Manicure, pedicure & nail extensions

Manicure, pedicure & nail extensions in South Africa

Updated 4 November 2026

A gel manicure in South Africa usually costs between R 200 and R 350, a pedicure with gel between R 250 and R 450, and a full set of gel or acrylic extensions between R 350 and R 650. For prices in your own city, send a request on BlaBlaPrice and the current options come back in one chat.

Registration and qualifications

You do not need a specific salon licence, but a nail business must be registered with CIPC, the company registry. A two-day manicure and pedicure course is listed at about R 2,599 by one training centre, and some extension systems are certified one at a time, with exams at R 350 per system. Ask a technician which system they are certified in before you book extensions.

Season and timing

South Africa's seasons are the reverse of Europe's: summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. Sandals and bare toes in summer mean more pedicure bookings, so for a December event book two or three weeks ahead. A set booked in late November leaves time for a correction before the holiday season.

How it is bought here

Nail services are quoted per service, not per hour, and the price depends on the length of the nails, the product and the design. Salons list a fixed price for each service, while some technicians come to your home; say which you want when you ask. Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha each have their own salons, so name your district and the replies will come from sellers close to you.

What to write in your request

Say which service you need (manicure, pedicure or extensions), the length and design you want, and whether it is a first visit or a correction of an older set. Add your preferred date, your district and your budget. A photo of the design you like helps sellers answer faster, and it is optional.

BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe the service in your own words, and the AI asks for missing details, looks through nail-salon price lists in South Africa and shows the prices it found. Registered sellers receive your request and answer in the chat with their own price and terms; your contact details stay hidden until you choose to share them. You can also send your request link to a technician you already know. Related categories: Hairdressing and Lashes & brows.