What is a Pedicure?
A pedicure is a therapeutic beauty treatment which is designed to improve – or maintain – the appearance and condition of the feet and toenails.
A pedicure can be thought of as a manicure for the feet. There is a variety of pedicure treatments to choose from but most pedicures comprise foot exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, nail filing, cuticle neatening, and the application of one or more nail polishes. Nowadays, many pedicures see the lower half of the legs massaged also, making the experience all the more luxurious for spa guests.
What to expect during pedicure treatment?
A spa pedicure treatment may vary depending on the type of pedicure you have chosen. However, you can typically expect the following during your treatment:
Step #1 – Cleanse and soak: Your spa pedicure will begin with a therapeutic foot bath or spa. Your feet will be soaked and cleansed in warm water, in order to soften and prep the skin. Some spas may provide a massage chair for guests to sit in at this stage, and/or some reading material, if desired.
Step #2 – Cut, file and shape: Your nail technician will then remove one of your feet from the footbath so that they can trim and file each of your toenails into an attractive and uniform shape. The other foot will be left to soak in order to allow your cuticles to remain soft and easy to manipulate.
Step #3 – Cuticle care: Once the nails on each of your feet have been shaped, your therapist will apply a cuticle cream to each of your toenails and then gently push the cuticles back, to make them neater.
Step #4 – Exfoliation: After taking care of your cuticles, your therapist will then use an exfoliant cream and a foot file to remove any dead skin cells present on the bottoms of your feet. In some cases, a more powerful electronic file may be used to remove tougher patches of skin (don’t worry – this is a completely safe and pain-free procedure).
Step #5 – Moisturise and massage: When the exfoliation stage is complete, you will then be treated to a pleasurable, unwinding acupressure or reflexology-based foot massage. Your pedicurist will use rich creams and aromatherapy oils within your massage to refresh and soften your skin. Your lower legs may also be massaged during this stage of the treatment to help relax you.
Step #6 – Polish application: Once your feet are feeling silky smooth, it’s time to apply the polish of your choice! Your coloured polish will be applied between a base coat and a top coat, to boost its durability and to provide extra protection for your nails. You may be instructed to place your feet under a UV lamp temporarily once painted to speed up the drying process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The pedicure can last up to 60 minutes, making it a real pampering treat. The treatment may be shorter, depending on the package you choose. Another option you might see offered is the file and polish. Available for the fingers and toes, this simply involves nail shaping and application of nail polish. In some cases, moisturiser may be massaged into the skin. The treatment takes up to 30 minutes.