A pedicure will not only enhance the beauty of your feet, it can relax you. As with any procedure in your beauty regimen, the proper tools are necessary to get the best results. Maintaining the feet can help to prevent calluses, in-grown toenails and cracked heels. Have your pedicure done professionally at a salon or do it yourself at home. Girltalks.com advises keeping all your tools close by for easy reach.
Toenail Clippers and Nail File
Toenail clippers are larger than fingernail clippers because generally, toenails are thicker and tougher than fingernails. They should be cleaned between each use to prevent the growth of bacteria.
The nail file is used to keep the edges of the toenails smooth. File in one direction only rather than using a sawing motion back and forth.
Nail Buffer
The nail buffer is a rectangular block used for the finishing touches on smoothing the nails. Each side of the block has a different degree of roughness.
Cuticle Stick, Lotion and Clippers
The cuticle stick can be metal or wood. It has a flat tip on one end for pushing the cuticles back. Use cuticle cream or lotion to soften the cuticles before using the stick.
Cuticle clippers, also known as cuticle nippers, are designed to cut excess cuticles. Use caution when using these clippers and only clip dry, excess skin and avoid ripping the cuticle.
Foot Bath
You can use a product that is designed specifically for the feet. If you don't have one, a dishpan will suffice if it is large enough for both feet. The foot bath is used to soak the feet and soften the skin around the toes to make the pedicure an easier job. Hooked on Nails recommends soaking the feet at least five minutes.
Towels
You'll need a towel to dry your feet after the foot bath. Use a dry towel to protect flooring and furniture.
Foot Scrub, File and Nail Brush
You'll want to remove rough skin from the surface of your feet. Foot scrub is used to exfoliate dead skin cells. After using a foot scrub, your feet should feel smoother.
Foot files come in a variety of forms. They may look like a large nail file or emery board. Other types of foot files are pumice stones and egg-shaped files that look like small graters. A foot file is another method of getting rid of dry skin around the heels, filing calluses and removing corns.
Scrub the feet and area around the toenails with the nail brush. You may do this while your feet are soaking so the water can help to cleanse folds of skin around the toenails.
Toe Spacers, Cotton and Gauze
A toe spacer separates the toes to prevent smearing polish. Push it far enough up the toe to expose the full toenails. Cotton balls can be used if you don't have toe spacers.
Cotton and gauze have a variety of uses during the pedicure. Use either of them to remove old nail polish and to help to apply any creams or lotions. After filing and buffing, use the gauze to brush away nail dust. Keep it handy to wipe away smeared nail polish. Gauze doesn't leave particles and fibers like cotton will.
Lotion or Cream
Use lotion on the feet after filing and buffing to help to soften the skin. Avoid using around the toenails, or the nail polish may not adhere.
Nail Polish and Remover
Nail polish remover gets rid of old polish. Non-acetone nail polish remover isn't as harsh on nails, so use that unless you need the heavy-duty acetone remover.
You'll need a base coat, nail polish and a top coat. The base coat helps the polish adhere to the nails, and it prevents staining your nails. The polish adds color and style. The top coat helps prevent chips and will add shine. Some varieties of top coat may speed drying time.
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