For a salon-like pedicure at home, it’s important to use the right tools. NailArtMag gives you a list of 13 essential tools to do a pedicure at home, and the steps on how to use them correctly.
Pedicure 101
The first rule of pedicure—don’t stay barefoot even if you’re going to stay indoors. Also, always wear slippers or socks to protect your feet before and after a pedicure.
Although getting pampered never goes out of style, many times we want to look for quick and inexpensive beauty treatments. The same can be said about getting a pedicure. Whether you’re too busy to make an appointment at a salon, or are looking for a quick, yet effective alternative, an at-home pedicure can do the trick.
So, in order to pamper yourself with a salon-like touch, stock up on the following pedicure tools and get cracking.
Electric Foot Bath
First and foremost, invest in a good electric foot bath/spa. Not only does the machine clean your feet thoroughly, but some brands have the option of massaging the feet as well. And since it is an electric foot bath, you can also choose to heat the water at a specific temperature. Now if you’re not looking to spend much for this machine, you can also fill a tub with warm water and add some bath salts in it.
Toenail Brush
After a few minutes of keeping your feet in the foot bath, gently scrub both your feet with the toenail brush. This will remove the dead skin cells off your feet. Make sure you’re not applying too much pressure; be as gentle as you can.
Foot Exfoliator
The best way to get rid of scaly, cracked soles is to use an exfoliating scrub. Once you’ve bathed your feet in the foot bath for about 5 to 10 minutes, pat them dry and apply the exfoliator on the soles. Go with either Earth Therapeutics Refreshing Foot Scrub, Olay Body Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment, Botáni Detox Foot Scrub, or Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Revitalising Foot Smoother.
Pumice Stone
If you have rough heels, a good way to smoothen them out is by using a pumice stone. It helps exfoliate the dead cells from the soles, and keep the calluses soft. You can purchase one at any drugstore for a few bucks; they aren’t really expensive.
Foot File
Once you’ve used the pumice stone (which shouldn’t take you more than 4 – 5 minutes on each foot), use a foot file to buff the heels and balls of your feet. Again, you can find inexpensive foot files at your local drugstore.
Cuticle Pusher
This is a wonderful tool used during pedicures and manicures. As the name suggests, a cuticle pusher pushes the skin from your cuticles back and away from your nails. If you have tough, hard cuticles, use a steel cuticle pusher for best results.
Orangewood Sticks
On the other hand, if you have soft cuticles, buy orangewood sticks instead. Make sure you’re as gentle as possible, and your hand doesn’t slip while pushing the cuticles at the corners of the nails, or you might cut yourself. Whether you’re using a wooden stick or a steel pusher, always hold it at an angle for precision.
Cuticle Nipper
A cuticle nipper is used to remove hangnails, excess cuticles, and dead skin that you pushed off your nails. Be sure not to cut off your cuticles, but remove it gently with the nipper.
Nail Clipper
For pedicures, always use a straight-edge clipper so that you don’t cut your nails too short. That way, you won’t have any ingrown nails. Now if your toenails are thick and can’t be easily cut with the clipper, soak toes in water for a few minutes, and then proceed.
Fine-grained Toenail File
After clipping your toenails, it’s time to file them with a fine-grained toenail file. To do so, place the file underneath the nail. Next, move the file in single, long strokes from the side to the center of the nail to smoothen it.
Nail Buffer and Shiner
Now it’s time to buff and shine your toenails. At your local drugstore, you can easily find a buffer that also has a slot that shines nails. Similar to how you used the toenail file, use long strokes from the center to the sides of your nails.
Toe Dividers/Separators
Before you can apply your favorite color, position a toe divider/separator on each foot. This will keep the wet nail polish from staining the toes.
Nail Polish
Every time you do a pedicure, at the salon or at home, always apply a base coat of clear nail polish before you apply your favorite color. This will keep your nails from getting stained and make the color stay for a long time. Apply one or two coats of your favorite polish and one top coat.
Once the polish has dried completely, massage your feet with a moisturizing foot lotion. And, if you’re going to stay home for the day, make sure you wear socks to keep your pretty pedicured feet clean and sexy.
