Whether it’s for a special occasion (nope), holiday (double nope) or simply just a self-care kind of day (yep!), pedicures can make you feel that little bit more polished.
We spoke to Sherrille Riley, beauty expert and founder of one of London’s most popular nail bars, Nails & Brows Mayfair, to get the lowdown on all of the pedicure tips and hacks to keep in mind if you're doing them yourself at home.
What is a traditional pedicure?
"A pedicure is a great way to ensure you look after your feet. A traditional pedicure treatment includes a foot bath where the feet are soaked and cleansed in warm, soapy water to soften the skin. Toenails are trimmed and filed square, cuticles tidied, hard skin removed from the heels and the soles of the feet before gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin followed by a gentle foot massage and finished with a lick of polish," says Sherrille.
What's the trick to getting the perfect pedicure at home?
"I would recommend removing old nail polish and trimming the toenails into a square shape before soaking the feet in Epsom salt to relieve soreness and inflammation," Sherrille advises. "Give the feet a good scrub to remove dry, hard skin and then massage with a good body oil. Every now and then, I’d recommend skipping nail polish for the toenails to breath."
What do we need to know about choosing different finishes?
"A matte or glossy gel finish all comes from the top coat. Selecting the right top coat will ensure your polish dries quickly and lasts longer but it will also deliver the glossy or matte finish you’re after," explains Sherrille.
How long do pedicures last for?
"Pedicures usually last between 4 to 6 weeks," says Sherrille. Certainly, they should last longer than your mani as they're coming up against less wear and tear.
What is the most indulgent part of a pedicure?
"Our clients always comment that they love having their feet soaked, massaged and left looking pretty and feeling soft," says Sherrille. So if you can rope in your nearest and dearest to give you a foot rub, do. If not, give yourself a mimi massage yourself.
