Three Pittsburgh Nail-Service Options: Manicures, Removal and Nail Art

A manicure price does not always include removing an existing gel finish, adding nail art or extending the appointment. Pittsburgh salons also offer different formats, from natural-nail polish services to structured gel and waterless pedicures. Comparing the actual menu is more useful than treating every manicure as the same service.

This October 13, 2026 editorial guide selects three businesses with published service information. Apothika leads for its explicit natural-nail scope and separate removal-inclusive booking. Studio Booth offers a starting-price menu, while Illustrated Nails explains structured gel and design time. These are editorial selections based on documented options, not independent awards or personal testing.

1. Apothika Day Spa: include removal in the appointment

Apothika’s nailcare menu specifies natural-nail services and says it does not provide acrylic nail services. At 2200 Sarah Street on the South Side, its express manicure is listed at $33 for 30 minutes, compared with $53 for a classic manicure lasting 45–60 minutes.

The gel manicure is listed at $53 for an hour, while the gel manicure with removal is $76 for 90 minutes. That distinction is why Apothika leads this comparison: arriving with old gel can require a different appointment, rather than simply adding polish at the quoted base price.

For feet, the classic pedicure is $58 for 45–60 minutes and the gel classic pedicure is $63 for an hour. The menu asks customers with existing gel to book removal. The spa policy requests at least 24 hours’ cancellation notice and separately addresses non-refundable online payments and package deposits. Confirm the terms for the chosen booking. Call 412-505-5699; that number does not accept texts. Our Apothika profile links the menu and policies.

2. Studio Booth: compare starting prices and extras

Studio Booth’s nail menu lists classic manicures from $35, spa manicures from $45, Dazzle Dry manicures from $40 and Gelish manicures from $50. Classic and spa pedicures start at $60 and $75 respectively.

The same page separately lists Gelish removal and polish changes at $20, with nail-art or repair add-ons from $5. The salon describes all listed prices as starting points, with an exact quote confirmed at a complimentary consultation. Compare the requested finish, removal and design together rather than assuming the lowest manicure price is the total.

Studio Booth is at 6343 Penn Avenue, Suite B, near Bakery Square. The nail page lists Tuesday-through-Saturday operation and phone 412-362-6684. Use its linked booking system or call to confirm the service and appointment duration before combining nails with another salon visit.

3. Illustrated Nails: reserve time for structured gel and art

Illustrated Nails, at 3427 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, says its Russian e-file manicure includes structured gel. The e-file describes the preparation technique; structured gel is the product applied afterward. Its SMART pedicure is a separate waterless format, so specify which service you want.

The nail-art page separates 15-minute accents, 30-minute work involving multiple techniques or all ten nails, and 45-minute intricate designs. It encourages sending inspiration ahead to establish timing. Confirm the current service price directly rather than relying on an older menu found in search.

The salon operates by appointment and advises calling 412-682-9558 for same-day availability. Groups of four or more are asked to give at least a month’s notice. Credit-card processing fees also apply, including to tips; ask the amount when budgeting. None of these published formats establishes a personal wear-time guarantee or suitability for an individual’s product sensitivities.