How to Do Pedicure at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beautiful Feet
Page Contents
Learning how to do pedicure at home can be a great way to save money while still pampering your feet. With some basic tools and supplies, you can give yourself a professional quality pedicure from the comfort of your own house. This article will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Causes
There are a few key reasons why you may want to learn how to do a pedicure at home. Pedicures can be quite expensive at nail salons, so by doing them yourself, you save a significant amount of money over time. Additionally, doing your own pedicure allows you to sanitize the tools properly and reduce the risk of infection. You can also soak your feet and complete the pedicure at your own pace rather than feeling rushed at a salon.
Preparation and Quantity for How to Do Pedicure at Home
Before learning how to do pedicure at home, you need to gather the proper supplies. Some necessities include:
Basin or foot bath – fill with 4-5 inches of warm water
Nail clippers
Foot scrub – 2-3 tablespoons
Pumice stone
Foot lotion or cream – 1-2 tablespoons
Polishing supplies like base coat, nail polish and top coat
Cotton balls
Towels
Step-by-Step Guide for Beautiful Feet
Step 1: Start off with clean nails Remove Old Nail Polish Start off with clean nails by removing any existing nail color you have on. You can use regular nail polish remover and cotton balls to easily take off the old polish. Properly removing the previous polish allows the new coats to adhere better in the later steps of your home pedicure.
Step 2: Soak Feet After removing nail polish, fill your pedicure basin with 4-5 inches of warm water. You may add a tablespoon of bath soap or oil to soften skin. Then soak feet for 5-10 minutes to soften skin and nails. This allows them to be scrubbed and clipped more easily in the next steps. The warmth will also help relax your feet.
Step 3: Trim Nails Use the nail clippers to trim your nails straight across to desired length. Make sure not to trim nails too short, as this can lead to hangnails and infection. The best practice is to trim them to just above the toe line.
Step 4: Use Foot Scrub With feet soaked, use a foot scrub product or pumice stone to gently rub away dead, calloused skin. Applying pressure in circles, scrub entire surface of feet, including heels and soles. This removes layers of built-up skin, allowing for smooth soft feet. Rinse feet when finished scrubbing to wash debris away.
Step 5: Push Back Cuticles Mix a tablespoon of oil like olive or coconut oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Dip cuticle stick into mixture. Then, gently push back cuticles on each toe with wooden stick. This prevents hangnails and cleans nail beds.
Step 6: Clean With Towel Pat feet completely dry after soaking and scrubbing them. Make sure to dry between the toes as well. This prevents fungus or infection from trapped moisture.
Step 7: Apply Foot Cream Rub foot moisturizing cream evenly all over feet, massaging up the ankle and calves too. This hydrates and smoothes cracked heels and dry skin, giving you super soft feet!
Step 8: Apply Base Coat Paint a thin but even layer of base coat polish onto each toenail. Make sure to cap the free edge so polish adheres. Let this dry 2-3 minutes before polish color.
Step 9: Paint Toenails Apply 2-3 thin coats of your chosen nail lacquer, allowing 2-3 minutes in between coats to dry. Carefully paint polish onto each toenail using smooth strokes. Add an extra glossy topcoat after polishing for shine!
Step 10: Apply Top Coat Finish off your home pedicure by sealing nails with regular clear top coat or quick dry oil. This gives nails a glossy finish and prevents chipping and smudging! Your smooth soft feet are ready to show off!
10 FAQs About At-Home Pedicures Still have some burning questions about handling pedicure duties at home? These 10 frequently asked questions can help:
How often should pedicures be done at home?
Pedicures only need to be done every 2-4 weeks at home to maintain healthy nails and soft feet.
What tools are needed?
The basic tools like a foot bath, nail clippers, foot scrub, and moisturizer are necessities. Nail polish can be used if you want painted nails.
How do you sterilize pedicure tools at home?
Use a UV sanitizer box or sanitize with alcohol between uses to prevent bacterial growth.
How long should feet be soaked?
Aim to soak feet for 5-10 minutes in warm water mixed with soap, oil or scrub to soften skin and nails before pedicure.
Can Epsom salt be used in a foot bath? Yes, Epsom salt helps ease aches, exfoliate skin and softens nails for an easier home pedicure. Add 1⁄2 cup salt to footbath water.
Is it OK to cut cuticles?
No, cutting cuticles should always be avoided as it can lead to infection in the nails.
What is the proper way to trim thick toenails?
Use large toenail clippers and trim nails straight across little by little to avoid ingrown nails. Trim thick nails after showering when softened.
How do you fix a broken toenail?
Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with bandage until the nail grows out. Damaged nails may fall off eventually and regrow if given time.
Can Vaseline be used for pedicure moisturizer?
Yes, rubbing a thin layer of Vaseline onto feet after scrubbing and drying makes an effective moisturizer for soft feet.
How often should foot lotion be applied after at-home pedicure?
Hydrating feet daily or every other day with a moisturizer is ideal to prevent dry, cracking skin between weekly home pedicures.
As you can see, giving yourself a pedicure from home is very doable by following some basic steps. By soaking, scrubbing, moisturizing and trimming your feet and nails regularly, you can maintain healthy, beautiful looking feet affordably and hassle-free! Just make sure to have the proper tools, sterilize between pedicures, and take your time pampering your feet. The next time your nails start to look shabby or skin gets dry and cracked, utilize this guide for how to do pedicure at home properly in 10 easy steps. Happy pampering!
