How to Get a Spa Pedicure at Home

Make your own foot bath.

Going to the spa and getting a pedicure is a small luxury, but you need an appointment and it can be expensive. Pamper yourself and your feet to a spa pedicure at home. Yes, you'll have to do the work yourself -- unless you coerce a friend or family member -- but your feet will feel and look better.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Foot spa or large dish tub
• Sea salt or epsom salt
• Pumice stone
• Exfoliating scrub
• Cuticle cream
• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Orange stick
• Nail buffer
• Nail polish
• Top Coat
• Lotion

1. Remove nail polish with nail polish remover. Use non-acetone nail polish because it is more gentle on your nails.

2. Fill a foot spa, large container or bathtub with warm water and 1 oz. Epsom salts or sea salt. This improves circulation in your feet. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse your feet with warm water to remove any residue. Dry completely.

3. Remove rough skin and calluses from your feet using a pumice stone or file. Follow with an exfoliating scrub massaged into the entire foot.

4. Cut toenails straight across (and not too short) to avoid ingrown toenails. File with a nail file or emery board in one direction. Do not use a sawing motion, which promotes breaking, peeling and cracking of your toenails. Gently remove dirt and other residue from underneath each toenail using an orange stick.

5. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticle of each toe. Remove excess cuticle with an orange stick. Do not force the cuticle off with the orange stick or cut your cuticles, which can cause damage.

6. Gently buff your toenails with a three-way buffer to smooth the surface of the nail and remove imperfections. This prepares your nails to accept a smooth layer of nail polish.

7. Rinse your feet with warm water. Dry completely; including the areas between the toes.

8. Separating your toes prevents them from smudging polish on each other. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

   Place a toe spreader or cotton balls to separate your toes on each foot.

9. Select your nail polish color, and apply two coats of nail polish. Start from the base of the nail and brush upward toward the tip. Apply one layer of polish at a time.

10. Apply a clear top coat to prevent the color from chipping. Leave the toe spreaders or cotton balls in place until nail polish is completely dry, at least 30 minutes and up to an hour.

11. Finish off your spa pedicure by massaging lotion or cuticle oil into your feet and upward toward your ankles. Use a brand containing menthol or eucalyptus to relax tired feet and improve circulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a foot spa. It does not have to be anything fancy or expensive - basic foot spas are available for at retail stores for around $20 or more.

• Add essential oil to the warm water and burn scented candles to create a relaxing atmosphere when giving yourself a spa pedicure at home.

References

• Pedicure Center: How to Give Yourself a Professional Pedicure Spa
• Sally Beauty: Home Spa Pedicure