nail appointment in Canterbury
The cost of getting your nails done at Therapy ranges from £32 for gel polish to £45 for BIAB with tips, with gel pedicures at £40 and nail art available from £5.
The right treatment depends on your natural nails, preferred finish, desired length and maintenance expectations. Therapy’s experienced nail technicians can help you choose between gel, BIAB, tips and bespoke art without simply recommending the most expensive option.
Explore all nail services and current prices or contact Therapy Hair Body & Nails before booking. The salon is located at 21 Burgate in central Canterbury, near Canterbury Cathedral.
