Ready to slip into sandal season? 🏖️ Whether you’re DIY-ing at home or booking a luxe nail salon appointment, one thing’s for sure: there’s no way we’re stepping into summer without a fresh pedicure that pairs perfectly with our breezy, sun-kissed OOTDs. But beyond the glossy polish and beach day excitement, ever wondered what really goes on during pedicures and why it’s more than just a beauty ritual? Consider this your all-in-one guide to anything and everything pedicure! From the different pedicure types to what to expect and how to prep and care for toenails, you can find all the information you need here. Let’s get this show on the road! What is a pedicure? Pedicures aren’t just a modern-day indulgence; they actually date back thousands of years (think early and ancient Egypt, China, and Babylonia civilizations!). What started as a hygiene practice has since evolved into the luxe self-care ritual we know and love today. So, what exactly is a pedicure? It is manicure’s equally pampered sibling, but for your feet. 🤭 It typically includes a soothing soak, gentle scrub, careful trimming and filing, and polishing with your preferred application. Some treatments even go the extra mile with foot masks, massages, and other moisturizing therapies to leave your feet feeling as good as they look. Common Types Of Pedicure The best type of pedicure for you really depends on your toenail sitch and how much time you’re working with. Whether you're after a quick maintenance, a luxurious pampering experience, or something more specialized, there’s a pedicure for every need! • Basic/Regular Pedicure: The go-to classic. It covers all the essentials: foot soaking, nail trimming and shaping, cuticle care, exfoliation, and a foot massage. Perfect for regular upkeep and a clean/polished look. • Gel Pedicure: Like the basic version, but with a durable and long-lasting upgrade. Unlike lacquers/regular polishes, gel polish gives you chip-resistant color and mirror-like shine that can last for weeks. This is ideal for vacations, celebrations, and other significant events. • Deluxe Spa Pedicure: For those days when only full-on pampering will do. This one adds luxurious extras like extended massages, hydrating foot masks, and sometimes even floral foot soaks. Think of this type as the ultimate skincare for your whole feet! • Express Pedicure: Short on time? This speedy version of a traditional pedicure focuses on nail care essentials: shaping, cleaning, and polishing. It's a lifesaver before a night out and for busybees, aiming to provide a fresh, well-done look in just 15-30 minutes. • Paraffin Pedicure: A deeply hydrating treat for your toes. This pedicure includes all the spa perks, plus a warm paraffin wax treatment that leaves your feet baby-soft and ultra moisturized. We consider this the best friend of dry and tired feet. Benefits Of Getting A Pedicure Here’s why treating your feet with a pedicure is always a good idea: • Improved Appearance There’s something about well-groomed feet that just makes you feel more put together. Having smooth heels, clean feet, and colorful nails gives us that confidence boost we need. You will feel optimistic whether in heels, slides, or barefoot at the beach. • Better Foot Health Pedicures aren’t just about looks; they’re a form of preventative care. Regular trimming, skin exfoliation, and cuticle care help ward off common issues like ingrown nails, calluses, and fungal infections. You know what they say, “healthy feet are happy feet”. • Total Relaxation From the warm, lavender soak to the soothing, peppermint massages, pedicures offer an escape from everyday stress and have become a part of our self-care routine and maintenance. Feel free to unwind, and let your trusty nail tech do the pampering for you! What to know and expect before you go to a pedicure appointment? 1. Dress for comfort: Your lower legs will be on display during the procedure, so wear shorts or pants that can be easily rolled up. Skinny jeans and foot soaks and scrubs don’t mix well. 2. Skip the sneakers: Wear open-toe shoes like flip flops or sandals to help your polish dry and settle properly. 3. Temperature check: The soak is usually warm (sometimes hot), but if you’re not used to the heat level, let your nail tech know your comfort level. We need the soak to soothe, not sizzle. 4. Ticklish? Speak up: The foot has so many ticklish points, so if you’re getting extra sensitive and squirmy during exfoliation or massages, just say so. A good nail tech will happily adjust their pressure to keep things comfy for you. 5. Avoid shaving or waxing: Steer clear of hair removal right before your appointment. Freshly shaved or waxed skin can be prone to irritation, especially during the scrubbing part. 6. Mention sensitive spots: Whether it’s dry/sensitive skin, calluses, cuts, ingrown, or anything else that needs gentle handling, give your nail tech a heads up. They will definitely appreciate this since it gives them time to understand which sections to concentrate on, saving time and resources in the end. Essential Pedicure Tools And Supplies Stocking up for your next pedi session? Here’s an iGel Beauties-approved checklist of tools and supplies worth having on hand. Take what works for you and customize it to build a routine. • Nitrile Gloves• Pedicure Soaking Bowl/Pedicure Tub• Callus Remover• Pumice Stone• Foot Paddle• Disposable Toe Separators• Disposable Flip Flops• Disposable Brushes• Disposable Foot Files • Disposable Buffing Blocks• Stainless Steel Cuticle Pusher• Stainless Steel Clipper or Nippers• Tissue• Cotton• Foot Riser • Tub/Bowl Disinfectant Solution (for before and after each client)• Warm Water • Pedicure Tablet and Skin Softener• Acetone• 100% Isopropyl Alcohol• Sugar Scrub/Exfoliant• Cuticle Softener• Cuticle Oil/Lotion• Skin Lotion Important Note: Don’t forget to prep all the tools and products you’ll need for the application you’re going for (lacquer, gel, dip, or acrylic). A little planning goes a long way! Step-by-step Instructions For Pedicure Prep And Polish Application Step 1: Wear your nitrile gloves and face mask before starting Safety first, always. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect you from potential irritants and minimizes the risk of infection, especially when working with strong formulas or tools. Step 2: Communicate with the client about the procedure Do a quick consult with your customer. Confirm the type of pedicure service the client wants, then take a moment to assess their feet for any skin or nail concerns that may need special attention. By doing this, you can create a safer, personalized experience. Step 3: Remove the client’s old pedicure before soaking in water Out with the old! Depending on what your client previously had (gel, dip, acrylic), you’ll need to cover the nails in acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes or soak your nails in acetone lasting 15-20 minutes. If it’s just regular polish/lacquer, a few swipes of acetone or polish remover using a cotton ball on the nail will do the trick. Step 4: Prepare and deep cleanse their feet through soaking Time to create the perfect soak! Drop a pedicure tablet or your preferred cleansing agent into a freshly disinfected pedicure tub filled with water. These fizzy additions dissolve beautifully in warm water like mini bath bombs, softening the skin and cuticles while making sure the microbes are lessened. Let the feet soak for 10-15 minutes, and have a clean, dry towel and disposable Flip Flops ready just in case they need to move mid-treatment. Step 5: Exfoliate the skin and rough areas agreed on We’re now saying goodbye to dry skin. Starting from the legs down to the toes, gently exfoliate with a sugar-based scrub to buff away dead skin and reveal a softer, more radiant texture. Once exfoliated, focus on rough spots, aka smoothing out cracks or dry patches using a pumice stone or foot paddle. For stubborn calluses, we recommend a targeted callus-removal tool designed to safely break down thickened skin with minimal effort. Step 6: Time to trim, shape, and buff the toenails Reach for your stainless steel clippers or nippers to trim the toenails of your client. Remember to always cut straight across to help prevent ingrown nails. To have perfectly shaped edges, use a disposable nail file or an electric file. Some clients prefer their natural nails, while others love having nail tips. We suggest asking your clients at this stage if they have any specific nail shape/style requests. Then, finish with a quick buff to smooth out any ridges and create a flawless canvas for your chosen polish. Step 7: Work on your client's cuticles The next step is to tend to your client’s cuticles. Apply a few drops of cuticle softener to each toenail and let it sit for a few seconds. Afterward, gently push back the cuticles using a stainless steel cuticle pusher or a classic orange stick. Carefully remove any excess skin with a cuticle pusher or nippers. Step 8: Proceed with your lacquer, gel, dip, or acrylic application Traditional lacquer is a go-to for many pedicure customers, but it takes a while to dry. If you want a longer-lasting pedicure with fewer touch-ups, opt for gel, dip, or acrylic applications instead. Stick to the steps of your preferred method here: Gel Application Guide, Dip Application Guide, and Acrylic Application Guide.Pro Tip: Always use disposable toe separators to keep each nail perfectly spaced, significantly reducing the risk of smudging and polish transfer. Step 9: Massage and moisturize Save the best for last! 💆🏻♀️Put nourishing cuticle oil to hydrate and condition the cuticles, then gently massage it in to boost circulation and promote healthy growth. Follow up with a relaxing massage for the feet and lower legs using your choice of lotion or body oil. Pay attention to dry zones like the heels and ankles, and give them extra love. How to easily maintain your pedicure? 1. Give your toenails extra care within the first 24 hours2. Opt for footwear like sandals, flip flops, and open-toe heels3. Keep yourself and your skin hydrated4. Avoid prolonged exposure to cleaning agents or chemicals 5. Reapply your favorite No Cleanse Top Coat when needed At the end of the day, your feet deserve as much love as the rest of you since they literally carry you through life. Investing in foot health isn’t just smart, it shows self-respect and consistency. We guarantee you’ll fall in love with pedicures because of their many physical and mental benefits. What’s one pedicure hack that transformed your life? Share your experience and drop your go-to tips to inspire our iGel Beauties from the official Facebook community. After all, pedicures are toe-tally worth it! 💅🏻🦶🏻 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on May 28, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
