Step by Step Guide to Pedicures

By Nicola | 13/05/2020 |

Pedicures are one of my favourite treatments to do on myself. I tend to complete it in an evening in front of the TV. To truly relax I give myself a pampering pedicure when I’m home alone.

Therefore with the sunny weather being on its way, I decided I should give my followers a step by step guide. This guide is easy to follow for any ability, age or gender. I hope you enjoy my tips and steps and try it for yourself.

Before you start a pedicure you should remove any nail varnish. Shape your nails with a file or trim with straight edge clippers. Its important to use straight nail clippers to prevent cutting nails at an angle can cause an ingrowing nail.

Step 1: Firstly fill a foot spa or washing up bowl with warm water. Add some of your favourite foot soak or bubble bath. I love products that smell of citrus and if they include tea tree as well its even better. Tea Tree has lots of different properties including it being a natural antiseptic. When I have had athletes foot I use a tea tree mix to help relieve the symptoms.

Step 2: Before submerging your feet, check the temperature. Soak your feet in the bowl for approximately 10 minutes to warm and soften skin. This would be the perfect time to turn on any setting on your foot spa.

Step 3: Next remove each foot in turn and gently use a orange stick/cuticle pusher to push any excess cuticle back to remove from your nail plate. I also use a cuticle eraser cream which helps remove any excess cuticle from the nail plate.

Step 4: When you feel ready remove your feet from water. Then apply foot scrub over sole of the the feet especially paying attention to any hard dry areas of skin. Depending your you foot scrub you may need to dry your feet first. A sugar based scrub normally needs to be applied to dry skin. So its always best to follow the instructions on the product.

Step 5: Put feet back in spa/bowl and gentle remove the foot scrub. You could use a cloth or your hand if required. Once the product is removed take each foot out of the water and go to step 6.

Step 6: Next use a foot rasp. Move the rasp in the same direction on any hard stubborn areas. DO NOT apply too much pressure as you only want to be remove the dead skin cells. By rubbing to hard you can make your feet soar and cracked.

Step 7: Remove feet from the water and dry fully with a towel. Ensuring you dry in between your toes so you are not leaving any moist area.

Step 8: Apply your favourite nail varnish. Use one coat of base coat, followed by 2 coats of colour and then a top coat. Some nail varnish brands do not need a base or top coat. For example CND Vinylux weekly wear you only use a colour and top coat, this is what I use. If you do not want to paint your nails you can skip this step.

Step 9: Lastly using your favourite foot cream/body butter/foot lotion/moisturiser and massage into your feet and lower legs. This helps add moisture back to your skin. If you don’t have a cream or lotion you can always use a oil. After applying the lotion you may wish to wear a pair of cotton socks to help moisturise your feet.

Tips:

Before applying nail varnish its best to use a little nail varnish remover to remove any excess oil.
Right handed people should start applying nail varnish on your left foot little toe. That way you are not leaning across your already painted nails. Therefore if you are left handed start on your right foot little toe.
When applying nail varnish apply a base coat to the nail first to avoid staining the nail.
Try to apply nail varnish in 3 strokes. One in the middle of the nail and one either side. Always start from the cuticle and stroke towards the free edge of your nail.
Finish with a top coat, leave completing to dry.
Try to leave a little bit of time between each application of nail varnish to allow to dry.
Be careful on the fragrances you use as this could be stimulating which would not be ideal if you are doing the pedicure before bed.

I use CND spa range for my pedicure treatments, who I completed my training with. Therefore I still purchase CND spa range today, I love the quality of these product. I am able to sell these items to clients so please message for any information.