Spa Pedicures

Part of the Spabreaks.com Spa Treatment Guides

Our feet rarely get the attention that they deserve, but they are arguably the hardest working part of the body. Supporting us day in, day out, the rigours of daily life, changing temperatures, central heating, running, walking, being in the gym - it can all make a difference to dry skin, nail health and the tension that we carry in our feet. Pedicures can be great ways of helping to care for our feet, as well as adding a little luxury into our day. They are also perfect for holiday prep or before an event.

A pedicure is a treatment for the feet, involving shaping and painting of the nails, tidying of cuticles, and softening of skin. Luxury pedicures can also include calf massages and reflexology elements. Well known brands include CND Shellac, Gelish, Jessica and OPI. It’s also possible to have nail overlays or extensions applied at some destinations.

Depending on where you go and the type of pedicure that you opt for, the details as to what happens will vary. They can range from a simple file and polish all the way up to hand masks, but this is a rough guide:

1. Preparation: Your therapist will usually begin by removing any traces of old nail polish
2. Cleanse: They might then move onto a soak to cleanse, and soften skin and nails.
3. Scrub: As part of the cleanse, they might use a scrub to exfoliate your feet, buffing away dead skin and nourishing it with oils and ingredients.
4. Mask: They may then apply a mask to the hands or feet for a period of time to really hydrate the skin and nails.
5. Massage: Once rinsed and dried, your therapist might add in a massage for feet with a cream or oil.
6. File: They will then file, trim and shape nails as wanted or needed.
7. Polish: The cherry on top is the colour. You will likely choose a nail polish at the start of your treatment. Therapists will apply your base coat, colour as required and top coat to seal.

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Prepare for an evening out in open-toe shoes, or get ready for a holiday. They are also perfect for sharing spa experiences with small groups of friends or as part of special occasions. They’re extremely popular on mother/daughter spa days, where you can talk at the same time as having your treatment together, especially if the spa has a dedicated pedicure station.

Pedicures really do range in price depending on the type of treatment that you have. That can mean anything from £10 to over £100.

Wait until your polish is dry before doing anything in case of smudging. If you’re on a spa break, it’s a good idea to use the wet facilities before your treatment so you don’t wash off all those lovely, nourishing oils and creams. Try not to wear tight, enclosed shoes or gloves for a couple of hours.

A foot spa refers to a bowl of warm water that’s used to cleanse feet as part of a pedicure treatment. Most commonly, they appear like mini Jacuzzis for your feet, including massaging bubbles, and you can get them to have at home or used in a spa environment. They can be extremely relaxing and help to prepare the skin for exfoliation as well as nourishing oils and creams. A pedicure on the other hand is the whole foot treatment from washing and massaging the feet to filing and polishing the nails.