A pedicure is defined in the dictionary as “a way to improve the appearance of the feet and their nails. It is basically a manicure for the feet.

Regular pedicures help prevent nail diseases and disorders. A pedicure involves cleansing the feet, nail and cuticle care, and a foot massage.

Some salons offer extras such as a foot mask, reflexology paraffin wax treatment etc. to their pedicure treatment. A pedicure can be very relaxing and if you have any foot problems it can be therapeutic.

I would always recommend my clients have a pedicure every four or five weeks to keep them in order.

People tend to neglect their feet in winter and then come late Spring or early Summer they start to panic about the poor condition of their feet. Prevent this from happening by continuing your pedicure treatments all year round.

You can also do your bit at home to keep your feet in good condition. On a daily basis you should cleanse to remove bacteria and nasty odours. Make sure you dry carefully between the toes to help prevent athletes foot. Opt for natural fibres when wearing socks i.e. Cotton or wool. This allows your feet to breath.

You should change your shoes every day, alternating every two to three days. Avoid high heels to help prevent corns and calluses. Your shoes should be made of leather. This also allows your feet to breath.

On a weekly basis, soak your feet in warm soapy water for twenty minutes before pushing back your cuticles with an orange wood stick. Plastic hoof picks are also available and can be less damaging to the cuticle area.

Remove any dirt from under the free edge of the nail with the end of the orange wood stick / hoof pick. Clip and or file the nails. Don’t file the nails into a curve as you would with the fingernails.

File them into a straight line otherwise ingrown toenails may develop. If this does happen you must see a podiatrist. If you put it off, the problem will only worsen. Keep them short and neat. You may buff the from side to side to help smooth out any ridges on the surface of the nails. As the toe nails are much stronger than the finger nails there is no reason to apply a nail hardener but it is always good to apply a coat of nail polish for cosmetic reasons, remembering to apply:

1. Base coat
2. 1st colour coat
3. 2nd colour coat
4. Clear top coat

When visiting a salon for a pedicure always remember to bring flip flops. You don't want to ruin your beautiful new feet do you? Generally speaking you should allow about an hour for a full  deluxe pedicure. Even though the polish may be dry to touch after the treatment, it can take up to six hours to fully dry!
Hygiene is something to look out for when having a pedicure in a salon or nail bar.

Ask if they use an autoclave / steraliser, sanitizer, alcohol wipes, etc. You are paying for a service so you are at liberty to ask these questions. Sadly people have been known to go in for a pedicure and come out with an infection! This is avoidable and completely unacceptable.