What‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ a basic pedicure includes?

A basic pedicure is a great way to give your feet a quick freshening-up. It is pretty much a minimal treatment that helps you to keep your feet clean, smooth and overall well maintained. Healthy nails and soft skin of the feet can be achieved with a few simple steps without taking too much time, so this might be just the right option for you.

What's in a basic pedicure

Healthy feet are achieved through a simple routine care including:

• Trimming of nails and shaping with the help of filing, along with providing a gentle care of the cuticles.
  
  
• Light scrub or treatment with a pumice stone to remove rough skin or calluses.
  
  
• Application of a foot cream together with a gentle massage of the feet (and sometimes calves).
  
  
• Optional application of toenail polish or clean natural finishing.
  
  

Why these steps should not be omitted

Nails and skin are made soft due to the soaking in warm water, thus they are easier to be handled and moreover the whole process is much safer in a way that it reduces the chance of nail splits or hangnails occurring. The light scrub removes the old skin, which can be the reason for the rough texture of the heels and the soles of your feet. The main massage effect is the improvement of the blood flow thanks to the quick rub done with the hand, whilst the moisturizer acts to protect the skin from drying again.

Imitating the example of someone who has done it

Just last month I decided to do a basic pedicure right before the weekend tour. My feet were soaked for 10 minutes. I trimmed the nails on my toes, used a pumice stone on my heels, applied lycopene lotion and finished with polish. For the next two weeks, my sandals felt more comfortable, and my feet remained soft. Great, healthy and travel-appropriate.

When should you get a basic pedicure

If you are a person who often walks or if your feet dry out quickly, you should perhaps consider a pedicure every 3-4 weeks. However, if you are able to maintain the condition of your feet by yourself, then maybe once a month will suffice.

FAQ

Q: Is nail polish always a part of a basic pedicure?

A: Most of the time yes — a majority of salons put polish in the package. However, some let you opt-out if you want to keep your nails looking natural.

Q: Does a basic pedicure involve a massage?

A: In most cases, a short foot-and-calf massage is part of the offer. But a full-leg massage is generally a feature of a spa pedicure.