A massage is probably one of the most well-known forms of self-care and pampering. It's also one of the gold standards for gift giving that involves pampering. We feel like a pedicure is truly an unsung hero. Often far more affordable than a full body massage, you get the benefit of extreme relaxation in half the time, for half the cost.
With self-care really taking off in the past few years, it’s important to know a few things about pedicures. We can’t have you missing out on this little slice of heaven. Pedicures are for anyone that wants to practice great foot hygiene and have the added benefit of relaxation.
Whether you are going to a luxury salon or reproducing a pedicure in the comfort of your own home, let’s go over all you need to know about your new favorite spa treatment.
What Is a Pedicure?
Let’s go over the basics. A pedicure is a wonderful warm bath for your feet. During this bath, there is the removal of the dead skin on your feet, extraction of any gunk from under your nails, shaping, filing, or trimming of your nails, an exquisite lower leg massage, trimming of your toenail cuticles, and optional coat of polish.
While pedicures can be a wonderful form of self-care they are also a really great way to practice good foot hygiene. All of the components that make up a pedicure need to be done anyway. You may as well make it a fun ritual that you actually enjoy!
This can certainly be accomplished in a salon or spa setting but it is also just as easy to do at home.
Here is what you need to stock up on to have a great home pedicure:
- A place to soak your feet. There are a ton of options here. You can use your own tub, a basin, or a container that can hold water deep enough to place your feet in. Heck, you could even sit on the edge of your sink and soak your feet if you really needed to. You also have the option of purchasing a foot spa for home use.
- Products are also important here. You’ll need a cuticle cutter, a pair of toenail clippers (regular nail clippers could work in a pinch), a nail file for shaping, a buffer to help exfoliate your feet, and lotion to add back in moisture. If you are planning on polishing your nails, you
In return for your investment, you get baby soft feet, improved circulation, and peace of mind knowing your feet can be sandal ready any time of the year.
How Long Do Pedicures Take?
A pedicure can be totally customizable at home or in a salon. You can add things like steamy towels, hot stones, luxurious scrubs and lotions, extra-long massages, and much more. The one thing you can be sure of is you will come away feeling like a new person with fresh skin on your gorgeous feet.
The great thing about pedicures is that you can fit them in at practically any budget and any time frame. It can be quick upkeep that lasts between 10 to 15 minutes or you can go all out and it could last up to 90 minutes.
Are Pedicures More Than Just for Special Occasions?
Pedicures are no longer just for special occasions like weddings or your annual beach trip. In order to keep your feet healthy, regular upkeep is best. This can look different for each person. It truly depends on the “wear and tear” you put on your feet each day.
There isn’t a one size fits all rule as to how often you should have a pedicure. If you have a really active lifestyle, you may want to opt for a pedicure more frequently.
Here is a guide that might help you decide how often.
Every Month
A pedicure lasting has a lot to do with the regular maintenance you put in as well. If you are keeping your nails neat and trim, hydrating your feet, and they aren’t constantly exposed to the elements or harsh working conditions then you could easily go a month in between your pedicure.
Every Two Weeks
If you have a lifestyle that includes lots of exposure to pollution, dirt, and you’re on your feet a lot, you may need a pedicure every two weeks. You see, in order to maximize how long your pedicure lasts you’d ideally want your feet covered in socks and shoes.
Think about it this way: in the summer months your feet tend to get dry more quickly, and if you are a person that wears nail polish they usually chip more frequently. In the summer months, your feet tend to be in sandals or open-toed shoes. This opens them up to be exposed to the elements much more frequently.
Maybe you are a ballroom dance instructor and your feet are in shoes that tend to be uncomfortable and you’re constantly walking around, or dancing. This all leads to wear on your feet and can create blisters or calluses. Your lifestyle and the weather can definitely have an impact on how frequently you might want to have a pedicure.
Having a pedicure twice a month will help your feet stay happy and healthy under these circumstances.
Every Week
For us, having a pedicure every week is not a stretch. If we are being honest, we would love a pedicure every week. If you have a really active lifestyle, you would likely agree with us. Our poor feet carry us through each and every activity we engage in. If you are active, that can add up to a lot of activity. That can equal some seriously tired and beat-up feet.
Tips To Help in Between Pedicures
If you really want to extend the life of your pedicure you have options. Most of these you probably already have at home. Here are some best practices you can add to your daily routine that will take no time at all.
- Exfoliate: While you are taking a shower a quick run of a buffer across your heels can go a long way in extending the life of your pedicure. Removing that dead skin regularly means less work in the long run. If you allow it to sit, it can accumulate into those calluses that feel like they require a power tool to remove.
- Cuticle Oil: Cuticle oil isn’t just for your hands. You have to admit you have seen the dry skin around your toenails. Applying a dab of cuticle oil around your toenails can add moisture to that parched area too.
- Top Coat: If you have polish on your toenails, you can always add an extra layer of topcoat a few days after the first application to extend the life of your polish.
- Lotion and socks: This has to be one of our favorites. Everyone should have lotion in their cabinet and hopefully, you have at least one pair of socks. Provided you didn’t just apply a fresh coat of paint, this is a great way to lock in some moisture. Simply lather your feet with your favorite lotion and slip into some cozy socks. If you leave that sit for around 30 minutes a couple of times a week you are sure to make your baby soft skin last.
- Treat Your Feet: Make sure you are taking a peek at your feet. Check for any blisters, sores, or rough spots, and treat them before they turn into something you really don’t want to deal with. Remember, prevention goes a long way in caring for your body.
Are Pedicures Worth It?
No, this is not a trick question. We are hoping that you have come to terms that you are going to love pedicures. What is there not to love? Hygiene is a part of our daily lives. While it is true it’s entirely up to us how we practice it, once you get in the swing of things, there is no going back.
Pedicures make your feet feel great and are a mood booster. The answer to the question is: YES!
Summary
There is no rule book when it comes to managing your personal hygiene. We can only give you gentle guidance on how to look and feel your best. If you feel like it might be time for a pedicure, you’re probably overdue for one. You see the signs are always there that a little preventative maintenance may be due.
At Spongellé, we understand the importance of having quality products to help to care for every inch of our body. This includes your feet. We handcrafted our pedi-buffers to ensure you always have a multi-functional tool in your beauty arsenal to help keep your feet healthy. From exfoliation to hydration, we have you covered.
Sources:
Foot Calluses | Vascular Health Clinics
How to Prevent and Treat Ingrown Toenails | Cleveland Clinic
