Pedicures are the process of beautifying the feet and its nails. A pedicure essentially involves cleaning, exfoliating, moisturizing and massaging the feet and nails, keeping them clean and free from any bacterial, fungal infections and disorders.
To perform a pedicure you will require the following:
o Nail file with a grit of around 180 as the nails on the feet are coarser.
o Orangewood stick or cuticle pusher
o Nail clipper
o Moisturizer, exfoliating cream, aroma oils, cuticle softener
o Clean terry towels
o Foot soak tub with or without massager
o Spa chairs, whirlpool bath, some relaxing music cds, flowers, candles for a Spa pedicure experience.
o Rolling cart stocked with disinfected tools and implements, cotton pads, nail polish, toe separators so that the nail polish does not smudge.
o Client profile so that you do not end up performing massages or procedures which may compromise the clients health. Also do not perform a pedicure if the skin is bruised, has sores or any visible nail infections
The procedure:
1. Remove old polish/enamel from the nails and wipe the nails clean. File the nails keeping them rounded across the edge and in shape with the toe. Cut neatly across any corners to finish.
2. Soak the feet in a tub or a whirlpool bath which has warm soapy water and some sea salt crystals. Also add some Vitamin E and other essential oils. Soak for 5-8 minutes. This will soften the rough skin and also relax the feet.
3. Exfoliate – Remove one foot from the water and place gently on the towel. Take a generous amount of exfoliating scrub and massage on the foot taking care to concentrate on the dry rough areas. Wrap in a towel and do not soak the exfoliated foot. Repeat this exfoliating procedure with the other foot.
4. Apply cuticle cream to soften cuticles and then push them back gently with an orangewood stick. Remove loose dead skin with the cuticle clipper. Do not disturb the live tissue which joins the nail plate to the nail bed. Repeat on the other foot.
5. Scrub the feet with a nail brush cleaning thoroughly on the top as well as the underside.
6. Remove callous skin or dead skin built up beneath the feet with a grit foot file paddle of at least 80 grit. If you use a blade to remove the dead skin be very cautious so that you do not end up cutting the live tissue.
7. Massage the lower legs, feet and toes with a moisturizing lotion for 5-7 minutes. This will relax the client and improve blood circulation. Remove any excess soap or moisture by wiping with a warm wet towel.
8. Prepare the nails for applying polish by placing toe separators or rolled tissues between the toes. Apply base coat and allow it to dry. Next apply a thin coat of enamel and let it dry. Apply another thin coat and after it dries seal it with the application of a top coat.
9. Clean and disinfect all your tools and implements. Discard all the single use products like tissues, separators, etc. and empty and clean the foot bath.
