Pedicure at home is one of the most preferred ways of pampering oneself at home, and it’s not hard to understand why. While going to the salon may not be as relaxing as you imagine, a pedicure at home provides you with all the benefits without any of the hassle or disruptions that accompany your trips to the salon. Whether you want to know how to create a pedicure routine or which products to use, this guide on pedicure at home will provide you with everything you need to know about this form of self-care and grooming.
How to trim your toe nails
Before trimming, soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them. Afterward, you can use an emery board or pumice stone to gently remove dead skin. Use a nail clipper to trim your nails straight across or in a gentle curve. If you need help identifying which toe is which, refer to our diagram for guidance. Don’t forget about the sides and tops of your toes—those parts can be tough to see when looking at your foot from above, so if you have trouble finding those nails, try using small handheld mirrors as guides while you trim.
How to remove calluses from feet
Calluses on your feet can be rough and uncomfortable. They form when dead skin builds up on your feet due to an excessive amount of pressure, which can lead to cracking and painful blisters. Luckily, you don’t have to leave them there—and there are two ways you can remove calluses from your feet at home. The first involves a pumice stone, while the second uses a chemical exfoliant (salicylic acid). And though they differ in their approach, they both work well at getting rid of unwanted calluses from your soles.
How to buff and shine your feet
Before you even consider scrubbing your feet with pumice or paying to have someone else do it, there are a few things you should know. The first is that despite how often we stress out about our feet, they are actually quite sturdy. They don’t need much: a little moisture, some gentle exfoliation, and attention to detail (i.e., making sure to get all of those hard-to-reach spots). Below, we go over everything you need to know to care for your feet—so that you can spend less time worrying about them (maybe even zero time) and more time doing whatever it is that makes your heart happy. After all, summer is right around the corner. Time for toes to see some sand!
The best nail polish for your toes
Research has shown that nail polish helps protect your nails from water damage, so it’s best to wear polish whenever you get a pedicure. But you don’t need a salon visit to keep your toes looking chic. It’s as easy as picking out your favorite color, pulling out a pair of cotton socks, and finding a few minutes in your schedule. There are five basic steps to give yourself a professional-quality pedicure at home: soak, trim, clip, buff, and paint. The whole process should take about 30 minutes — unless you have enough time for another coat or two of polish!
How often should you have a pedicure?
Pedicures at salons are a great way to pamper yourself and give your feet some extra love. But, since you’re saving money by performing your own pedicure at home, you might be tempted to do so as often as possible. In reality, it’s best to take your time and perform a pedicure every 2-3 weeks instead of going for weekly touch-ups. This ensures that your nails will remain strong and healthy throughout, making it easier for you to avoid unsightly cracking or discoloration in between salon visits.
Our tips for DIY pedicures
Soak your feet. Keep a footbath on your kitchen countertop and fill it with warm water, Epsom salts, and lavender oil to calm your nerves. Scrub away calluses. Use a pumice stone to remove rough spots from your heels, as well as any loose skin from between your toes. Exfoliate, if you have time for it. Sugar scrub or body wash can help remove dead skin cells and make your feet softer, smoother, and fresher-smelling. Buff, if you have time for it.