What to expect from a Pedicure?

A pedicure is a therapeutic treatment for your feet that removes dead skin, softens hard skin and shapes and treats your toenails. Think of it as a manicure for the feet! A good foot treatment is heaven, but pedicure techniques can vary from type of polish to massage so it’s important to find the right pedicure for you.

What is a pedicure good for?

Pedicures are a great way to ensure you look after your feet!

• A regular pedicure can support chiropody if you suffer from foot problems, such as: corns, calluses, and cracked soles. This may prevent you from needing further treatment.
• A pedicure can also help your posture -- you naturally walk more comfortably on cared-for feet.
• Pedicures can also soothe and relax you when combined with other treatments. Once your pedicurist has massaged several softening and soothing creams into your feet, you may feel you are walking on air!

What to expect from a pedicure

A traditional pedicure begins with a therapeutic foot bath or spa. Your feet are soaked and cleansed in warm, scented water to soften the skin - like a mini-Jacuzzi for your feet.

An exfoliating rub will slough off dead skin with salts or minerals. Your pedicurist will also remove your cuticles and cut and shape your toenails.

Creams and aromatherapy oils are massaged into your feet to refresh and soften your skin. Many pedicurists will also massage your lower legs and maybe give an acupressure or reflexology-based foot massage to help relax you. Some pedicures will include the use of hot stones. Others use mud, wraps and even algae. High quality toenail polish will be applied at the end of your pedicure.

A good pedicure will result in your feet looking as well as feeling fantastic. You should want to show off your tootsies and make rash promises to yourself about how much better you’ll take care of your feet in future!  

A pedicure will usually last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the techniques involved. Allow time afterwards to ease yourself back into standing up!

Different kinds of pedicure

Pedicures vary depending on the spa and pedicurist, but you can usually find one perfect for you by the description on a spa menu.

• French pedicure: a classic which uses long-lasting nail varnish, whitens the tip and squares off your toenails
• Intensive paraffin wax pedicure: warm wax is rubbed into your nails, feet, and lower legs to moisturise and soften them
• Gel or Shellac pedicure: clear or coloured gel is bonded to your nails with UV light for a long-lasting glossy finish
• Luxury pedicure: a whole-foot treatment usually including massage, softened paraffin wax and heated towels, or a wrap which warms and soothes your feet as well as softening and hydrating your nails.

Home Pedicure

If you want to try your hand at a DIY pedicure, it is worth investing in all the essential foot care and beauty treatments. A decent home spa pedicure requires a foot file and foot scrub, a lavish foot mask and good quality foot cream or lotion. Start with a relaxing foot soak in warm water and take the time to enjoy a mindful foot massage. 

For beautiful toenails you'll need: nail polish remover, a nail file, toe separators, nail buffer and clippers and this season's hottest nail polish colour. You may even want to try your hand at nail art! Finish off with a nourishing cuticle oil to work into the nail bed. 

Pedicure hot tips!

Choose a qualified nail technician who has evidently high standards of hygiene. Likewise if you have any foot infections, fungal or otherwise, it is better if you get those treated medically first.

Choice of footwear is crucial. You don't want to have to push newly high-gloss finished toenails into socks and shoes for your travel home. Spa-standard nail polish may take up to 12 hours to dry completely (unless you're having a gel polish pedicure, which dries instantly). Whatever your feet arrive in, we recommend that you have flip-flops or open sandals to wear afterwards.

This article was updated in November 2018