Complete Guide to Pedicure: Purpose, Types, Benefits & Foot Care

A pedicure improves the appearance of the feet and toenails. It also enhances blood circulation and provides a relaxing effect. This service is similar to a manicure.

The pedicure service offers numerous benefits, including the prevention of nail diseases and disorders, as well as both cosmetic and therapeutic advantages.


pedicure

A pedicure involves working on the toenails and using a pumice stone—along with other tools—to remove dead skin cells from the soles of the feet. Nowadays, leg care extending below the knee is also typically included as part of a pedicure.

Regular monthly treatments should suffice to keep the feet and toenails in good condition; however, cases involving excessively hardened skin or severe issues may require more frequent treatments at two- or three-week intervals.


Purpose of a Pedicure

  1. To improve the appearance of the feet and toes.
  2. To soothe and relax tired feet.
  3. To soften and smooth the hardened skin on the soles of the feet.


A Pedicure Includes:

  1. Shaping the toenails
  2. Cuticle treatment
  3. Removal of hardened skin
  4. Specialized foot treatments
  5. Foot and leg massage
  6. Nail Varnish Application


Types of Pedicures

There are following types of pedicure:


pedicure

Regular Pedicure

A regular pedicure is the most common type of treatment. This method begins with a warm foot soak and a foot scrub. 

This method is followed by clipping the nails, shaping or filing the edges, pushing back the cuticles, massaging the feet, moisturizing, and applying nail polish if the client wishes. 

This type of pedicure is suitable for those who prefer a simple and straightforward maintenance treatment.


French Pedicure

This type of pedicure is popular among women. It involves the same process as a regular pedicure. However, what distinguishes it is the style of nail polish application. 

A clear or nude base coat is first applied to the nails, followed by a solid white nail polish. A French pedicure is a classic nail trend that has been around for a long time. It makes your feet look clean, chic, polished, sophisticated, and stylish.


Paraffin Pedicure

If the client's feet are dry and cracked, a paraffin pedicure provides excellent results. In this treatment, the feet are soaked in paraffin wax to help soften and moisturize the skin. Paraffin contains an alkaline wax substance that has hydrating properties.

The feet can be wrapped in plastic before soaking in the wax treatment.  Warm paraffin wax opens the skin's pores and helps nourish it. This is a popular choice for those who want youthful and soft-looking feet.


Hydrating and Healing Pedicure 

This includes all the essential steps of an express pedicure. The only difference is that this type of pedicure involves scrubbing the bottom of the foot with an exfoliating scrub, applying a moisturizing mask, and massaging the lower leg and foot.


Athletics / Sports Pedicure

This type of pedicure is good for sporty and athletic clients. Athletes often run, exercise in the gym, or participate in other sports, so their feet and legs are under more pressure and are more prone to wear and tear. 

Active and sporty people often experience more foot problems, including athlete's foot. They typically have thick calluses, blisters, and nail injuries.  

This procedure is performed when a beauty therapist cleans and trims your nails, removes dead skin, massages your soles, and relieves muscle tension. By the end of the pedicure, your feet will look clean and tidy, and feel fantastic.


Contra-indications that prevent treatment


Fungal infections

These types of infections spread very quickly and often spread and can appear soft and spongy. For example: athlete's foot (ringworm of the foot) and ringworm of the hands.


Bacterial infections

These infections are typically characterized by swelling, tenderness, and redness in the area. For example: paronychia, onychia.


Viral infections

These infections are very common, and treatment can be optimized by using waterproof dressings and avoiding contact with the area. For example: verrucavulgaris (common warts), verruca (foot warts).


Contra-Actions 

Contra-actions are things that can occur after treatment, including allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, stinging, etc. Several side effects can be seen after a pedicure treatment:

  1. ErythemaRedness of the skin due to deuterodilation of blood vessels, a reaction to external stimuli or infection. Apply cold cream.
  2. Allergy to nail enamel—Redness around the nail area, including areas that have been touched. Watery eyes, itchy skin, and a rash. Apply cold nail polish to areas that are away from contact with the eyes. Inform the client if the condition does not improve within 24 hours.
  3. Allergy to oil—Rinse with water, apply a cold compress, and advise a general practitioner if the condition does not improve within 24 hours.
  4. Allergic reaction (e.g., redness, irritation, or swelling). Remove the product and apply a cold compress. If the condition persists, seek medical advice.
  5. Applying heat to the nail plate: Too much pressure while buffing the nail in the wrong direction. Stop buffing and apply a cold compress.
  6. Skin irritation or swelling.
  7. Swelling in the area.
  8. Applying heat to the nail plate: Redness.


Aftercare & Home Care

  1. To prolong the life of the varnish, wear suitable gloves or a special barrier cream when performing any dirty work or other tasks involving the use of water or chemicals, such as gardening, laundry, hairdressing, or car maintenance.
  2. Do not cut the nails or surrounding skin, and keep a sharpening board available to handle the ragged free edge of the nail to reduce the temptation to bite.
  3. After the pedicure treatment, please allow sufficient time for the nails to dry before leaving.
  4. Use moisturizing hand cream and lotion regularly.
  5. Avoid using your nails as tools; use your fingertips instead of your nails.


Do's and don'ts

  1. Don't polish near a fan.
  2. Don't move your nails back and forth.
  3. Don't cut your toenails into a pointed shape.
  4. Don't apply thick layers of nail polish.
  5. Always use acetone-free nail polish remover.
  6. Clean your nails with remover before polishing. 


Product knowledge


Matte topcoat

A matte topcoat is a non-glossy matte finish.


A nail polish correcting pen

For cleaning up around the nail bed and giving your nails a professional finish.


Striping tape

This very thin metallic tape can be applied and placed on the nail to enhance your nail art.


Transfer foils

Foil paper creates a cool design when you paint your nails the desired base color, apply clear glue overtop, and then quickly press and pull off the tape.


Dotter Tool

Whether you want to create small or large dots on your nails, or construct a design using a series of circles, this tool creates perfectly precise dots—of any size—in just seconds.


Striper brush 

This is a small, thin paint brush. This tiny brush helps create thin lines and intricate details.


Nail stickers/wraps 

If you don't have time to create cool nail art, choose a premade design and press it onto your fingers for notice-me nails.


Good-quality staple shades

A translucent pink, classic red, and opaque white and black polish should be in your nail kit not only because they are classic, but also because they are often used when creating nail art.


LED nail lamp

Most gel polishes require an LED lamp to cure or harden the nail polish for a long-lasting result.


Aftercare advice:

1. Reapply the top coat to the nail every few days to maintain the design.

2. Use rubber gloves when cleaning and washing.

3. Avoid using your nails as tools to scratch labels or remove dirt stuck in cracks.

4. Apply cuticle oil to your nail beds every day.

5. Don't file your nails unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to, file gently and carefully, always in a downward direction.

6. Always wear gloves when doing general household cleaning and gardening, hobbies that are rough on your hands, or using harsh chemical products.

7. Avoid using your nails for activities such as picking up feces or anything else.

8. Don't use any products that may contain solvent oils, which can severely damage the color. These oils can be found in some suntan oils and insect repellents.

9. To avoid discoloration on vacation, make sure you wash off any chlorine from your hands after swimming and dry your nails before sunbathing.

10. If there's any weight lifting, make sure you don't pick or pull on the nail. Calluses so we can assess the nail and decide if a pair is necessary.

11. Polish and blend any overgrown gels at the base of each nail. This not only looks beautiful but also means you can put off getting refills for a few more days.

12. Be sure to book in a gel removal before your next treatment to ensure there's no damage to the natural nail.

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