Our feet are probably the most overworked and under-appreciated part of our body. We use them constantly, yet many of us, with our busy lifestyles, do not take care of them nearly as much as we should.
Want to know the best way to treat your tootsies? A pedicure is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to do so. In this article, we’ll tell you how often should you get a pedicure? What a pedicure includes, the many reasons you can benefit from it, how much it will cost, and so much more!
So join us, and let’s sink our feet into one of the best ways to treat yourself.
What Is A Pedicure?
A pedicure is a cosmetic spa treatment that focuses on the feet with many therapeutic benefits. It includes caring for both the nails and skin of the feet.
It usually comprises of soaking/cleaning the feet, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin, cutting the cuticles, trimming the nails, massaging the foot, and painting the nails (if preferred).
Quick Pedicure History
The origination of this word comes from Latin with Pedimeaning “of the foot” and Cura, which translates to “care. The treatment is meant to be both relaxing and healthful.
While pedicures have been around since ancient times (dating all back to 2300 B.C. in Ancient Egypt), the treatment has become increasingly popular over the last two decades.
What Is The Difference Between A Pedicure And A Manicure?
Pedicures focus on the feet, whereas manicures concentrate on the hands. If you really want to treat yourself, schedule both for the same appointment. I promise you will feel fantastic afterward.
This is especially useful if you’re getting ready to go on vacation or be at a wedding! Your hands and feet will look great in any pictures!
What To Expect When You Get A Pedicure?
You usually start by soaking the feet in warm water with oils, moisturizers, and soaps, which feels like heaven. Who wouldn’t enjoy a bubble bath for their feet? They work just as hard as you!
After your soak, your pedicure specialist will then scrub away the dead skin with an exfoliation tool (like a foot file or pumice stone). Then they will usually clip and shape the nails.
This is often followed by a foot/lower leg massage (likely to be your favorite part). The procedure is finished with moisturizing the feet and lower legs, and nail polish (if desired).
If you’re lucky, you’ll also be provided with a chair that offers a relaxing (automatic) massage. After a good soak for 10-15 minutes, your pedicure specialist will then assist your feet out of the tub and dry them off.
While your feet are nice and soft from soaking, they will trim back your cuticles, toenails, and calluses.
What Are Calluses?
Calluses are the tough skin that builds upon the soles and heels of your feet. The more of an athlete you are, the more of this you will have. While it’s perfectly natural, you will feel the difference after it is (painlessly) removed.
Your feet will feel more soft and silky. I always notice this most when I crawl into bed and feel the sheets on the softened bottom of my feet.
How Long Should You Wait Between Pedicures?
If you want to know how often should you get a pedicure here’s the answer; As everyone’s body and lifestyle are unique, this answer largely depends on these factors. Ideally, you should get a pedicure (at a minimum) at least once a month.
That being said, A bi-monthly pedicure is an ideal option to prevent ingrown toenails.
If you’re on a budget, you can always do one professionally, and one at home. It’s easier than you think! Take the time to invest in your wheels.
How Much Should A Pedicure Cost? And How Much Should I Tip?
In the United States, most pedicures range from 25-35 dollars. Extra services will result in additional costs. I advise you to look at the prices ahead of time on the salon’s website. That way, you know you’re getting the best deal!
I have also found that many salons offer military/public service discounts, which is a nice benefit if you work in one of these fields. When tipping, 15-20 percent is usually customary.
For extraordinary service, feel free to give a bit more. Nail techs work very hard for your satisfaction.
How Long Is A Pedicure Supposed To Last?
Just like with how long should wait between pedicures, how long it will last also depends on the individual and their lifestyle. A typical pedicure lasts 2-4 weeks. Keep reading to find out some tips on how you can make your pedicure last longer.
Are Pedicures Worth It?
You may be wondering if pedicures are worth the price. After all, that money could go towards groceries, new clothes, or a car payment. Well, we’ll let you decide after reading all the wonderful benefits of pedicures:
- Identify issues: If you have any health issues in your feet, your pedicure specialist will be able to identify them right away. Some problems can be minor (like warts), while others can be life-threatening (like melanoma). Someone who works with feet as often as they do will usually be able to spot it first and bring your attention to it so you can get the help you need and stay healthy.
- Sweet feet: your feet will look better, and you’ll be more confident to show them off in open-toe shoes.
- Moisturized skin: Your pedicure specialist will use moisturizers on your feet, and they will feel super soft when you slide back into your shoes.
- Healthier nails: Regular pedicures help keep your nails healthier, reducing the painful experiences of ingrown toenails, fungus, or infections.
- De-stress: When we take time out of our busy schedules for relaxing procedures like these, it is calming for the body and mind.
- Better health: According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the feet are a pathway to rid toxins from the body when soaked in water. Soaking the feet was used to promote blood circulation and drive away pathogenic energy from the body. In TCM, the feet of the human body are compared to the roots of a tree. When the roots of a tree are not cared for, the rest of the tree will wither away in poor health.
- Better posture: You will walk better and have better posture when you have fresh feeling feet!
Personally, I think visiting the spa and getting regular pedicures are entirely worth it. Not only because it will give you a boost of confidence, but they also are easier to maintain than a manicure.
Shoes and socks protect your feet for most of your day, so unless you are running marathons daily, your pedicure (and paint, if you opt for it) will last much longer on your toes than your hands.
How Long Does A Pedicure Take?
Not sure if you can squeeze it into your day? The entire treatment will usually only take 45 minutes to 1 hour if you choose the most basic options.
There are often extra treatments available, such as treatments involving gels (which last longer than regular nail polish), hot stones/towels, salt scrubs, paraffin wax, aromatherapy, reflexology, and much more.
Your appointment time will depend on how many extra options you decide on. If you think you are too busy take an hour out of your day for this, then you deserve it even more. Life is short! Remember to take care of your body, for it is the only place you have to live.
How Often Should I Ge A Pedicure To Avoid Ingrown Toenails?
To prevent ingrown toenails, especially if you are prone to them, you should get a pedicure bi-monthly (every 2 weeks). This will ensure your feet are getting the proper care they need.
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
Warning: if you’re a bit squeamish, you may want to skip this graphic paragraph.
An ingrown toenail is one of the most common toenail problems, and can cause unbearable pain, infection and even result in removal, eek! This happens when the toenail (usually the big toe) grows downward and into the skin.
When the integrity of the skin is compromised, an infection can result.
Ingrown toenails can be caused by a myriad of factors, including:
- Cutting the nail at an angle
- Cutting the nail too short
- Tight shoes or stockings (especially narrow high-heeled shoes or ill-fitted running shoes)
- Genetics (sorry)
- Significant amounts of running or other weight-bearing activities
- Overweight/obesity
An infected toenail often results in removal, which can result in a painful process. I have worked in the medical field and have had to assist with these procedures.
Even though the doctor tries to administer a lidocaine shot into the toe to block nerve pain, if the toe is infected, the lidocaine will not work, and the patient will feel the entire process, not fun!!
Ingrown toenails can usually be prevented when you care for your feet properly. Remember to visit an experienced pedicure specialist, especially if you prone to ingrown toenails, and you will get the tender care your toes need!
They should be licensed, and their certificates should be hanging on the wall as proof. Nail tech programs are 3-9 month courses that result in proper education for running a nail salon, which includes good hygiene and proper nail care.
Inexperienced nail technicians may cut the nail back too far, which can easily result in an ingrown nightmare. Keep in mind, when you visit a nail salon for the first time, you can always protect yourself by saying, “show me the cert.”
How Often Should A Man Get A Pedicure?
Let’s smash some stereotypes here. Pedicures are not just for women! It is perfectly acceptable and highly appropriate (and encouraged) for men to get pedicures too! Nail salons are judgment-free zones, and I have even seen several men working as nail technicians.
Men should get pedicures at least once a month. Everyone should treat themselves to a professional pedicure and feel comfortable doing so, knowing they are doing one of the best things possible for their body!
When Should You NOT Get A Pedicure?
You should cancel your pedicure appointment, and seek medical treatment (if necessary) if you have any of the following:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Blisters
- Change in toenail color
- Redness or swelling in the feet
- Painful warts or bumps
- Broken bones in the foot
- New tattoo
- Wounds to the food or recent surgery
- Athlete’s foot or other fungi
- Diabetes or other immune-compromising disorders
- If you have shaved, waxed or had laser hair removal on your feet that day
If any of these issues do not apply to you, then you’re all set to make it to your appointment.
When you are at your appointment, however, be sure that your pedicure specialist sterilizes their tools (you can always ask to see this), or research the website to ensure this.
Or, if you’re like me and you have trust issues, you can bring your own tools if you really want to play it safe. There is no shame in looking out for yourself.
Please also make sure your tech washes their hands with soap and/or watch them change their gloves before they begin. Some people have some pretty nasty feet!
Feel free to creep the reviews of the salon you choose (ahead of time) to save yourself any headaches. You and your feet deserve the best, so make sure they offer quality service and customer satisfaction.
Unique Experiences When Getting Pedicures
Craving a genuinely unique and memorable experience? Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a place where you can enjoy:
Double Pedi
Want someone to relax with during your pedicure? Convince your husband, your bestie, or your sister with you. It’s a fantastic way to spend time with others and do something good for yourselves.
Make sure to call ahead when making your appointment so you can receive your treatments together. Many places offer 2 for 1 deals featured on Groupon. Get clickin’ for the best deal.
Fish Pedi
Feeling fishy? If you want a fun and unique experience, try a fish pedicure to get your feet silky smooth.
Fish pedicures involve hundreds of tiny, toothless carp called Garra Rufa, (also known as “doctor fish”) who are more than happy to help remove the dead skin from your feet by nibbling it away.
After the fish do their feasting (15-30 minutes), the usual pedicure steps will resume. This procedure is believed to have originated in Turkey over 400 years ago and grew in popularity in North America and Europe over the past decade.
Tips For Your Pedicure
Nail polish doesn’t completely harden until 12-24 hours after application. In order to make your pedicure last, here are some tried and true tips:
- Try to schedule your pedicure on a day off. That way, you don’t have to stress about making or canceling your appointment if you have to work late, and you won’t be stressed coming from work.
- Bring flip-flops with you! They are easier to slip into. If you opted for painted nails and forgot your thongs, don’t fret! Usually, your tech carries some cheapies, and they will send you home with disposable ones.
- If your toes take a long time to dry, be careful when climbing into your car and when driving home.
- If you’re not feeling chatty with your tech, you can always bring your phone, some earphones, a book, or a friend to chat with, as this will help pass the time. Or you can always close your eyes and soak in the moment! After all, this is your “me” time. Enjoy it to the fullest!
- Avoid swimming, showering, or saunas right after your pedicure.
- When you do hit the pool, make sure to rinse the chlorine off immediately afterward, then moisturize! Chlorine dries out your skin and nails and can ruin your pedicure quickly.
- Apply a top coat every few days for extra protection.
- Use cuticle oil to keep those cuticles happy. Dry cuticles will crack your polish.
Remember, your feet carry you through every day—be sure to show them some love! Be sure to choose the right place, and only get a pedicure if your body is healthy enough for it. When you properly care for your feet, you can get the most out of your treatment.
Are any holidays or birthdays coming up? Wouldn’t a pedicure be perfect? You can stop by your local nail salon to grab a gift certificate for your friends or family. After all, self-care is the greatest gift anyone can give to their body!
Thanks for stopping by. We hope you enjoyed learning about how often you should get a pedicure. If you have a question about pedicures please leave us a comment.
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Lina Buk
Lina is the owner and founder of NAG. She worked as a purchasing administrator at a cosmetic company before starting her own business. She also has a background as a nail and makeup artist, which inspired her to create an online resource for all things beauty-related.
