Pedicure Pointers

Follow these Do's and Don'ts when getting a professional pedicure.

Safety

Do: Schedule all pedicures in the morning as salon foot baths are cleaned in the morning or the night before. If your must go in the afternoon or night, ask the salon to clean the foot bath prior to use. If you have your own pedicure utensils, bring them with you. This will minimize the chance of passing bacteria from other clients.
Don't: Shave prior to the pedicure appointment. I know this may be difficult, but little cuts on the legs can allow for bacteria to enter.

Smooth Skin

Do: Soak feet for 5 minutes in warm water. Then use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub to get rid of thick, dead skin.
Don't: Use a razor to remove dead callused skin. If incorrectly used, permanent damage can occur and infections can arise if too much skin is removed.

Nail Trims

Do: Use a toenail clipper with a straight edge.
Don't: Use a rounded fingernail clipper. Nails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.

Nail Files

Do: Use an emery board and file the nail in one direction, not in a back and forth motion.
Don't: Share emery boards. If the salon does not use a new emery board for every client, bring your own to the salon. Emery boards are porous and can't be sterilized.

Cleaning

Do: Use a wooden or rubber manicure stick under the nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up.
Don't: Use anything sharp that may cut the skin. This may lead to infections.

Lotion

Do: Use lotion to keep proper moisture balance in the lower extremities.
Don't: Leave moisture in between the toes as this can promote Athlete's foot.

Cuticle Care

Do: Use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.
Don't: Cut cuticles. They are the barrier against bacteria. If cuticles are pushed too far back, this can cause them to become thicker.

Polish

Do: Use any color you like if you have healthy nails.
Don't: Apply nail polish to unhealthy discolored thick nails. This could be a sign of fungal infection so make an appointment with a Podiatrist. Nail polish blocks out the moisture that nails need to breathe.


Citation:
Image by Desirae. (2009). 4 pedicures. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/residae/3914761136/