How to Choose a Pedicurist

Sitting on a throne while your feet are bathed, massaged and beautified--for many women, getting a pedicure is nothing short of heavenly. But not all pedicurists have a magic touch. Getting a great pedicure requires seeking out word of mouth recommendations--and knowing exactly what you want from your pampering experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide what you want from your pedicure experience. Examine whether you are looking for a basic trim and polish or if a heated massage chair is a necessary part of the pampering. Extras like a mint scrub, hot stones, calf massage and aromatherapy can also be included.
2. Pinpoint whether you want to get your pedicure at a nail salon, spa or even in your home. Nail salons can have a "factory" feel to them, while spas focus more of an emphasis on pampering--but at a price. An at-home pedicurist brings her own equipment, which probably excludes a massage chair.
3. Check out your friends' feet. Ask those with perfect polish where they get their toes done, and who they use for a pedicurist. Getting names of individual nail technicians is a better way to get a good pedicure than simply walking into a recommended salon, since not all employees have the same skill set.
4. Ask your hair stylist, massage therapist or other beauty professionals for a pedicurist referral.
5. Analyze the pedicurist recommendations to see if the same names keep coming up. Also check which nail technicians work for nail salons, which work for spas and which perform pedicures in your home. Choose the pedicurist at the type of beauty facility you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're happy with your pedicurist's work, tip her at least 15 to 20 percent, the industry standard.
• Only get pedicures from nail technicians with a current state license. Avoid nail salons with multiple customer complaints and failed inspections.