Winter is here, as much as it calls for skin and hand care, foot care is equally important. You must be sitting in a group of fashion freak girls who keep ranting about ‘manicure pedicure’ and now you want some beauty treatment too. Before going to the salon with questions running through your mind like ‘What is a pedicure?’, ‘How much are pedicures?’ or ‘What are pedicure steps?’ Let us answer you this.
Many of us misinterpret pedicures as just cutting toenails and applying nail polish. But it includes far more than this, such as trimming, buffing, shaping, nail polishes, and much more to make your feet look attractive. In this blog, you’ll find a complete guide on pedicures and why they are worth each penny.
What is a Pedicure?
A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment of your feet and toenails to make them look attractive and healthy. It is a complete treatment that involves different steps to give you beautiful feet. Here are some important pedicure steps you need to know before sitting on the salon couch.
- Start with soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt. This helps improve blood circulation and exfoliate dead skin.
- Next comes the cleaning of cuticles. Remember not to cut them; instead, gently push the cuticles back and apply a moisturizer.
- Then, cut and shape your toenails with clippers and a sharp nail file.
- The next important pedicure step is foot massage. Use a moisturizer or a foot cream to massage your feet, especially heels and dry areas.
- After massaging your feet, buff your nails to make them smooth.
- Then, apply a high-quality base coat, nail polish, and a top coat. Make sure to let each layer dry before the next application.
- Finally, apply cuticle oil on the cuticles to make your toenails stay healthy and strong.
Benefits of a Pedicure
Now that you know ‘what is a pedicure,’ let us move on to why it is important. Pedicures are not only necessary to beautify your feet but are also beneficial for your health. Find below some benefits of pedicure overall on your health other than just appearance.
Hygiene
Pedicures improve body hygiene which eventually prevents you from many diseases. You can get clean feet and toenails which prevent many fungal infections that are caused by overexposure of moisture.
Improved Blood Circulation
Feet massage and soaking feet in warm water can improve blood circulation. Poor blood circulation can cause many problems like numbness of feet, swelling, or cold feet. You can easily prevent these issues with a good pedicure.
Prevention of Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails are another common issue that you can face due to negligence in timely trimming your nails in. This can happen when your nails start growing inside the skin. To prevent this, experts advise to timely cut your nails in a straight-across shape.
Self-Confidence
Now that you have beautiful feet after a complete pedicure treatment, you’ll gain more confidence. You won’t have to hide your feet and cracked heels anymore. Instead, flaunt your beautiful feet and nail art, and rock every look.
Types of Pedicures
Moving forward to the next section of our blog, what is a pedicure? After you’re familiar with pedicure’s meaning and the basics of pedicures, now it’s time for you to explore what are some types of pedicures and what are included in pedicures’ different types.
Basic Pedicure
Basic pedicures simply include cleaning and moisturizing feet and toenails. In addition to this cutting and filing the nail shape and applying regular nail polish and designs. These are the basic elements that each salon offers and must be included in any type of pedicure.
Gel Pedicure
Secondly, if you want to switch your regular nail polish with long-lasting gel nail polish, then go for a gel pedicure. It looks more glossy and lasts for 2-3 weeks with good care.
French Pedicure:
French pedicure includes regular pedicure with French toenail tips. For this ask your pedicurist to shape and design your nails with French nail art.
Spa Pedicure:
Spa Pedicure is a complete service that salons offer with add-ons to the basic pedicure. In this pedicure, you can expect soaking and exfoliation of your feet. Plus, you can get treatments like paraffin wax treatment, special massage, and hot stone treatment.
Chocolate Pedicure:
For chocolate lovers, try this chocolate Pedi treatment. In this treatment, you will be asked to soak your feet in molten chocolate, sounds yummy? Follow this with some chocolate scrubs and masks to get a soothing pedicure.
How Long is a Pedicure Treatment?
The answer to the question of how long is a pedicure treatment may vary from salon to salon and the types of treatment you choose. However, on average a basic Pedicure treatment lasts for around 30-45 minutes. It can also take longer, depending on what additional services are included in the pedicure, such as exfoliating and paraffin treatment to pamper your feet.
Moreover, medical pedicures that are used to treat cracked heels and fungal infections can last up to 90 minutes. So, the time taken to treat your nails changes with the type of treatment you want.
How Much Are Pedicures?
The cost of Pedicures depends upon what is included in a pedicure. A basic pedicure treatment in Los Angeles with cleaning, filing, nail polish, and nail designs can cost you between $30-$40.
If you are looking for some add-ons, then these prices can change. For paraffin wax treatment, you would have to pay an additional $8-$15. And if you want gel nail polish instead of regular polish, it costs $25 to $35 for gel polishes. Lastly, if you want a spa pedicure including exfoliation and massage, it will cost you between $45-$60 overall.
Conclusion
Foot care is just as essential as caring for your hands and skin. Now that you know what a pedicure is, you can see how it’s more than just a cosmetic treat. It boosts your confidence and supports overall foot health. From the luxurious spa pedicure to a quick classic one, there’s a pedicure for every budget and need. Next time you visit the salon, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge to choose a pedicure that suits you best. Pamper your feet, flaunt your fresh nails, and let every step you take make a stylish impression.
FAQs
How often should I get a pedicure?
It depends on your lifestyle and foot care needs. In general, every 4-6 weeks is ideal to maintain healthy and beautiful feet.
What’s the difference between a basic pedicure and a spa pedicure?
A basic pedicure includes trimming, shaping, and polishing your nails, while a spa pedicure adds extras like exfoliation, massage, and sometimes paraffin treatments for added relaxation and hydration.
Can pedicures help with cracked heels?
Yes, pedicures are a great way to get rid of cracked heels. They include exfoliation, moisturizing, and sometimes treatments like paraffin wax that can greatly improve dry or cracked heels.
How long does gel polish last on toenails?
With proper care, gel polish can last on toenails for 2-3 weeks, sometimes longer, without chipping or dulling.
What is the best pedicure type for dry feet?
A spa or paraffin pedicure is ideal for dry feet since these types offer deep moisturization and often include treatments to soften and hydrate the skin.
