Everything you need to know about getting a pedicure, its benefits and what to expect at your first pedicure session

Are you guilty of cramming your feet into poorly fitting shoes or high heels, enduring prolonged periods of standing, or walking barefoot around your home? Your feet are subjected to an array of taxing trials every day, the most important of which is carrying you around and giving you balance. 

It is therefore important to prioritise foot health to keep them functioning at their best. A professional pedicure treatment is a great way to provide the necessary care for your feet and pamper them. In fact, as far back as 2000 BC, the ancient Egyptians practised pedicures to address foot-related issues.

What is a pedicure?

A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment, specifically for the feet and toenails. During a pedicure, an aesthetician helps you soak your feet, exfoliates them and proceeds to offer you a cuticle and nail treatment. This includes nail cutting and grooming as well as a coat of nail polish or nail art. 

What to expect in a pedicure

Combining therapeutic and cosmetic benefits, a professional pedicure addresses issues such as dry and cracked feet, bunions, ingrown and overgrown nails, while also aiding in the prevention of infections. Executed with precision and thoroughness, a skilled pedicurist embarks on a 30- to 45-minute session that includes the following steps using meticulously sanitising tools.

• Prep:

  The first step is the removal of nail paint, if applicable. Toenails are then trimmed with nail clippers and filed to a desired length and shape using a nail file. At this stage, the pedicurist also addresses in-grown nails by trimming and filling them down, providing relief from pain.

• Warm soak:

  A cuticle softening cream is applied on and around the toenails and your feet are soaked in a warm foot bath that usually has Epsom salts. The foot bath helps in softening the skin and relaxing the muscles.

• Exfoliation:

  Following the foot bath, the pedicurist works on removing the dead skin and calluses on the foot. The initial focus is on the cuticles (the skin around the base of the nail). The pedicurist will delicately push and trim any dry or dead skin around the toenails. Next, the attention shifts to the underside of the foot. A pumice stone and foot file are used to carefully smoothen tough calluses and remove dead skin. Finally, a scrub is used on your foot and leg (up to the calves) to further smoothen and soften the skin.

• Hydration and massage:

  This step is the highlight of the pedicure procedure for many people. The pedicurist uses a nourishing and hydrating moisturiser to expertly massage feet and legs using reflexology techniques, strategically applying pressure on energy points – the perfect way to release all the tension and knots in your muscles.

• Buff and shine:

  Lastly, you have the option to select from the latest nail polish shades of the season to adorn your toenails or opt for a natural look with a gentle buff and shine. (Pro tip: If you frequently apply nail paint to your toenails, it is recommended to take occasional breaks to reduce discoloration, dryness, etc. and give your nails a chance to heal.)

How often should you get a pedicure?

Typically you should get a full pedicure every month or month-and-a-half, which is to say about four to six weeks. This is usually the amount of time during which dead skin takes to build up on your feet.

It’s also approximately how long it takes for your nails to grow out of the original layer of nail polish or for the polish to get chipped or tarnished. A pedicure also helps avoid ingrown nails.

What are the benefits of a regular pedicure from a professional?

While routine pedicure procedures certainly contribute to overall toenail hygiene and foot health, there are additional advantages as well.

• Stimulates blood circulation:

  Regular pedicures from a professional help in increasing blood flow, promoting healthy blood circulation. This is important in alleviating pain and muscle tension, enhancing joint mobility, and promoting skin regeneration. 

• Relief from backache:

  Hardened skin and calluses on the soles of your feet are not only painful, but also cause an inequitable distribution of body weight on your feet, potentially leading to back pain. Thorough exfoliation and proper care help in this, thereby reducing back pain and improving posture.

• Promotes relaxation and boosts mental health:

  Busy schedules leave little time for self-care and relaxation. Pedicures offer the perfect opportunity to take time out for yourself, rejuvenate your body and mind, and provide a confidence boost with well-groomed feet.

Can men get a pedicure too?

While pedicures are extremely popular among women, foot care is essential for all. It is important for both men and women to take time out for regular professional pedicures. Some podiatrists endorse pedicures as part of a healthy foot care routine. 

Should you invest in a pedicure during winter?

While summer and sandal season naturally provide an excuse to flaunt those freshly pedicured toes, your feet are more ignored during winter as they are typically always covered. Being confined in socks/shoes all day makes them more susceptible to infections, while the dry winter air causes dehydration, which can lead to cracked heels and brittle nails. Pedicures are not just about pretty feet, but also about maintaining good health and hygiene. It is, therefore, as important to take care of your feet during winter as it is during summer.

Now that you know all about pedicures and their benefits, why not book yourself for one? Also, remember to invest in a good foot cream to keep your feet soft and smooth till your next pampering session.