How to Do a Pedicure

You can do a proper pedicure procedure at home. Taking care of your feet makes you feel good and is a luxurious way to keep your feet healthy. Your feet contain nerves that aid every function of the human body. Here you may learn how to give yourself a pedicure to care for your feet and uplift your mood.

Doing a pedicure procedure

The steps are simple. You may skip some steps such as cuticles or base coat if you lack time.

Gather supplies – Have your supplies ready before you start. If you keep most of these supplies in a caddy, you can easily move them to any room in the house.

Cotton balls and non-acetone polish remover to remove old nail polish
A buffing block and nail file for shaping and smoothing nails
An orangewood stick and cuticle oil for grooming cuticles
A foot scrub of your choice and a small basin of warm water to soak your feet
A towel for drying your feet or catching drips
Moisturizer
A base coat polish and your favorite nail polish color

Prepare your nails – Think of this step as creating a clean canvas on which to paint. Remove old nail polish using your cotton balls and nail polish remover.

Shape your nails – First, use a nail file to shape your nails. Then use the buffing block on the flat surface of each toenail. Buffing will smooth your nails and help remove any stains.

Soak and scrub feet – Soak your feet for about ten minutes. Then use your foot scrub to smooth and exfoliate the skin. You can dry your feet using a towel or let them air-dry.

Cuticles and moisturizing – soften your cuticles using your cuticle oil, and use an orangewood stick to gently push your cuticles toward the nail bed. Use your moisturizer to soften your feet.

Polish your nails – Apply your base polish first and allow it to dry. Then apply two thin coats of your regular nail polish. Allow the polish to dry between each coat. You may add a clear top coat afterward if you like. The top coat helps your pedicure last longer.

Fixing problem areas

Cracked heels

Perform this pedicure procedure at night. Using a pumice stone and a nail brush, clean your heels and pat them dry. Use a heavy-duty cream or moisturizing oil to massage your feet until the treatment absorbs into the skin. Use a double boiler to melt a candle. When the candle wax is slightly cool, brush it onto your heels with an inexpensive, 2-inch paintbrush. Allow wax to solidify. Wear cotton socks to keep the moisture on your feet and go to bed. When you wake up, remove the socks and peel off the wax. You can repeat this procedure daily if necessary.

Chipped nails

Mix one teaspoon of gelatin with water. Drink this daily for about two weeks. Also, keep the nails well-trimmed and short. The short length will strengthen the nail base.

Yellow nails

If your nails have turned yellow due to consistent use of nail polish, wear sandals or other shoes that allow air exposure. You may also rub a lemon slice on the nails daily, allowing the lemon juice to soak in.

Dry feet

Before going to bed, apply foot lotion, then cover your feet with cling wrap. Put on a pair of socks. By morning your feet should be much softer. If you are already using the cracked heel treatment, it will moisturize your feet as well.

Discovering Different types of pedicures

Salons may offer several pedicure options. You can choose the best pedicure procedure if you understand the differences between them.

Regular Pedicure

First, the aesthetician will soak your feet in warm water. He or she may add salts that smell good to the water. Next, your feet will be scrubbed with either a foot file or pumice stone to remove dead skin. After exfoliation, the technician will clip and file your toenails. Sometimes this treatment includes foot and calf muscles massage and moisturization. After your nails are dry, the polish is applied.

Spa Pedicure

A spa pedicure offers the regular procedure plus a few more amenities. The technician typically offers paraffin wax treatments, a salt scrub or a mud mask to help smooth the skin. This extra pampering can also aid in exfoliating and moisturize the feet.

Stone Pedicure Procedure

In this procedure, the aesthetician uses warm stones to help sore muscles to relax. Some salons also offer a foot rub using essential oils. The nail technician may also rub down your calf muscles with essential oils and stones.

Mini Pedicure

This pedicure procedure takes less time than the others. Salons do not usually offer massage or foot exfoliation with a mini pedicure. The nail technician will remove your polish and file your nails, then apply polish in your preferred color.

Specialty Pedicures

Depending on the salon, you may get one or several options for specialty procedures and products. For example, a spa may offer a chocolate foot scrub, mask or lotion.

Some salons offer specialty pedicures like a Margarita Pedicure or a Champagne Pedicure. Alcohol is not part of the pedicure procedure. Instead, these names often refer to scents or products involved such as lime salt scrubs or grape seed scrubs, oils, and masks. However, the salon may also offer an adult beverage to clients who are of age.

Preventing infections and injury

Be mindful of causing injury when doing your pedicure. Otherwise, infections and damage may occur. Use these pedicure tips to avoid problems.

Wash or disinfect hands and feet thoroughly before and after doing your pedicure.
Spraying an antiseptic spray on your feet before your pedicure may help prevent bacterial infection.
Make sure you cut or file toenails straight across. Do not try to curve them. Only round toenails a little at the corners to match the shape of your toes. You may use clippers to take off the underside of the corners. This method keeps your nails from digging into your skin as they grow.
If you use an orangewood stick or any other cuticle pusher, do not dig into the skin. Only push back the transparent area of the cuticle. Use light pressure to push the cuticle back or you could damage the nail or nail bed, which could cause an infection.
If you have severe calluses, do not attempt to remove them in just one session. If the callous is deep, it may take several months or more to get healthy skin back. File them using an 80-grit file paddle. Do not cut the callus with a blade. If healthy tissue is also cut, it could cause infection.
Always disinfect any pedicure tool after use to prevent a possible spread of bacteria. Rinse and dry your tools and store them in a sealable container.

Protecting your skin and nails

Understanding proper methods of self-care keeps your skin and nails looking healthy.

Washing hands

Washing your hands is good for preventing infections but can be a problem if done too often. Excessive washing can rob your body of vital oils. Lack of this moisture can result in nails splitting or peeling.

Handling chemicals

Too much exposure to chemical cleaning agents can damage the skin and nails. Use gloves when using foot peels or other harsh chemical agents.

Using beauty products

Beauty products such as moisturizers should be used according to package recommendations. Many beauty products do contain chemicals. Be careful when using a new product, to prevent any allergic reactions or problems with the skin or nails.

Treating infections

A medical professional should look at any diseases of the nail or skin. The healthcare provider can offer proper treatment. This is especially important for diabetics, who may not be able to feel small cuts or scrapes on their feet.

You can easily do a pedicure at home. Follow the proper care guidelines to prevent infection. If you choose to visit a salon, you will find more pedicure options. However, doing a pedicure procedure at home can save you money. Taking care of your feet helps make your pedicure treatments more effective.