WHETHER you're budgeting for a regular manicure or pedicure or saving up to have one on special occasions, it's important to remember the gratuity.

But how much is appropriate for a full spa day, and is it different from a quick polish touch-up?

According to Sharon-Frances Moore, an etiquette expert who spoke to Reader's Digest, there have been shifts in the culture around tipping in recent years.

Beginning in 2020, standard gratuities increased because of coronavirus-related factors, but now prices are falling back in many regions.

"There was an increase of people over-tipping for services in industries across the board,” Moore said. “We are now seeing an adjustment back to standard tipping, which for a nail technician, [regardless] of the service, is around 15 to 20 percent.”

But there are some instances where that's not the case.

If you're just getting a polish touch-up, 15 or 20 percent might actually be too little money for a tip, depending on what your salon charges.

"Try not to tip less than $5," the experts at Reader's Digest recommended. "If you’re only getting a nail polish color swap for $20, consider rounding up the tip to $5."

You should also consider tipping 25 percent or more in certain circumstances.

If your nails are in very bad shape and require more work than normal to repair and repaint, that's the time to leave an extra tip.

You should also increase your tip if you add extras to your manicure or pedicure package, such as hand-drawn art, complicated designs, or additional massages.

The experts said that it's considered proper etiquette to tip 25 percent when you first get a full set of acrylic nails, and then tip at the regular rate for touch-ups or fills.

What should you do if you aren't satisfied with your nails? Jemma Wilson, founder of Almond Nails, said your first responsibility is to speak up if things are going wrong or the design seems incorrect – and if your nail technician fixes your nails, to tip as usual.

If your nails aren't fixable, or you aren't satisfied with them, it's still considered good etiquette to tip 10 percent in recognition of your technician's labor, and speak to the salon's management before you leave.

"With all this being said, tipping is optional," Wilson added. "If a customer is really unhappy or had a really bad experience, they can forgo tipping altogether."

Wilson also warned that your location plays a big part in how much you tip.

If you're in a resort town, or staying at a resort with a luxury spa on the premises, you might be expected to tip more.

Look at local travel guides for more information, or look on the salon's website before booking the appointment.

If there's an automatic gratuity or minimum expected gratuity, it should be mentioned there.