How to do your own home pedicure

If you’ve had a professional pedicure before, you’ll know what I mean when I say it feels like walking out the salon with a pair of new feet. There’s nothing else like it. Half an hour of what looks like a dab here and a pat there by the pedicurist (AKA the foot fairy), and your tootsies are not just freshly clean, but a couple of pounds lighter, smoother, and well, how they should look. Because let’s face it, whether it’s the season for socks or sandals, there’s no excuse for unpleasant feet. But whether your local salon is closed by the time you finish work, you’re on a budget, or you’re so ticklish the thought of a pedicure sounds like torture, we’ve got you covered. It may not be consist of dabbing and patting after all, but our guide as to how to do your own home pedicure is a breeze. Now, who wants fresh feet? Here’s how to do your own home pedicure…

Trim and shape

It’s easier to cut and file when your toenails are dry unless you have thicker toenails (in which case you might find it easier to manoeuvre round them once they’re a bit softer). Always cut straight across and round the corners slightly so that it doesn’t dig in. Note: this does not mean to file far down the side as this can cause ingrown toenails which can be quite painful.

Cuticle work

Soak your feet in warm water to soften your cuticles. Adding soap, body wash or bubbles of your choice (the non-alcoholic kind) is optional, but it’ll certainly help give you fresher-smelling feet! Cuticle work in a professional salon consists of pushing and cutting the dead cuticles. However, use of a cuticle cutter can be dangerous (and painful) if you don’t know how to handle it. Many also make the mistake of using the point of a cutter to dig into the corners which can often result in bleeding and quite possibly an infection. We recommend using a cuticle stick to push up your cuticles and leaving all cutting to a professional.

To the heels

After 10-15 minutes of soaking, your heels should be soft enough to scrub. If your feet are prone to hard skin and cracks, make sure you’re using an effective pumice stone. The best we’ve come across is Mr. Pumice, which is much coarser than the average pumice stone, but it actually makes a difference.

New feet

A foot mask and hot towel aren’t essential, but if you have these elements to hand plus the time, then feel free to pamper yourself even more. If not, rinse and moisturise your feet (avoiding your toenails if you plan to polish them as the oil will prevent it from lasting). If you’re going sans-polish, treat the nails to some cuticle oil for added moisture.