Pedicures

You begin a pedicure by pulling out any necessary supplies and preparing a clean and orderly area for the pedicure. 



Supplies Needed:

• Basin
• Soak
• 5-6 clean towels
• Nail clippers
• Nail polish remover
• Esthetic wipes
• Nail file
• Cuticle pusher
• Cuticle remover
• Nail buffer
• Foot file
• Sugar scrub
• Massage lotion
• Alcohol
• Nail polish (including top and bottom coat)

Set-up:

First, put two warm damp towels in a towel warmer.  Second, lay out the nail clippers, nail file, cuticle pusher, foot file, buffer, and a scoop of the sugar scrub in that order from left to right on a towel.  Have a clean towel for the client under the basin, on top of the basin, and on your lap.  Have the client select a nail polish, and excuse yourself to fill up the basin with soak and very warm water (soak first, then water).  Have the client place both feet in the basin, have them check the temperature of the water, and begin nail work.

Nail Work:

Bring one foot out of the water and clip the nails to the client's desired length.  Then file the nails using long even strokes.  One direction is best, but a back and forth motion can be used to bring the nail down to the desired length.  Place the foot back in the water, and repeat on the other side. 

Bring the first foot out of the water again and rub cuticle remover on each nail and on any rough patches of skin.  Use a cuticle pusher to remove any dead skin from the nail and work the cuticle down on each toe.  Then use a buffer to work down any ridges on the nail or extra skin from the cuticle pushing.  Use the foot file to smooth out any rough skin on the heel or toes.  Place the foot back in the water, and repeat on the other side. 



Picture from www.wisegeek.com

Massage:

Remove the first foot again, and use half of the scrub on the foot, and up the leg to the knee.  Use the scrub vigorously on the heel and other tough spots, but lightly on the top of the foot and leg.  Place the foot back in the water and use the water to rinse off any excess scrub.  Repeat on the other side.

Bring both feet out of the water, remove the basin, dry both feet, and place them on the clean towel that was under the basin.  Begin to massage the foot and leg with lotion.  Begin with the leg, working hard on the muscles, and softly over the shin.  Work your way down to the foot and toes.  Don't skip out on the this part, as it is the most enjoyable part for the client.  Massage for at least a good ten minutes.  When you are finished massaging both feet, pull the warm towels out of the heater, and wrap them around the feet.  Make sure they are not too hot for the client, and compress the feet through the towels with your hands.  Let the client enjoy the warm towels while you clean up your supplies and prepare for polish.

Picture from www.beautiful-healthy-fingernails.com

Polish:

Use alcohol to completely remove all oils and products from the nail.  Paint the nails in the same order each time and do one foot with one coat, and then the other.  Paint the nails with the base coat (make sure to cover the whole nail).  Then begin with the color.  The first coat of color should be thin and slightly streaky looking.  After the second coat of color, use the top coat to work out any flaws.  Don't work the polish too much or you will start to create holes.  Use nail oil on the cuticles, and help the client get their feet into the flip flops.