Last month, I sat in the chair for a simple gel manicure that ran me about $50 before tax. I handed my tech a $10 tip, and she lit up. That’s 20%, which is generally considered solid. In that price range, $10 isn’t just “not bad,” it’s right on target. For quick polish changes or a basic file-and-paint, it can even be generous.

But the week before that, I treated myself to a full set with intricate nail art that took nearly two hours and cost close to $100. In that scenario, $10 felt light  —  it’s only 10%, and the time, detail, and skill deserved more. A good rule: tip 15–20% on the pre-discount price, a bit extra for complex designs or last-minute squeezes. Cash is often preferred, and if your tech consistently nails your style and saves your cracked cuticles, they’ll remember the little boosts during holidays or tough weeks. So $10 isn’t “bad,”  it just depends on the service cost, time invested, and how happy you walked out.