Should I Get a Pedicure?

Everything You Need To Know About This Pampering Experience

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Question: Should I Get a Pedicure?

Do I really need to get a pedicure? Can't I just care for my feet at home? Lastly, what happens during a pedicure? I've never had a pedicure, but I am intrigued.

Answer:

If you've never had a pedicure, you are missing out on one of life's best pampering treats. But it seems that so many people I know have never had one because of some silly reason, such as they think their feet are ugly. If that is what is holding you back, it's time to adjust your thinking.

They say that the average person walks the equivalent of four times around the world in their lifetime. Don't you think your feet deserve a little pampering? No one thinks they have pretty feet; heck, I know mine are far from pretty, but that's not going to stop me from going to get a pedicure. Let me walk you through the treatment so you can make that first appointment. I promise you'll thank me for it when you're done.

What Happens During A Pedicure

When you first get to your appointment, you'll take off your socks and shoes, roll up your pants and start soaking your feet in a bubbling foot tub. Make sure that you grab some magazines before you start soaking. Most of the time, you get to relax in a massaging chair. Look for the massage remote; they may forget to tell you about it. By soaking your feet you are softening the skin and nails so that the next steps are easier.  

Once your nail technician is ready to begin, they'll sit in front of you on a stool taking one foot at a time to clean, trim and file the nails into a nice shape. They will also push down and possibly trim your cuticles. If you are uncomfortable with the step involving your cuticles, just let them know. While they are working on one foot, the other will enjoy the soak and bubbly massage as you relax and read your magazines.

After your nails are trimmed and your cuticles have been cleaned up, you'll be ready to have your feet exfoliated. Sometimes all they need is a foot file, but other times they use electrical files. Don't be scared, and don't feel funny. I'm a proud owner of feet that need the electrical file, it's normal, and no one is judging you or your the state of your feet if an electrical file is needed. Using a foot scrub, they will work on the calloused areas of your feet and do a general exfoliation of your entire foot. An exfoliator is a cream with rough grains or salt in it to slough off the dead skin cells and reveal softer skin. Again, while one foot is being exfoliated, you'll be soaking the other.

When both feet are smooth as can be, you'll get the best part of all, a foot and leg massage. The technician will apply a thick moisturizer and give you a fantastic foot and leg massage. They, of course, do not massage your entire leg, just up to your knee or right below the knee.

After you have had both feet dried and massaged, it's time to clean the nails again for the polish. You usually pick the polish before you even sit down, and you'll have probably 100 to choose from. Go daring on your toes; anything goes. Your technician will put little toe separators on your feet and paint a clear coat, two colored coats and a top clear coat. You'll most likely then be given cheap little flip-flops so you can walk over to the drying table. There are UV lights under this table where you can sit for about 10 minutes to help your nails harden. Make sure you bring sandals or flip-flops to wear home; toe nails take a long time to fully dry and you can easily smudge your polish. 

Bottom Line

Don't let personal hang-ups about your feet let you miss out on one of life's most inexpensive treats. Everyone deserves a pedicure a few times a year, even during the winter. If you are looking for a cheaper option, go to a beauty school. You can score a pedicure for less than half of what you would at a salon.