Best Pedicures near me in Cork, Clonakilty

From chocolate pedicures to fish, the different types of pedicure available range from conventional to out-right whacky. The seven main pedicures are: classic, French, spa, stone, fish, gel, and sports’.

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.

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.

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

Yes. There’s a risk your feet could become infected, particularly if your cuticles are trimmed or if strict hygiene rules aren’t followed. Fish pedicures carry the added risk of staph infections. Ask your therapist about the associated risks of the pedicure you want before you book.

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.