Some argue against add-ons, saying nail techs should not tack on extra costs at the risk of putting off the customer. But for some, the extras give them flexibility to keep their standard service prices low, while allowing them to make extra profit on the clients who want a little more. The extras are easy to introduce, and if a lot of clients go for them it won’t be long before you start noticing the difference in revenue. If you’ve never thought about how extras can work for your services, here are some ideas on easy extras that can add dollars to your revenue. (The prices here are just suggestions. If you’d like to price your nail art, for example, at $8 per nail, then you can use the calculations listed here for pedicure masks to estimate your increase in revenue.)

$3 UV Top Coat

Whether it’s a manicure, gel, or acrylic service, a nail tech can add a UV top coat at the end to ensure clients are getting the maximum protection on their new nails. Most techs charge between $2 to $5 for the quick application. All it takes is a couple of repeat customers who like the added protection to turn this simple add-on into a steady source of extra income. A quick way to test out whether your clients will be interested is to take the advice of Barbara Lee, owner of Country Nails in French Creek, W.Va., and offer the UV top coat free for first-timers, and then charge $3 for subsequent application.

$5 Nail Art

 Sharing your creative side with clients can be profitable too. Amy Becker, owner of Masterworks Salon and Spa in Mequon, Wis., does nail art for $5 to $10 per nail. “For our nail stylists who like to do and sell nail art,” Becker says, “We recommend they have a display with some of their sample nail art on it. The artwork sells itself.” Tiffany Blasi, owner of Tiffany’s Salon and Boutique in Cloverdale, Calif., says, “Basic nail art is included in my service, but anything that takes me longer than five minutes is an added $10. But with today’s economy and everyone’s depressed moods, it’s really easy to get clients excited about upgraded nails.”

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$6 Toe Waxing

A little toe waxing can go a long way in terms of added revenue. The service doesn’t take much time, and clients will appreciate the option of having extra smooth toes. Cyndi Grohowski, owner of Polished From Head to Toe in Haddon Heights, N.J., quickly does a toe waxing on clients who request it.

$7 Massage

 Many techs incorporate forearm massages into their standard manicures, but if you don’t already, you can probably convince a few clients to pay a little extra for it. Shari Finger, owner of Finger’s Nail Studio in West Dundee, Ill., charges $10 for every 15 minutes of kneading. “But we don’t limit the massage for just manicures,” Finger says, “we have it on our menu as an extended massage, so clients can add it to pedicures as well.” Sheila DeLorenzo, owner of Serenity Springs Salon and Spa in Colorado Springs, Colo., offers these words of advice, “Give them the first five minutes free. Once you start massaging they will hardly ever say no to more.”

$8 Mask

Techs can add fizz soaks, scrubs, and masks to pedicure clients who like a little extra pampering. Renee Marie Borowy, owner of VIP Salon and Spa in Riverview, Mich., offers an upgraded pedicure mask for $5 extra. And Roula Nassar, owner of Roula’s Spa in Houston, offers a mask application and charges $10 for 10 minutes. Nassar says of the service, “We offer a mask to clients scheduled for a basic pedicure who just want the mask and not the frills of a full blown spa-style pedicure,” she says. “And we wrap the legs and feet with hot towels after applying the mask.”

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$9 Callus Removal Products

For extra thick calluses, you can offer a specialized callus removal product to help smooth out the roughest feet. Roula Nassar has a glycolic peel for thick-callused clients. She says of the service, “Glycolic is a more concentrated product and it’s extremely effective at naturally breaking down callus build-up.” Nassar charges $10 for the service, and says that clients love it because the product continues to exfoliate the skin for up to a week, leaving feet extra smooth.

$10 Paraffin Dip

Clients might be tempted to indulge in the warming sensation of a paraffin dip or heating mittens. The service could be offered as a special during the colder months of the year, and clients who really enjoy it may ask for it periodically year round. Cyndi Grohowski includes a paraffin dip free of charge in her deluxe spa manicures, but charges $10 if clients want to add it to a standard basic manicure.