How to Do Your Own Amazing Pedicure

Regular pedicures prevent nail problems and enhance well-being.

Summer is here and it's time to bare your feet with a walk on the beach. It's not too late to get your feet in order with a do-it-yourself pedicure spa day. Once you get the hang of it you'll be able to complete your own pedicure in 30 minutes, unless you decide to prolong it by including a relaxing massage. The addition of essential oils revs up a mediocre pedicure to an amazing one chock-full of therapeutic benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Pedicure bath container
• Water
• Pedicure soak
• Essential oil (optional)
• Nail clipper
• Natural nail file
• Cuticle remover
• Orangewood stick
• Salt exfoliating scrub
• Dry towel
• Nail block buffer
• Lotion
• Hot towel
• Nail lacquer (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   A stimulating foot bath deodorizes and softens feet.

   Soak feet in a pedicure bath with sanitizing soap and five drops of the essential oil of your choice for ten minutes. Remove one foot and clip toenails with nail clipper to desired length. Smooth nail by filing in one direction with a natural nail file. Natural nail files are designed to be used on natural nails; they have a high grit of more than 250 so the nail won't tear. Return foot to the pedicure bath and repeat on the other foot.

2. 

   The exfoliating salt scrub gently polishes and refines skin to a healthy glow.

   Remove one foot from the foot bath and apply cuticle remover to the cuticles. Allow product to sit for three minutes. Gently pushing the cuticles back with an orangewood stick will loosen dead skin for removal. Liberally apply salt exfoliating scrub to the foot, concentrating on hardened skin. Massage the salt exfoliating scrub on the foot for three minutes. Return foot to the bath and remove the salt scrub. Repeat the process on the other foot.

3. 

   Make sure the area between the toes is dried.

   Remove both feet from the pedicure bath and dry them with a dry towel. Liberally apply lotion to feet and legs. Beginning with the toes, slowly massage the lotion into the skin, working up to the knee.

4. 

   Massage stimulates blood circulation, bringing a glow to the skin.

   Wrap a hot towel around your feet and legs. The heat from the towel allows emollients and essential oil to penetrate the skin. Remove the hot towel when all heat has dissipated. Massage remaining lotion into the skin.

5. 

   Buffing the nail may remove discoloration and imparts a glass-like shine.

   Buff toenails with a block buffer. The block nail buffer has a high-grit filing surface to smooth the nail. The application of nail lacquer is optional.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pedicure system with products that are designed to work together.

• Add two drops of essential oil to the lotion for an aromatic massage.

• Never share pedicure implements to prevent transmission of disease or disorders.

• Don't cut cuticles.

• Essential oils are strong; a little goes a long way. Educate yourself on their use.

References

• PedicuresAndFootCare.com; The Definitive How to Do a Pedicure Guide; 2008

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• PedicuresAndFootCare.com; What Is a Pedicure?; 2008