About Pedicures

The pedicure is a grooming ritual for the feet. A pampering salon service used for relaxation and as a spa treatment, the pedicure is standard foot care for both men and women. From the ancient origin of foot maintenance to the use of a foot massage to rejuvenate the feet, the pedicure is a necessary procedure to maintain healthy toes and nails.

History

Early pedicure history begins in ancient Egypt. Within the tomb of a pharaoh, an ancient carving depicted the king receiving foot and leg massages by his servants. Most cultures including Asian and Indian societies practice reflexology and foot massage to improve their health and well-being. The word pedicure is derived from the Latin words "pedis" for foot and "cura" meaning care.

Function

The basic pedicure is a method to enhance the look of the feet. A pedicure session lasts from 30 minutes to an hour. Feet are washed and cleaned first, followed by a detailed scrub and massage session for the feet. Nails are trimmed and polished, with the treatment ending with moisturizing and reflexology. Whether performed at home or in a spa, the basic function of a pedicure is to clean and maintain the appearance of feet.

Types

The most common types of pedicures are araffin wax pedicures, spa pedicures and French pedicures. The paraffin pedicure covers the feet with a thin coat of wax to restore moisture and soften feet. The spa pedicure or basic pedicure includes the clipping of the nails and cuticles, scrubbing of the feet with a pumice stone and polishing of the nails. The French pedicure includes a base of sheer pink polish accented with a thin white strip of polish across the top of the toenails. The costs of pedicures range from a low of $20 for basic pedicures to upwards of $150 dollars salt or stone pedicures in upscale salons.

Benefits

Feet demand proper care and attention because of their importance to walking and support of the body's weight. This spa service pampers and soothes tired feet, but also repairs brittle or ingrown toenails and removes dead skin cells off the bottom of the feet. Pedicures can prevent nail diseases and nail disorders.

Warning

Avoid shaving and waxing your legs or cutting your cuticles a minimum of 24 hours before placing your feet in a salon foot bath. Shaving can cause tiny nicks in the skin. The bacteria "Mycobacterium fortuitum," can enter through these cuts and cause infections. To ensure that the salon tools are clean and sterilized, bring your own nail files, toe nail clippers and cuticle nippers to the salon.