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What Should I Consider When Getting a Pedicure?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Some women hide their feet in sneakers, loafers or sandals that cover most of the foot. Others show their feet in thongs or skinny sandals. Those who show their feet, and occasionally those who don't, may want to get a pedicure. A pedicure is a manicure for the feet.

A pedicure will usually take about 30 minutes, depending on the services offered. A basic pedicure will include a foot soak, having the toenails trimmed and shaped, having the cuticles trimmed and the calluses pumiced, and finally having the toenails painted. Some salons offer extra services such as foot massage, hot paraffin baths and even salt or kelp wraps. The whole idea is to make the feet look as attractive as possible.

A person having a foot soak as part of a pedicure.
A person having a foot soak as part of a pedicure.

A woman considering a pedicure will probably want to see if the salon she regularly goes to offers the service and how much it costs, along with what services are included. If pedicures are not offered at her regular salon, she can often look in the yellow pages to see what salons in her area do offer them.

Pedicure prices vary depending on the salon and the services. A basic pedicure will usually be about US$20, and prices increase from there. One option for a less expensive pedicure may be to go to a cosmetology school which offers beauty services to the public. A woman would probably receive a pedicure from a senior student, and the price might be as low as US$5-$10. Since a pedicure is much more difficult to mess up than a haircut, a woman can probably get a pedicure at a cosmetology school with confidence.

Toenails with a French pedicure.
Toenails with a French pedicure.

One other point to consider is what to wear for a pedicure. Short skirts or short-shorts could be problematic, since the pedicurist may elevate the legs to do the work. Pants that are easily rolled up are probably the best option. Also, the pedicurist should receive a tip, usually about 10-20 percent of the fee depending on the services rendered. For especially good service or extended services, the tip should be about 30 percent.

Discussion Comments

Hannah77

When I get a pedicure, nothing matters more to me than cleanliness. I want to see that the tools are soaking in sterile solution and that the pedicure spa tub is sparkling before the water is added.

I once saw an aesthetician use the same cuticle scissors on two different people without cleaning them. I think we have to be cautious customers. I've walked out of so-called reputable salons because they don't have enforced sanitary practices.

Andrade

I love getting pedicures but haven't been able to afford them for a few years now. I've been doing them myself with limited success and zero enjoyment. Half the bliss of a pedicure comes from sitting in the massaging pedicure chair.

I never even thought about getting them done at the local beauty college. What a great idea. A little self-indulging is necessary, even in a recession.

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    • A person having a foot soak as part of a pedicure.
      By: Jan Andersen
      A person having a foot soak as part of a pedicure.
    • Toenails with a French pedicure.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Toenails with a French pedicure.
    • Metal orange sticks are used to push the cuticles back.
      By: Maksim Kostenko
      Metal orange sticks are used to push the cuticles back.
    • Pedicures are often finished with an application of nail polish.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Pedicures are often finished with an application of nail polish.
    • A basic pedicure will include the use of pumice on calluses.
      By: Anyka
      A basic pedicure will include the use of pumice on calluses.
    • A foot massage can sometimes be offered along with a pedicure.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A foot massage can sometimes be offered along with a pedicure.
    • People getting a pedicure should consider the type of shoes they will be wearing following the treatment.
      By: mettus
      People getting a pedicure should consider the type of shoes they will be wearing following the treatment.