Getting a pedicure is perhaps one of the best ways to pamper yourself. Well-groomed feet are not just a sign of hygiene but they are also instant confidence boosters. But if you’re too busy reading or watching Netflix over the weekend and don’t want to step out of the house, you can easily give yourself a spa-like pedicure experience at home.
Yes, you read the right! This simple 5 step at-home pedicure will surely keep your feet looking neat and youthful!
- Step 01: Start with prepping your nails
- Step 02: Soak your feet
- Step 03: Trim and shape your toe nails
- Step 04: Massage your feet
- Step 05: Finish it off with painting your nails
Step 01: Start with prepping your nails
To give yourself a spa-like pedicure, you need to begin with (finally) removing the remnants of any nail paint from your toe nails. To properly remove every last bit of colour, pour some acetone on a clean cotton pad and hold it against each nail for a few seconds. This allows the nail paint remover some time to break down the colour before you start swiping for easy removal.
BB pro tip: In case your nails have turned yellow or your previous nail lacquer has stained your nails (this is common if you use darker shades), then rub some cuticle oil on your nail surface. This will help even out any discolouration.
Step 02: Soak your feet
Fill a tub big enough to accommodate both your feet with water. Add some skin-soothing bath salts to this water and soak your feet in it for some time before you move on to the next step. This will help soften the tough skin and cuticles on your feet.
Step 03: Trim and shape your toe nails
If your heels or the sides of your toes feel a little rough, then you can scrub and smooth out the area by using a pumice stone. Remember to be gentle as you don’t want to scrape your skin out in the process. It is now time to trim, buff and shape your toe nails. You should start with trimming your nails using a classic nail clipper. Next, file them into the shape you desire and finish it off with a little buffing to do away with any discolouration.
Step 04: Massage your feet
Next, take both feet out of the tub and dry them off with a towel. Reach for your favourite foot cream or body lotion (this works just as fine too) and massage your toes, feet and calves for about 5-7 minutes. Also, don’t forget to massage the cuticles on your toes. Finish off by grabbing a cotton pad soaked with rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of each nail, removing any oily residue that could prevent your polish from sticking.
Step 05: Finish it off with painting your nails
Now is the time for the favourite part of any pedicure — painting your toes! Start with applying a thin layer of base coat on each nail. Once it’s completely dry, follow it up with two thin and even coats of any nail paint of your choice. Let the paint dry for a few minutes between each coat. Finish your pedicure by applying a top coat, as this will help keep your nail paint on for a longer period of time.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Aug 29, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!