This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a nail artist.
Starting a nail artist business requires careful budget planning to ensure you have all professional-grade equipment without overspending on unnecessary items.
The nail art industry has seen significant growth in 2025, with new affordable brands offering professional quality tools that make it easier than ever to start your own nail services business. If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a nail artist. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our nail artist financial forecast.
A beginner nail artist can start with a complete professional setup for $200-$600 in 2025, depending on quality preferences and service scope.
The most cost-effective approach combines starter kits with selective individual purchases for specific high-use items.
| Equipment Category | Budget Range | Recommended Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Starter Kit | $45-$150 | Coscelia, Morovan, Phoenixy | Best value for beginners |
| UV/LED Lamp | $15-$50 | LKE, F.O.X Nails, Gelish | Essential for gel services |
| Polish Collection | $35-$150 | Essie, F.O.X, Born Pretty | 6-12 versatile shades minimum |
| Files & Tools | $10-$25 | Eternal, Manucurist | Professional multi-packs |
| Hygiene Equipment | $30-$80 | Generic professional supplies | 3-month starter supply |
| Furniture & Lighting | $70-$250 | Portable/foldable options | Basic professional setup |
| Storage & Organization | $15-$50 | Modular containers | Essential for hygiene |
What is the minimum budget needed to purchase all the essential tools and products required to start as a nail artist?
The minimum budget for a complete nail artist startup ranges from $200 to $600 in 2025, covering all professional-grade basics needed to begin offering services.
For home-based operations or very small setups, you can start at the lower end ($200-$400) with essential tools and a modest polish collection. This budget includes a basic UV/LED lamp, starter polish set, essential files and tools, and basic hygiene supplies.
Mobile nail services or salon-ready setups require the higher end ($500-$600) to include portable furniture, expanded polish collections, and additional storage solutions. The exact amount depends on your service scope and quality preferences for equipment longevity.
This investment covers everything needed to provide professional nail services without compromising on quality or safety standards.
Which specific brands or suppliers currently offer the best balance between quality and affordability for basic nail equipment?
Coscelia, Morovan, and Phoenixy lead the market for affordable yet professional starter kits, with prices ranging from $45-$150 for complete sets.
Essie remains the market leader for durable nail colors and reliable tools, while F.O.X Nails has gained recognition in 2025 for innovation and safety features. Both brands offer professional quality at reasonable prices for individual purchases.
Morovan and Born Pretty are especially budget-friendly options that maintain surprisingly strong quality for essential items. These brands offer complete starter kits that include everything needed to begin professional services.
Red Carpet and Gelish provide mid-range options that bridge the gap between budget and premium brands, offering excellent durability for frequently used items.
You'll find detailed market insights on supplier selection in our nail artist business plan, updated every quarter.
How much should be allocated to a starter set of professional nail files, buffers, and cuticle tools?
A complete starter pack of professional files, buffers, cuticle pushers, and nippers costs $10-$25 total for quality multi-packs from reputable brands.
Professional-grade multi-packs from brands like Eternal and Manucurist offer the best value, providing multiple grits and tool types in single purchases. These packs typically include 6-12 files of varying grits, 2-3 buffers, cuticle pushers, and basic nippers.
Generic professional packs from suppliers like Shopee offer similar quality at lower prices, making them excellent for budget-conscious startups. These packs often cost $10-$15 and provide adequate tools for initial operations.
Individual tool purchases can quickly exceed $25, making multi-packs the most economical choice for nail artist startups.
What is the realistic cost of a reliable UV or LED lamp suitable for beginner-level services?
A reliable starter-level UV/LED lamp costs between $15-$50, with entry-level brands like LKE and Phoenixy offering basic functionality at the lower end.
| Price Range | Brand Examples | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15-$25 | LKE, basic models | Basic curing, simple timer | Occasional home use |
| $25-$35 | Phoenixy, Morovan | Multiple timer settings, better build quality | Regular home services |
| $35-$45 | F.O.X Nails, mid-range | Professional sensors, even curing | Semi-professional use |
| $45-$50 | Gelish, professional entry | Consistent results, durability | Professional services |
| Above $50 | Premium brands | Advanced features, warranty | High-volume services |
Mid-range options from F.O.X Nails and Gelish ($35-$50) provide better consistency and durability for regular professional use.
How much should be budgeted for high-quality nail polishes, gel colors, and base/top coats to cover a basic but versatile range of shades?
A basic versatile range of 6-12 gel shades plus essential base and top coats costs $35-$150, depending on brand selection and collection size.
Budget-friendly professional lines like Morovan and Born Pretty offer starter collections for $35-$80, typically including 6-8 popular shades plus base and top coat. These collections provide adequate coverage for most basic nail art services.
Mid-range brands like Essie and F.O.X Nails cost $50-$120 for similar collections but offer better color consistency and longevity. These brands are preferred for professional services where durability matters.
Extensive ranges with 12+ shades from premium brands can reach $100-$150 but provide comprehensive color options for diverse client preferences. Starter kits frequently include trendy, popular shades to keep entry costs manageable while ensuring service variety.
What is the price difference between buying a complete starter kit and purchasing each piece of equipment separately?
Complete starter kits offer significant savings, typically costing $45-$150 compared to $60-$200+ for equivalent individual purchases.
Starter kits provide better value because manufacturers bundle complementary items at reduced margins. These kits usually include UV/LED lamps, multiple polish colors, essential tools, removers, and basic accessories in coordinated packages.
Individual purchases allow for custom quality selection but increase total costs by 15-30% compared to equivalent kit contents. This approach works better when you have specific brand preferences or need particular tool specifications.
The cost difference becomes more pronounced with premium brands, where individual purchases can exceed kit prices by $50-$100 for equivalent items. Budget-conscious nail artists benefit most from starter kits, while experienced professionals may prefer selective individual purchases.
How much is typically required for hygiene and sanitation equipment such as sterilizers, disposable tools, and disinfectants?
Hygiene and sanitation equipment for the first three months costs $30-$80, including sterilizer units, disposable supplies, and disinfectants.
A basic sterilizer unit costs $15-$40 and is essential for professional nail services. UV sterilizer boxes or autoclave units ensure tools meet health department standards for professional operations.
Disposable supplies including gloves, wipes, and sanitizing materials cost $15-$40 for a three-month starter supply. Buying in bulk reduces per-unit costs and ensures consistent availability during busy periods.
This is one of the strategies explained in our nail artist business plan.
What budget should be set aside for a sturdy manicure table, comfortable chair, and proper lighting at a beginner level?
Basic professional furniture and lighting cost $70-$250 for beginner setups, using portable or discount furniture options that maintain professional standards.
Portable fold-out manicure tables cost $30-$80 and provide adequate workspace for nail services while maintaining mobility for home visits. These tables offer storage compartments and adjustable heights for client comfort.
Ergonomic desk chairs or salon chairs range from $40-$120, with adjustable height and back support being essential features for long working sessions. Comfortable seating improves service quality and reduces operator fatigue.
Professional desk lamps with adjustable positioning cost $20-$50 and provide essential task lighting for detailed nail work. LED options offer consistent, shadow-free illumination while consuming less energy.
How much should be reserved for consumables such as cotton pads, wipes, nail tips, and adhesives for the first three months of practice?
Consumable supplies for the first three months cost $30-$60, with bulk purchasing providing better value and consistent availability.
- Cotton pads and wipes: $8-$15 for professional-grade, lint-free options
- Nail tips in various sizes: $10-$20 for starter assortments covering common lengths and shapes
- Nail adhesives and glues: $5-$10 for professional-strength bonding agents
- Cuticle oils and removers: $7-$15 for quality treatment products
- Miscellaneous supplies (orange sticks, toe separators): $5-$10 for essential accessories
Buying consumables in bulk reduces costs and prevents service interruptions during busy periods. Professional suppliers often offer quantity discounts for nail artist startups.
What is the estimated cost of a basic nail drill and essential drill bits for professional use?
A basic professional nail drill with essential drill bits costs $25-$60, with brands like MelodySusie offering reliable entry-level options.
Entry-level electric nail drills ($25-$40) provide adequate power for basic filing and cuticle work. These drills typically include variable speed control and forward/reverse rotation for versatility in nail preparation.
Mid-range drills ($40-$60) offer better motor durability and smoother operation for regular professional use. Many complete COSCELIA kits include quality drills as part of comprehensive starter packages.
Essential drill bit sets cost an additional $10-$20 and should include carbide bits for hard surfaces, diamond bits for precision work, and sanding bands for shaping. Having multiple bit types ensures versatility in service offerings.
How much should be budgeted for storage solutions and organizational supplies to keep equipment practical and hygienic?
Storage and organizational supplies cost $15-$50 for basic modular systems that keep tools hygienic and easily accessible.
Modular storage containers and organizer trays provide compartmentalized storage for different tool types while maintaining professional organization. These systems typically cost $15-$30 for comprehensive setups.
Professional carrying cases cost $20-$50 and are essential for mobile nail artists or those working from multiple locations. These cases protect equipment during transport while maintaining organization.
Proper storage prevents contamination, extends tool life, and creates professional impressions with clients. Investment in quality organization pays dividends in operational efficiency and client confidence.
We cover this exact topic in the nail artist business plan.
What is the average total investment range in 2025 for a beginner nail artist to purchase a complete set of professional-grade basic equipment?
The average total investment for a complete professional-grade starter set ranges from $200-$600 in 2025, providing everything needed for quality nail services.
Home-based nail artists can start at the lower end ($200-$400) with essential equipment that supports occasional to regular services. This budget covers basic tools, modest polish collections, and minimal furniture requirements.
Mobile or salon-ready operations require $400-$600 investments to include portable furniture, expanded product lines, and professional presentation materials. This higher investment supports consistent professional services and client expectations.
The nail art industry's growth has made professional equipment more affordable while maintaining quality standards. Buying bundled starter kits when possible maximizes value and ensures equipment compatibility for optimal results.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Starting a nail artist business requires careful equipment planning and budget management to ensure professional results without unnecessary expenses.
The 2025 market offers excellent opportunities for new nail artists with affordable professional-grade equipment and growing demand for quality nail services.
Sources
- Dojo Business - Nail Artist Startup Costs
- Essential Nails - Kit Checklist for Nail Tech Students
- Independent - Best Home Gel Nail Kits
- CU Independent - Budget-Friendly Manicure Kits
- Sortra - Best Nail Salon Starter Kit
- Lemon8 - Nail Business Startup Guide
- We're Addicted - Top Rated Nail Equipment Brands 2025
- Listful - Ultimate Nail Art Tool Kit 2025
