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You may take extensive care of your tresses and your face but there are certain body parts which are more often than not ignored, and feet are one of them. But they too deserve to be pampered and cared for; after all, they take you from one place to the other, survive the accidental toe hits and bear the stiletto, pumps, and chappal routine time and again. A pedicure is not only relaxing but also gives your feet the much-needed care and cleaning. At the end of it, you'll have happy, beautiful looking feet.
What is it
For those of you who aren't women or metrosexual, a pedicure is a beauty treatment for your feet it involves cleaning and improving their appearance with a set of steps.
Your nails are clipped and filed, the callus (hard skin) is taken care of, these days many places also offer a foot rub and leg massage all the way up to the knees. In the end, your toenails are painted with a shade you like. (Also read: Manicures and pedicures what your beautician won't tell you)
Why you need it
Taking good care of your feet is imperative. Wrong, uncomfortable shoes, etc can leave your heels cracked and your feet with calluses and corns, ingrown toenails. If left untreated, dirt can get accumulated and make the condition worse. A pedicure will take care of all this.
How to choose the right one
If it is your first pedicure session or one after over six months, go for a more elaborate treatment where they massage your feet and legs and the cleaning process is also longer. Though it will be a bit expensive, it will give your feet the care they've been craving for. If you regularly keep your feet prim and proper, you can opt for a basic pedicure every couple of months just to pamper them once in a while. (Also read: 6 fixes for beautiful and happy feet)
Some other types include pedicure to remove tan wherein a pack is applied to your feet in addition to the cleaning and massage. If your feet are dry and in dire need of moisture, then a pedicure with paraffin wax is done to lock in the lost moisture and make them soft. If you suffer from pain in your feet, then an elaborate massage using hot stone therapy can be done. Choices are aplenty depending on what kind of treatment you are looking for. So keep your feet's condition in mind when you opt for a pedicure.
These days, many people opt for a fish pedicure where they nibble on your toes and eat off the dead skin cells. But there is a high risk of infection involved as it is not possible to clean the tub completely with the fish in it and this can give rise to bacteria. Also, the fish need to be changed from time to time which may not be followed everywhere. it is better to steer clear of such a pedicure than get infected with something. The beauty treatment has been banned by various salons abroad.
Check for these
Though a salon treatment sounds fancy, it is always better to check if the place is hygienic enough or else you can end up with feet infection.
Make sure the tub in which you soak your feet in is clean and the water is fresh. The instruments used for the pedicure are sterilised and the towels aren't used and old.
How to do it at home
If you do not wish to go to a salon, you can even give yourself a pedicure at home. Here's a guide.
Fill a small tub with warm water and add a few drops of olive oil or any essential oil in it. Now soak your feet in it for at least 15 minutes. This will help soften your skin especially the calluses. Next, dry them with a towel and apply cuticle cream on your toes and use a cuticle pusher to push them back. You can use a toothpick to clean your nails also. (Also read: Foot care made easy)
Using a pumice stone or brush, gently scrape off the dead skin cells by rubbing it on your feet but in the same direction. Wash your feet again and then apply a moisturiser and massage your feet for as long as you like.
Now for your nails, first cut them with a nail clipper be careful to not cut too deep or too much around the edges. Next, file them in the desired shape and remove your old nail paint with a nail polish remover. Apply a base coat (transparent nail polish) and let it dry. Choose a shade you like and put the first coat. After it dries off, apply the second coat. And you are ready to flaunt your feet!
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