How to Give Self Pedicures

Invest in some quality products for self-pedicures.

Stop letting your crack-soled feet embarrass you just because you cannot afford a luxurious pedicure at a fancy spa. Take the time to pamper your feet at home with the same result. Create a spa-like environment with relaxing music and fragrant candles as you fill a tub with warm water and prepare for your self-pedicure. Your soft feet and perfectly polished toes will thank you.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Tub
• Warm water
• Bath salts
• Towel
• Toenail clippers
• Nail file or emery board
• Buffing block
• Foot cream
• Orange stick
• Cotton swab
• Nail polish
• Top coat
• Cuticle oil or olive oil

Instructions

1. Completely remove any signs of old toenail polish. Clean nails will help your pedicure last longer.

2. Fill a tub with warm water and bath salts.

3. Soak your feet for at least three minutes.

4. Use a towel to pat your feet dry.

5. Use a straight-edge clipper to trim your toenails straight across. Do not cut the corners of your nails. Overly round-shaped nails can lead to painful, ingrown toenails and related infections.

6. Smooth rough edges with a nail file. All toenails should be uniform lengths.

7. Buff the heels and soles of your feet to slough off any dead or rough skin.

8. Apply foot cream to smooth the skin and seal in the moisture.

9. Apply cuticle oil on cuticles with a cotton swab.

10. Gently push the skin away from the nail with an orange stick to reveal your complete nail bed.

11. Use the same orange stick to clean under the nail and on both sides.

12. Clean any leftover cream or oil from your toenails with a cotton swap dipped in nail polish remover.

13. Apply the nail polish by brushing down, starting at the center of your nail. Apply a bit of pressure to each stroke to fan the brush out a bit. It should take three strokes for each toe.

14. Add a second coat of polish.

15. Finish with a clear topcoat.

16. Wait 15 minutes for the polish to dry. It can take up to two hours for the polish to completely dry. Quick-dry oils and sprays, available in beauty supply stores, can speed up the process.

References

• Real Simple: Easy At-Home Pedicure Shortcuts
• Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut: Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Do It Yourself Pedicure Pointers
• Woman's Day: Give Yourself the Perfect At-Home Pedicure