How do you pull off that perfect salon pedicure, right at the comfort of your own home? Just follow the tips below and your on your way to just that — the perfect pedicure.
1. Don’t Shave Before a Pedicure
Shaving your legs before a pedicure can do more harm than good. This is because bacteria are likely to get into your body thru tiny cuts on newly shaved legs. Different kinds of bacteria live in tap water and stay in a dirty footbath. These can cause hard-to-treat infections, so wait until after your pedicure to shave.
2. Remove Previous Pedicure
Dark shade color such as purple and red can stain your nails if you leave them on for more than 2 weeks. You can use an acetone polish remover to remove stains. When doing your polish, use a clear base coat first.
3. Nourish Skin for Softness
If you have dry and cracked feet you need to apply a cream with moisturizing ingredients, like sweet almond oil and shea butter. Apply and massage cream, to do your feet some good.
Remember to pay special attention to the cuticle area. Push your cuticles back but never cut them, as they protect your nails.
4. Soften Calluses Carefully
Corns and calluses can harden your skin and can crack and hurt if they get too thick. During your pedicure, don’t let the technician use a razor on your feet, as this can raise the risk of infection. Instead soak your feet in warm water for at least 5 minutes at your home. You can use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub to remove the calluses.
5. Trim Your Toenails Correctly
To prevent ingrown toenails and to keep them strong, cut your toenails straight across to trim them in between pedicures. File your nails slightly so it is rounded in the center. Before polishing your nails, use a manicure stick to gently clean underneath them.
6. Avoid Color Clash
Wear the same shade of polish on your toes and finger as much as possible. This will help you look more finished. You can use 2 different shade colors but just make sure they coordinate.
7. Go Natural or Bare
Let your toenails breathe by going bare or natural once in a while. Nails need to breathe and have moisture, but nail polish acts as a barrier. Skip the nail polish for at least a week or longer.
