Here’s how to do a salon quality pedicure at home: 8 steps to the perfect pedi!
Pedicures at the spa are lovely, but did you know you can get a salon-quality pedicure at home?
Wait, stay with me here, girl! You can do your pedicure at home on yourself with the right tools and instructions! The best part? Your feet and wallet with thank you! Here’s how to do your own at home pedicure step by step!
How to give yourself a pedicure at home
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1. Remove old nail polish
The first thing you want to do is remove any old nail polish. Allow your toenails to breathe.
Nox-toxic nail polishes are great at removing nail polish without severely drying out nails which traditional nail polish removers tend to do. Here’s a list of my top non-toxic nail polish removers.
2. Soak Feet
Once you have removed all of your nail polish, it’s time to soak your feet (which is my favorite part!).
You can soak your feet in a flat bucket and even the tub! However, if you truly want a spa-level pedicure, I recommend this right here. I purchased mine a few years, and I use it often, especially because I wear heels and attend spin classes often. It warms the water, has bubbles, and a light to make me feel extra luxurious.
When soaking your feet, you want the water to be warm and hit right at your ankles.
I recommend soaking your feet for at least 10 minutes as this will soften your feet and cuticles. Additionally, it will make it easier to cut your nails and cuticles.
You can just soak your feet in regular water or do it big by adding things Epsom salt, essential oils, or even things like vinegar to help soften the feet.
Essential oils you can use for your pedicure:
Peppermint
It has a fresh scent and can help you stay alert and awake. It’s also good for someone who’s suffering from a slight headache or a clogged nose.
Lavender
It has anti-bacterial properties and promotes a calming and relaxing effect. It also has healing properties and is especially effective in treating minor scrapes, cuts, or burns. It can be used to treat athlete’s foot, can help with stress relief and relaxation, this oil is recommended to be added into the foot soak.
Tea tree oil
Has medicinal and healing properties, and those suffering from athlete’s foot.
Lemon Oil
Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, can clean toxins from the body and can help those suffering from athlete’s foot.
3. Clip toenails and shape
Once you have soaked your feet, lightly pat with a towel.
Now it’s time to clip your toes. Generally, you want to clip right after soaking your feet since your toenails will be softer after the foot soak.
I recommend cutting your nails straight across and avoiding cutting or digging deep into the corners of the nails as this may give you in-grown toenails.
Once clipped, you can then follow-up by shaping your toenails.
4. Push back your cuticles and cut, if need be
You know that white crust around your toenails that like to show-up and show-out around your toes?! It’s time to get them together.
Push back your cuticles and cut cuticles that need to be removed using a cuticle pusher. If your cuticles are super stubborn, I recommend looking into a cuticle remover cream or oil. While this doesn’t technically remove your cuticles if will make it easier to push them back or remove.
Once you have pushed back cuticles, run a cleaner along the base of the nail to remove excess cuticle and dead skin.
5. Soften your feet
Once your toenails have been shaped, it’s time to soften your feet. This is important as it gets rid of dead skin cells, improves circulation, and helps give you baby-soft feet that’s glowing.
Ways to soften your feet:
You can do this in a few ways:
Foot File/Scraper
A foot file does exactly what it says; files your feet! A foot scraper is usually made of metal with a bundle of tiny holes to help remove the dead skin. While scraping, its best to go in rounds by removing the thick skin gradually over a few sessions. This will ensure you aren’t too aggressive with your feet.
Pumice stone
You can use a pumice stone to scrub away dead skin. You want to make sure your skin is still a little damp as you never want to use a pumice on dry skin. You will want to apply the pumice to hard areas on your feet such as the balls of your feet, corns, and calluses.
Exfoliating scrub
You can make your own exfoliating scrub or purchase one such as this. Simply cover your feet in the exfoliating scrub cream, gently scrub and then rinse.
6. Hydrate & massage your feet
Your spa-level at-home pedicure is almost done!
Foot massages help to increase blood circulation so when you apply a foot lotion, I recommend combining with a foot massage.
I like to make my own foot cream which includes coconut oil, lavender oil, mint oil and shea butter but you can also purchase one for a very low price such as this.
7. Paint toenails
Now it’s time to paint the nails.
If you don’t have a sturdy hand when painting your nails or your nails tend to mess up from rubbing on your toes, I highly recommend investing in toe separators to keep your nail polish from smearing.
Hopefully, you already have some nail polish colors in mind. I recommend having these three types of nail polishes for your pedicure.
Types of nail polishes needed for pedicure
A base nail color
Applied first. This creates a barrier between your nail and varnish that helps protect your toenails from the damaging effects of nail polish. A base prevents staining and peeling, and it will give your polished nails a more even texture.
Colored Nail polish
Apply a bead of polish from the brush to your toenail (center of the toenail). Gently guide the polish to each part of your nail (middle, left then right) in three strokes. You want to make sure to apply thin coats.
Allow that thin layer to dry before applying a second layer for more color and coverage.
A top coat (shiny, matte, long-lasting)
A top coat makes your nail polish shine (which really gives you that salon-quality pedicure at home!). Additionally, top coat of nail polish can make your nail polish last longer by preventing chipping and fading.
Between each layer of nail polish, you want to ensure you are removing excess nail polish. You can do so easily with a q tip.
8. Enjoy your pedicure!
And there you go! Your salon-quality pedicure at home!
Tools you will need for a DIY pedicure at home
Here is a list of what to use for your pedicure at home:
-
- Nail polish remover & cotton balls (optional)
- Foot bowl or foot soak(optional)
- Essential oils & Epsom salt (optional)
- Nail files
- Cuticle pusher
- Foot file or scraper
- Foot scrub or pumice (optional)
- Nail Polish (Base, color, and topcoat)
- Moisturizer
Additionally, you can look into purchasing a foot kit that includes all the tools.
How to sanitize pedicure tools at home
You can clean your pedicure tools at home by wiping off any debris and then following up by washing with soap and water. To disinfect pedicure tools, rub with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. Additionally, you can soak your tools in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes.
To remove dirt and oil residue in your foot soak, use a magic eraser to remove the oily residue build-up that can leave a ring around your foot bath.
Aftercare Pedicure Tips
Maintaining Hygiene
To maintain the hygiene of your feet after a pedicure, it is essential to follow certain steps. Firstly, make sure to keep your feet clean and dry at all times. Avoid wearing closed shoes for long periods as they can trap moisture and lead to fungal infections. Also, make sure to change your socks regularly and wash them in warm water to kill any bacteria or fungi.
Additionally, it is advisable to use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean your pedicure tools before and after every use. This will help prevent the transmission of any infections.
Regular Moisturizing
Moisturizing your feet regularly is crucial to keep them soft and supple. After a pedicure, apply a thick layer of foot cream or lotion to your feet and massage it in gently. It is also recommended to wear socks overnight to lock in the moisture.
During the day, use a lighter moisturizer to prevent your feet from becoming too greasy. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and urea, as these can help hydrate and nourish your skin.
Avoiding Nail Damage
To avoid damaging your nails after a pedicure, it is important to be gentle with them. Avoid wearing tight shoes or high heels for a few days, as this can cause pressure on your toes and lead to ingrown toenails.
Also, be careful when trimming your nails and avoid cutting them too short or too close to the skin. This can cause pain and increase the risk of infections.
Finally, avoid using your toenails as tools to open cans or scratch surfaces. This can cause them to break or chip, and even lead to injuries.
Remember, taking care of your feet after a pedicure is just as important as the pedicure itself. Follow these tips to keep your feet healthy, soft, and beautiful.
Safety Precautions
Sterilizing Tools
Before you begin your at-home pedicure, make sure all of your tools are clean and sterile. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. You can sterilize your tools by boiling them in water for at least 10 minutes or using a disinfectant solution. Be sure to follow the instructions on the disinfectant solution carefully.
Avoiding Over-Trimming
When trimming your toenails, be careful not to cut them too short. Over-trimming can lead to ingrown toenails and other foot problems. Trim your nails straight across, and then use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. If you have trouble reaching your toes, use a footrest or ask someone for help.
Preventing Infections
To prevent infections, avoid using sharp tools to remove calluses or corns. Instead, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently exfoliate your feet. Also, avoid sharing your pedicure tools with others, and don’t use tools that have been used on someone else’s feet. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your doctor right away.
Remember to always be cautious when performing an at-home pedicure. Taking the proper safety precautions will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Understanding the Importance of Pedicure
Taking care of your feet is an essential part of personal hygiene. Your feet are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, and neglecting them can lead to many problems. A pedicure is not just a beauty treatment; it is also a way to maintain healthy feet. Here are some reasons why pedicures are important:
- Removes Dead Skin Cells: Pedicures involve exfoliating your feet, which removes dead skin cells and promotes healthy skin growth. Dead skin cells can accumulate and cause calluses and corns, which can be painful and unsightly.
- Prevents Infections: Pedicures involve soaking your feet in warm water, which helps soften the skin and prepare it for cleaning. This process also helps to prevent infections by removing any dirt or bacteria that may be present on your feet.
- Improves Blood Circulation: Massaging your feet during a pedicure helps to improve blood circulation, which is essential for maintaining healthy feet. Good blood circulation helps to prevent varicose veins and other circulatory problems.
- Relieves Stress: Getting a pedicure can be a relaxing experience that helps to relieve stress. It can be a great way to take some time for yourself and unwind after a long day.
In conclusion, pedicures are an important part of foot care that should not be overlooked. They help to keep your feet healthy, prevent infections, and promote relaxation. By taking care of your feet, you can ensure that they stay healthy and pain-free for years to come.
So this step-by-step how to have a spa-level pedicure at home! Do you give yourself pedicures or do tend to go to the salon? I would love to know below!
