Nail art tiers explained: what Tier 1, 2 and 3 cover

The most common question before booking is some version of “how much is nail art?” The honest answer is that it depends on how much art there is, so Leah prices it in tiers. You book a base service (a Gel-X or polygel set, an overlay, a fill or a manicure), then add the tier that matches the design you want. The tier has its own price and its own time, and it stacks on top of the base.

Here’s what each tier actually covers, so you can book the right one the first time.

Tier 1: simple, clean, one idea

Tier 1 is for designs with a single element. Think:

• multicolor French tips;
• an ombré;
• simple art, like a small hand-painted accent;
• one 3D gel design;
• a light scattering of gems or charms.

If you can describe the whole set in one sentence and it involves one technique, it’s probably Tier 1. A French tip in a color you don’t normally see, a soft fade, or a solid set with one accent nail all land here. Browse the minimal category in the gallery for the feel of it.

Tier 2: layered, with variety across the hand

Tier 2 starts with a Tier 1 base and builds on it. The signals that you’ve moved up a tier are:

• different designs on different fingers;
• art that’s layered, with one technique over another;
• multiple charms, or a noticeable amount of bling.

The mix is what defines it. A set where each nail carries something different, or where a French tip is topped with painted detail and a few charms, is Tier 2 work. Most of the bling sets in the gallery live around here.

Tier 3: the extravagant sets

Tier 3 is the hand-painted work Leah is known for. It covers:

• complex character art, painted freehand across the set;
• 3D and sculpted additions;
• full bling, where the nail is covered rather than accented;
• junk nails, with charms, gems and layered pieces built up on every finger.

This is where the character sets come from, and it’s the longest add-on on the menu. It’s time-intensive because every element is painted or placed by hand, so plan your day around it.

Two other ways to book art

Freestyle hands the design decisions to Leah. You choose the color and where you’d like gems and charms; she does the rest. It’s a good choice if you like her style and want to be surprised.

Inspired set is for when you already have a picture of what you want. Send the reference photo by Instagram DM before your appointment. The listed price is the starting point, and more art on the reference means more on the estimate.

How to pick

Count the elements. One technique, one idea: Tier 1. Several ideas or variety across the hand: Tier 2. Characters, sculpture, or nails that are covered edge to edge: Tier 3.

If you’re between two tiers, send a reference photo by Instagram DM before you book and ask. It’s faster than guessing, and it means the right amount of time gets blocked out for your appointment.

Current prices and times for every tier are on the services page. To see what a base plus a tier comes to, use the estimator.