When choosing a cheap pedicure, it is important to consider cost, convenience, and safety and hygiene issues. Pedicures can often be expensive because they are generally time consuming and labor intensive for the nail technician. Still, you may be able to find several sources of inexpensive pedicures in your community through cosmetology schools and mom-and-pop nail shops. In other cases, your options may be more limited, and learning how to do a good home pedicure may be a better option than hiring a professional. You may also find that many standard salons and nail shops often run specials that can allow you to get the occasional cheap pedicure from well-regarded nail technicians in a reasonably posh atmosphere.
One option is to visit a cosmetology or nail technology school that operates a student clinic. In these clinics, cosmetology or nail technology students will perform the pedicure under supervision of instructors. The cost savings can be considerable for this type of pedicure, though the results may not be as good as those achieved by more experienced professionals. In addition, beauty school services often take longer to perform than those offered through a standard salon, which can make going to a beauty school for a cheap pedicure a greater time investment than some other options.
An alternative to student clinics are basic mom-and-pop nail shops, many of which can be found in less prosperous neighborhoods. You can get typically get a cheap pedicure in one of these establishments by a licensed, experienced professional. The downside to this option is that you may not be able to enjoy some of the luxury pampering that you can receive at a high-end salon or spa. Another consideration should be the hygiene standards practiced within the shop. You may wish to check with the health department in your area as to whether the shop has ever been cited for not meeting health and safety codes. You should also look to see that equipment is sterilized and that emery boards and nail buffers are never reused on different customers.
If you are unwilling to compromise your aesthetic standards, you may still be able to get a cheap pedicure by paying attention to local sales and specials run by established salons and nail shops. For example, many salons offer a first-time customer special that deducts a significant discount from the cost of any service offered by the salon. Another option is to ask a nail shop or salon if it has a loyalty club that rewards you with a free pedicure after you purchase several at full price. Finally, get on salon mailing lists. This is the best way to learn about coupons and sales, both of which can significantly reduce what you have to pay for a pedicure.
