They say if you cannot go on a vacation, visit the salon and we couldn't agree more. Like a mini-getaway for even a couple of hours, it's a rejuvenating ritual that many cannot do with. But what happens when salons are closed or the weekly appointments begin to weigh down on your budget? Does that mean body care should be forsaken? Not at all. It's possible to care for your hands and legs at home as well. Pedicures are one of the most popular salon services for its relaxing abilities but one can replicate it at home too. Here's how you can do it.
(Also Read: 5 Kitchen Ingredients That'll Make Your Feet Softer & Smoother)
Tools You Need For DIY Pedicure:
A shallow basin of warm water with a change of water later
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Foot scrub and nail brush
Nail file, cutter, buffer and pusher
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Nail polish if desired
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Steps To Follow For A DIY Pedicure At Home
A do-it-yourself pedicure at home doesn't get any easier than this. All you need are the above mentioned tools used in the steps below to get clean, smooth and healthy feet at home.
1. Add a few drops of essential oil of your choice to warm water in the basin. Besides oil, you can also add bath crystals or ingredients like green tea or mint to infuse the water. Soak your feet for 10 - 15 minutes. This step will soften the skin to make the cleaning process easier.
2. Remove your feet and wipe them dry with a towel. Once completely dry, begin with nail care. Cut nails to slightly longer than the desired length in either a square or rounded shape. Round is ideal for the feet as it prevents dirt from accumulating on the sides. Once cut, file the nails into shape and give them a smooth edge.
3. Use a cuticle pusher to push the nail bed behind and increase the surface area of the nail. Use a cuticle cutter to carefully trim the dead skin and hang nails at the sides of each nail.
4. Change the water in the bowl and re-soak your feet for the second time, again for 10-15 minutes. Remove your damp feet and apply a foot scrubbing cream over them completely. Rub it over the feet vigorously. Use a scrubber tool to rub the soles of the feet and any other coarse area. The nail brush can be used to thoroughly scrub the nail area and toes. Once both feet are scrubbed, place back in the water. Soak feet for 5 minutes and dry with the towel.
5. If you want to apply nail polish, start with a base coat, 2 coats of colour of your choice and a clear top coat. Allow each coat to dry for at least 5 minutes in between. Follow this with the next moisturising step.
6. If you want to leave your nails bare, skip the previous step and get straight to moisturising. Generously apply foot cream and massage it into the soles of your feet. Use a second helping to massage into your toes and the upper area of your feet.
7. Apply a few drops of cuticle oil on nail, then massage it into the skin. Slip your feet into socks and keep them on for a few hours.
(Also Read: 7 Aromatic Foot Scrubs To Keep Your Feet Beautiful)
Tips And Tricks Of Home Pedicure
Change the water for each soak to ensure hygiene.
Invest in foot care tools as they'll enable you to do frequent salon-like pedicures without the price tag.
Cuticle oil is amazing to soften the dry area and keep the nails looking fresh.
Benefits Of Pedicure At Home
There are many reasons why doing a pedicure for yourself at home is a great idea.
1. It is inexpensive.
Except for the tools which are a one-time purchase, pedicures can be done multiple times at home with no added cost.
2. It is hygienic.
You are not sharing your tools with hundreds of other people as you would in the salon, making it so much more hygienic.
3. It encourages good foot health
Frequent pedicures keep the feet healthy by removing dead skills, reducing roughness, cleaning the nail bed and even reducing tanning.
4. It keeps feet looking attractive
Even if you do not paint your nails, pedicures keep feet clean, groomed and attractive when you wear sandals.
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(Also Read: Manicure And Pedicure: Why You Need To Get Them Regularly)
