THE PROFESSIONAL PEDICURE GUIDE
A step-by-step breakdown of the correct techniques, product knowledge and professional standards for a flawless pedicure treatment.
As a professional nail technician, it is important that we carry out the correct techniques alongside our training when working on client's feet. We must follow all our steps methodically to ensure the client does not experience any contra-actions to the pedicure treatment we are performing.
Let's have a look at our professional pedicure treatment step by step, and how each stage prepares the feet for the next to achieve the best results.
Soaking the feet is important as it softens the skin and cuticles, preparing them for the next stage of hard skin removal, exfoliation and cuticle work.
However, soaking for too long can cause the nails to become overly soft. Any heavy cuticle work carried out after a long soak can lead to damage to the nail plate.
When soaking the feet, ensure it is done for around 5–7 minutes only. This is enough to soften the skin without over softening the nail plate.
When using a cuticle pusher to remove softened cuticles, do this gently without scratching. Soft nail plates can scratch very easily.
Ensure the skin is soaked just enough to soften any hard skin, ready for the exfoliation stage, but not so much that it becomes too soft to work with.
Make sure the water is warm, not red hot, and that the client is comfortable throughout. Always test the water before placing the client's feet in.
Exfoliation is used to remove dead skin cells so that any pedicure products used afterwards can penetrate the skin more effectively, enhancing the benefits of the treatment.
Do not use harsh, cheese grater type pedicure rasps, as they can tear and shred the skin, causing micro damage. Overuse can also make the feet very sore. A gentle pumice type rasp is suitable when used on softened skin.
When using a sugar scrub, this can be applied to either damp or dry skin. On dry skin, it should be used more gently to avoid causing soreness, but it can remove more hard skin due to the lack of water dilution. For a gentler exfoliation, always use the scrub on damp skin.
If the hard skin build up is significant, book your client in for another session a few weeks later. Do not try to remove all the hard skin in one appointment, as this can cause sore spots and discomfort.
Pedicure masks are used to further treat and condition the skin. The Edge foot mask is clay based. Clay works by drawing out impurities, helping to remove dirt and impurities from the skin, while also absorbing excess oil, particularly if the feet are prone to sweating. It also helps to soften and smooth the skin, leaving the feet feeling fresh.
Ensure that you use mitts or warm water in your bowl to remove the clay mask, as it sits on the surface of the skin and dries hard.
Clay masks are lovely in the summer when left to air dry. In the winter months, you can enhance the pedicure treatment by adding bags and hot booties. This creates a more luxurious experience and helps the product work more effectively and penetrate the skin deeper.
The final and most important step is to ensure everything you have done is sealed in and finished properly. This is where you carry out your massage or apply moisturiser if you do not include massage in your professional pedicure services.
Ensure your massage routine is performed in a comfortable position for both you and your client. The environment should be calm and you should take your time.
Massage helps to support circulation, bring fresh oxygenated cells towards the surface and encourages lymphatic drainage, making it particularly beneficial for swelling, especially in the warmer months.
It is a great way to finish the treatment, leaving the client feeling relaxed and the feet looking and feeling their best.
If using a nail polish, ensure the nails are "squeaked" with Nail Fresh solution to remove all oils and creams from the nail plate before application. This helps with adhesion and finish. Ensure that you use toe ropes/toe separators to get the cleanest and most perfect finish for your nail service. This stops the toes from touching and allows you to paint onto the nail more easily.
It is also important to advise your client to bring flip flops to their appointment to avoid damaging the polish after the service.
If your client is having gel polish on the toes, this service must be carried out before the wet pedicure. The cuticle work should be completed dry, as with any standard gel polish service. Once the gel polish application is complete, you can then move into the pedicure stages, beginning with the soak and hard skin removal.
Done Right.
It is a great way to finish the treatment, leaving the client feeling relaxed and the feet looking and feeling their best.
As a professional, it is important that we not only understand each stage and why we do it, but also ensure we carry it out safely and correctly with the client's comfort in mind always.