Tools for a Home Pedicure

A pedicure is a great way to pamper your feet and improve your appearance, and taking a DIY approach and giving yourself a pedicure at home can be a practical way to save time and money. Choosing the right tools for a home pedicure will ensure that you will get the results you want from your beauty treatment.

Dry Foot File

A dry foot file scrapes hardened, dry skin off your feet, smoothing away callouses and rough spots. Most people need one with a medium-grit, though if your feet are super sensitive, you might opt for a fine-grit file instead. Some people use a pumice stone for this instead of a file.

Nail Clipper

If your toenails need a trim, use a straight edge nail clipper to give them one. Nail clippers come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that you can comfortably grip and squeeze. If your clippers get dull, upgrade to a new, sharper set so that you don't chip or damage your toenails.

Emery Board

An emery board--just like the one you use for your fingernails--smooths the rough edges of toenails. A fine-grit emery board works fine for most people, though if your toenails are particularly thick or strong, you might want a medium-grit emery board.

Buffing Block

If your nails tend to get a yellowish cast, use a buffing block to remove the yellow stains. The gritty side buffs out bumps and discolorations, while the smooth side gives nails a little shine.

Products

Your pedicure tools work best when combined with pedicure beauty products. Soaking salts, such as Epsom salts, soften feet, making them easier to to treat. Using an exfoliating scrub before filing helps remove dead skin cells. Moisturizing cream is essential, especially on the heels and cuticles, which can be prone to dryness. If you're painting your nails, a quick-dry polish top coat can significantly speed up the drying process.

References

Article reviewed by Roman Tsivkin Last updated on: Dec 17, 2009

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