Best Pedicures near me in Southdown, Harpenden

To help maintain optimal foot health, pedicurists recommend having a pedicure once every 3-4 weeks.

Most pedicures are based around the classic pedicure, so expect your feet to be bathed in a warm foot bath, then exfoliated using a pumice stone or foot file. Next, your toenails will be trimmed, your cuticles treated, and your feet (and sometimes your calves) massaged. Moisturiser will be applied to leave your feet feeling soothed, smoothed, and nourished and your pedicure will either end there or you can choose to have your toenails painted. Other pedicures follow a similar format with the following adaptations: French pedicures incorporate the French manicure aesthetic (a nude pink nail with a strip of white along the nail’s tip); fish pedicures see the pumice stone swapped out for tiny garra rufa fish which nibble your feet to remove dead skin cells and calluses; stone pedicures use hot stones to relax and rejuvenate the feet; gel pedicures culminate in the application of gel polish to your toenails rather than regular nail polish; a sports’ pedicure uses cooling aromatic oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus to soothe tired muscles; and a spa massage ups the lux by carrying the pedicure out in a private, spa like setting and incorporating indulgent additions like aromatherapy oils and a hot towel wrap.

Traditionally, a pedicure begins by bathing your feet in warm water to soften the skin. An exfoliating foot rub is then used to slough off dead skin, before toenails are trimmed and shaped. Some pedicurists will massage your feet and lower legs to aid relaxation before applying a moisturising cream, oil or wrap.

The treatment ends with the application of nail polish – in your choice of colour – to your toenails. Dermatologists do not recommend the cutting of cuticles, as it can lead to infection, so ask your pedicurist to clean, but not cut, your cuticles.

Pedicures that use traditional nail polish should last about one week; those using gel or shellac polish typically last 2-3 weeks.

Pedicures can minimise the risk of fungal infection and improve your circulation. The exfoliation techniques used during a pedicure remove dead skin cells, and the massage element boosts circulation and reduces the risk of cracked heels and calluses. Pedicures also leave your feet feeling softer and looking great, too.

You should aim to get a pedicure every 4-6 weeks. Why? Because it takes this long for dead skin to start forming, and targeting it during the early stages can be beneficial.

Absolutely. If you can’t get to a salon, or would simply prefer to stay in, you can buy DIY-pedicure kits to use from the comfort of your own home.