Pedicure

Most of us pay great attention to our faces. We try to use the best skincare products and perhaps even go for periodic skin rejuvenation treatments at a dermatologist's office. But how many of us pay attention to our feet? Being well dressed and well groomed is all very well, but if you have dirty feet, chapped heels, or chipped nail polish, it's a pity. A pedicure can give you pretty feet and instantly liven up your look. If you're a professional, then clean, well-maintained feet are essential to appear well-groomed in the workplace. Continue reading to learn more about pedicures and how they can make you feel pampered and special.

What is a pedicure and manicure?

A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment that is usually offered at beauty salons and nail spas. It is performed on the feet and toenails. The word pedicure comes from the Latin words for feet (pedis) and care (cura). The equivalent treatment for the hands and fingernails is called a manicure.

What does a pedicure at a nail salon include?

A pedicure at a nail salon or nail spa typically includes the following services:

• Soaking the feet and toes in warm, soapy water and rubbing them gently with a soft brush to clean them.
• Soaking the feet and toes in a mini Jacuzzi for a massage effect.
• Buffing calluses and removing dead skin from the soles with a pumice stone.
• Removing old nail polish with a nail polish remover.
• Trimming and filing the toenails.
• Pushing the cuticles back and applying cuticle serum.
• Exfoliating the feet with a scrub.
• Massaging the feet with a moisturizing lotion.
• Wrapping a hot towel around the feet for relaxation.
• Placing toe separators or a cotton pad between the nails.
• Applying a base coat and nail polish on the toenails.

Types of pedicures

• A standard pedicure (which is described in this article) is recommended for regular grooming and maintenance of your feet.
• A French pedicure is the equivalent of a French manicure. The difference is in how your nails are painted (neutral with solid white tips).
• A fish pedicure involves soaking your feet in a tank filled with tiny fish that nibble the dead skin off your feet. This type of pedicure can be very relaxing once you get used to the ticklish feeling. It's a great choice for people who want a chemical-free pedicure.
• A spa pedicure includes all the services of a standard treatment but also includes relaxing procedures like a hot stone massage, aromatherapy oils, flowers in the water, etc.
• A margarita pedicure is one that involves soaking the feet and toenails in warm water with lemon juice and sea salt to make them soft and supple. A variation of this pedicure is one that uses wine which contains antioxidants to make the skin of the feet healthy.
• An athletic pedicure focuses on massaging the feet and calf muscles. It is intended to relieve the aches and pains caused by intense physical activity. Also, stronger exfoliation and thicker moisturizers may be offered as part of the treatment to relax tired feet.
• A paraffin pedicure is recommended for people with cracked heels. It involves soaking the feet in paraffin wax to hydrate the skin.

How long does a pedicure take? How much does it cost?

A pedicure usually takes 45-60 minutes to perform. The cost of a standard pedicure is around $50 in the United States. In the United Kingdom, a regular pedicure costs anywhere from £15 to £35. How much you'll pay for a pedicure can vary greatly depending on your geographical location, however.

Can I do a pedicure at home?

Yes, you can certainly take care of your feet and nails with a home pedicure kit. It may not feel as relaxing and pampering as a pedicure at a nail salon, but it is a pedi nonetheless and will help maintain your nails.

Some of the things you will need to do a pedicure at home include:

• Soft brush
• Pumice stone or loofah for calluses
• Nail polish remover
• Nail clippers
• Nail file and cuticle tools
• Moisturizer
• Cuticle serum
• Nail polish

Start by soaking your feet in warm, soapy water. You can add lemon slices or aromatic oils to the water for a spa-like experience. Next, use a loofah or pumice stone to rub down any calluses and remove dead skin from the soles of your feet. Pat your feet dry and use a nail polish remover if you're wearing old nail polish. Then, use nail clippers and nail files to trim and shape your toenails. Use a cuticle pusher and cuticle serum to moisturize and nourish the cuticles. Massage your feet and calves with a moisturizer. Finally, apply a fresh coat of nail polish on your toenails.

Benefits of a pedicure

Whether you go to a nail spa for a pedicure or you do DIY pedicures at home, there are several benefits to taking care of your feet and toenails.

• Regular pedicures ensure that any infections or ingrowths of the toenails are picked up early and treated before they become severe.
• Exfoliation of dead skin cells on the feet helps make the skin smoother and more beautiful. It also helps prevent accumulation of cells to form corns or bunions.
• A pedicure, especially when done at a nail salon, can be very relaxing. It can relieve stress in your feet acquired from busy days with hours of running around.
• The massage that is part of a pedicure promotes blood circulation and relieves tension.

Can pedicures be bad for your feet and nails?

A professional or DIY pedicure can make you feel pampered and help your feet look fabulous in summer sandals. This cosmetic treatment is very popular with women but an increasing number of men are getting pedicures to look well-groomed.

Although pedicures are growing in popularity and many different types are now available, there are some health risks associated with this treatment. The most important factor in avoiding complications from pedicures is choosing the right salon. Getting pedicures at salons that don't follow standard sanitation practices can lead to a nail fungus or other infection as well as ingrown toenails. This is especially true if the salon tries to cut corners and save time and money by using pedicure tools on multiple clients without sterilizing or cleaning them properly.

A professional pedi is safe for most people as long as you choose a licensed nail salon. However, certain individuals should avoid this cosmetic treatment, for example, a person with uncontrolled diabetes or circulation problems.

Finding a salon for pedicures

If you want pretty feet, it's important to find a licensed nail salon that follows good hygiene practices. The MeTime app makes it easy to find leading beauty service providers in your community. You can upload pictures and get quotes for the type of pedicure you are interested in. Try the MeTime app today!