Pampering feet with a relaxing pedicure has become popular. With this popularity and demand, there are different types of pedicures that you can treat your feet to.
Pedicures were first invented in Egypt. It is so believed, as the tomb of an ancient pharaoh has a carving, which shows a noble person getting a pedicure from a servant.
Pedicures are a great way to relax your feet, while also giving them a clean and beautiful look. With time, this beauty procedure has gained popularity, leading to the emergence of different types of pedicures. Right from the regular pedicures that pamper your feet to fish pedicures that give them a rejuvenated feeling, they now come in variations and with beauty benefits for all.
So, do different pedicures give you a different result? Or does the difference lie in the procedures and ingredients? Listed below are the different pedicure types along with the details of each. Let us take a look.
Types of Pedicures
Regular Pedicure
A regular pedicure is a traditional procedure of foot grooming. It includes a warm soak in water followed by scrubbing, exfoliation, clipping of the nails and cuticles, grooming and filing the nails, a good foot massage, and polishing of the nails.
French Pedicure
A French pedicure is the most popular type preferred by women. It begins with the same process, which is done in a regular or basic pedicure. The feet are first soaked, scrubbed, exfoliated, and cleaned. Nails and cuticles are trimmed followed by a relaxing massage. The nail polish that is coated is what makes it a French pedicure. A nude or light pink coat of base coat is applied on the nails. The tips of the nails are colored in pure white polish. The end result is chic, elegant, and sophisticated-looking nails and beautiful feet!
Hot Stone Pedicure
Stone pedicures give your feet a relaxing massage. The feet are massaged with essential oils, which soothes the nerves, leaving your feet fresh. Hot stones are then placed on the feet, especially on the pressure points of the feet, or a massage is given to the feet with hot stones. This massage is much deeper, which also helps in relieving pain and cramps. The heat helps the skin absorb oils, giving your feet much-needed moisture. After the hot stone massage, a warm towel is wrapped around the feet to improve blood circulation.
Paraffin Pedicure
This type of pedicure gives excellent results for dry and cracked feet. In paraffin pedicure, a regular pedicure procedure is followed at first. Before applying nail polish, the feet are dipped in a container of paraffin wax. This is an alkaline waxy substance that has excellent hydrating properties. The feet may also be wrapped in paraffin. The result is soft, beautiful-looking feet!
Mini Pedicure
Just like its name, this pedicure takes least amount of time. The procedure is simple, and most women also practice this at home. Feet are first soaked to clean them well. No scrubbing or massaging is done, after which the nail polish is removed, and a new coat is applied again. This is the best option for those running low on time. Plus, it is an inexpensive option!
Spa Pedicure
Spa pedicures are also becoming very popular. This option will pamper your feet like no other. The skin on the feet is exfoliated, which removes dirt and dead skin. Cuticles and nails are trimmed, followed by a relaxing massage. Well, this may sound like a regular pedicure, but the difference lies in the procedures and time taken. A spa pedicure lasts for a longer time. The exfoliation is done with aromatic scrub followed by a hydrating mask and hot towel wrap. Some salons also include paraffin wax or jelly dips in spa pedicures. Different salons may have different options for treatments. But in the end, we could say that a spa pedicure is a luxurious treat for your legs!
Fish Pedicure
In this type of pedicure, feet are dipped in a water tank containing fish, called doctor fish or Garra rufa. These fish nibble the dead skin from your feet. They do not have teeth; hence, they simply suck on the dead skin. After this, a regular pedicure procedure is followed. The end result is very soft and clean feet. This type of pedicure is very popular across the globe.
Athletic Pedicure
Moving away from the traditional and women-centric (in some cases) pedicures, an athletic pedicure is loved by men and women alike. As the name suggests, this pedicure focuses on relaxing the muscles and relieving any pain. It begins with regular soaking, scrubbing, and exfoliation. The feet are then scrubbed off any callus buildup. This helps relieve any pressure on the nails due to excessive dead skin and callus on the toes. Athletic pedicure is more of a restorative option for those wanting to relax tired legs.
Ice Cream Pedicure
Ice cream pedicure follows a regular foot pedicure procedure. But, here again, the difference lies in the ingredients used. In this pedicure, feet are soaked in a bath ball, which resembles the look of an ice cream scoop. After a good soak, the feet are then exfoliated with scrubs made of chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. Once they are clean, a whipped moisturizing lotion is used for massaging the feet. The finishing coat is a nail polish in cherry red color.
Margarita Pedicure
A margarita pedicure includes regular soaking session in water with fresh lime, followed by a lime salt scrub and exfoliation. The feet are then moisturized with a lime moisturizer. Basically, a margarita pedicure has a traditional pedicure approach; the difference lies in the ingredients, which are lime-based.
Champagne Pedicure / Wine Pedicure
Wine is known for its many skin benefits. So, a pedicure with wine is an excellent way to pamper your feet. The procedure is the same like a regular one. The ingredients used are wine for soaking feet. A grape seed scrub and grape seed oil are used for exfoliation and massaging purposes. The feet are then wrapped in a mask made of grape.
Different salons may have a variation in procedures. So, you may want to ask the therapist about the procedures and ingredients first, before you opt for any pedicure. You can choose a pedicure by understanding the needs of your feet and skin. For example, if your legs are achy and tired, you can go for a hot stone pedicure or an athletic pedicure. If you simply want to pamper and beautify them, go for a spa or French pedicure. According to the procedure and ingredients used, the cost of these may vary.
