Pedicures 101
No matter what age you are, man or woman, a pedicure is one of the best ways to enjoy a little moment to yourself and take some stress away. Our feet are used all day, every day, so why not give them a small break every now and then? A pedicurist is a licensed esthetician that specializes in the treatment of the feet. A common way to be pampered and spoiled is to receive a pedicure. Whether you stand all day at work or sit at a desk, having a pedicure can give your feet the necessary attention that they need to feel rested and rejuvenated.
Wearing comfortable clothing is important during your pedicure since you will be resting with your feet up and pants may need to be rolled up to the knees. Although a pedicure will not take a large amount of time, you will want to allocate at least an hour so that you have ample time to let the nails dry. This will avoid any damage to your newly painted nails. Be sure to wear open-toed shoes to your pedicure appointment and do not plan on walking for long distances immediately after your pedicure.
One important aspect of a pedicure is the massage itself during the pedicure. This foot massage can include reflexology to help stimulate circulation in the feet and soothe many nerves in the feet to help with the overall health of the body. Some foot massages will require the use of hot stones or special creams to achieve different results. A massage can be coupled with creams or oils to add moisture to dry or cracked feet during a pedicure. Usually a foot massage will include the lower calf as well to help stimulate the circulation of the legs.
The feet will need to be soaked to soften up any dry, rough skin and to make the cuticles easier to handle for the pedicure. Many footbaths will have bubbling action or vibration or even give heat to help stimulate circulation in the feet and soften up the skin. Adding Epson salts, herbs, or oils to the water during a pedicure will also help moisturize the skin and give your feet a cleaner, healthier feeling. During the foot soak, a foot at a time will be worked on with a pumice stone to remove any dead skin and smooth out rough spots on the bottoms and sides of the feet. Once this has been done, the feet will soak once more for a short duration.
Out of the water, cuticles will be pushed back and trimmed, if necessary. The toenails will be cleaned of debris, both on the sides and underneath. Cutting and shaping the toenails is necessary if you have gone quite some time in between pedicures or if your nails are cracked, split, or damaged in any way. Having a set of evenly cut and shaped toenails is a great way for your feet to sparkle, especially during the warm months or at a pool where they will be out for everyone to see.
If there is any old polish on the toenails, it will need to be removed before new polish is added. Buffing the nails can make your toenails shine before you have polish applied, whether you choose color or a neutral tone. For many clients, having designs on the big toe is a great way to spice up your pedicure and give a sense of individuality. Crystals can be glued onto the toenail, airbrushing techniques can give you designs, or even small splashes of color are great ways to dress up your toes.
