Everything you need to know about a Pedicure

The word ‘pedicure’ comes from the Latin words ‘pedis’, which means foot, and ‘cura’, which means care. A pedicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment performed over the feet and toenails so as to improve the appearance of the feet and their nails. Pedicures procedures are somewhat similar to a manicures procedure. However, usually a pumice stone is used in a pedicure to rub off dead skin cells on the bottom of feet. Pedicures, just like manicures, are performed on both sexes.

Pedicures are performed at salons and can be done at home as well as their procedures are simple. A pedicure begins with the removal of any nail polish or enamel on the toenails, followed by a pedicurist soaking the client’s feet in warm water. The water usually constitutes of shampoo or salts, and fresh flowers can also be added for fragrance. The water allows that skin on the feet to soften, and it makes it easier to push back the cuticles and remove thick, hard calluses. After soaking the feet for 15 minutes, the pumice stone is run over the feet and worked under the soles so that dead skin is removed. Usually, a foot scrubber is used at this point as well to make the feet soft and clean. After the feet are dried with a towel, nail clippers are used to clip the toe nails straight to avoid ingrown nails. The nails are filed with a nail file or Emory board in one direction to give a soft square shape and slightly rounded at the corners. By using the tipped orange stick, the cuticles are pushed back after cuticle moisturizer has been applied to it. A cuticle pusher or clipper can be used to push back the toenails’ cuticles as well. Cuticle nippers are then used to trim the loose skin. An acetone remover is applied to get rid of the extra oils on the nails. A rich moisturizing cream is massaged on the feet to trap the moisture in the skin and to keep them soft. Finally, a thin base coat (using 3 strokes, on down the middle, and then one on each side) is applied to the toenails which are separated with a toe separator. After waiting for a minute, two coats of your favorite polish is added on top and then finished with a thin top coat. Any errors are cleaned up with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton and dipped in acetone remover. You’re all set with a classic pedicure this way and ready to put on your favorite stilettos.

Therefore, the basic tools required for a pedicure are: acetone, cotton balls, cuticle cream, cuticle pusher or cuticle nipper, foot bath, lotion, nail file, nail polish, orangewood sticks, toe separators, toenail clippers, nail brush, towels, and pumice stone. The supplies needed for a pedicure are as follows: base coat, cuticle creams, cuticle oil, cuticle remover, liquid nail polish, nail conditioner, varnish, massage lotion, top coat polish, nail polish remover, cotton balls, socks, and a towel.

Just as the hand nails need pampering and care, our toenails need to be groomed as well. Our feet are the most used part of the body. We tend to stuff them in uncomfortable but stylish stilettos, or packed sneakers and they bear our weight throughout the day. In order for them to look pretty and for all the hard work they do, they deserve pampering. Clean, healthy nails and unblemished feet always look gorgeous in any kind of footwear. Pedicures have many benefits and need to be done regularly by individuals.  A pedicure helps prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. It promotes foot health in many different ways. Firstly, the cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails is extremely important because it prevents nails from growing inward and causing an infection. Secondly, the sloughing off of dead skin cells from the feet prevents the dead cells from accumulating and causing painful bunions or corns. Removing the dead skin cells also allows newer skin cells to emerge and give the feet a smoother and softer feel. Finally, the foot massage portion of a pedicure is very important in promoting foot health because it increases circulation to the feet. Increased circulation improves agility in the feet and reduces the pain that results from being on one’s feet all day. It also maintains the health and performance of foot muscles.

Therefore, pedicures should be done regularly, either at home or at the salon, because they are worth the time and cost!