What is pedicure?
The pedicure for feet is a nail treatment for the feet and toenails. While relaxing for the recipient, the treatment softens skin and promotes strong, healthy nails.
Benefits
A foot pedicure benefits the feet with the removal of rough skin and jagged edges on toenails. Jagged edges often lead to rips or tears in the nail. This then creates the perfect opportunity for a toenail infection to set in.
In addition to the health benefits of clean, well cared for feet, the pedicure procedure is relaxing. An excellent way to unwind at the end of the day, this treatment is suitable (and recommended) for both women and men.
Types of pedicures and booking your appointment
There are different types of pedicures available. As with manicures. Which type you have will depend on what you want.
Most of the options are the same: natural (no polish and the perfect pedicure for men), polish only, gel, Shellac, or French.
In order to get the desired results, ask the salon for details when booking your appointment.
As with the manicure, many places will offer a paraffin pedicure. If you want this included in your service, book your appointment accordingly.
If you have a toenail infection or toenail fungus, wait to have a nail treatment. Any poking around could worsen the infection or spread the fungus.
Pedicure procedure
A pedicure usually lasts 50 minutes. It may be a stand-alone treatment, part of a spa day, or mani-pedi (combination manicure and pedicure treatment). The following is a general description of the treatment, although details will vary between establishments and what you choose.
For your comfort, wear shorts or pants that are not too tight at the bottom. You will need to roll them up to the knees.
You will be led to a pedicure station where you’ll sit for the duration of your service. These stations often include specialty chairs equipped with massaging functions for additional relaxation.
Once seated, you will place your feet in a basin of warm water at the base of the chair.
As you begin to relax and unwind, the nail technician will start with one foot, then the other. Whatever they do to one foot, they will repeat for the other, per the following process.
First, they will exfoliate your leg (from the knee down) and foot with an invigorating body or foot scrub. After rinsing and patting dry, the nail technician will remove any nail polish.
Then, they will apply the moisturizing lotion and massage it in from the foot to the knee. After the massage, they will place the foot in the basin and repeat the process on the other foot and leg.
Next, they’ll trim the toenails, push back unruly cuticles and clean up loose skin around the nail. Using a pedicure stone, they will address any corns or rough areas and also buff the heels.
If the skin is really tough on the heels, they might choose to use a shaver for better results.
Once the nails and skin are cleaned up, the nail tech will dry the feet. Nails will be buffed to a beautiful shine and, if a finishing application was chosen, they will top them off accordingly.
After your treatment and how often to have a pedicure
If you had your nails polished, you will be given slipper sandals to wear until the nails are dry. Wearing these for a while ensures less smudging for a better finish.
Depending on the exposure to the elements, such as walking on the beach, water, etc., you might find that twice a month is perfect for maintaining a gorgeous finish. Pay attention to how fast the polish wears and maintain appointments as necessary.
If you don’t polish your nails, but want to maintain optimum skin and nail health, ask the technician when you should book your next appointment. Most people will find that once a month will suffice. However, confirm with your nail tech to ensure your feet are always primped to perfection and ready to show off!
Categories for Pedicure
Beauty Treatments
Types of Massage
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