Home pedicure guide for salon-perfect feet this festive season

Home pedicure tips: Using basic tools like a large tub, nail cutter and file, shampoo and foot cream, giving yourself a pedicure at home can be a relaxing ritual that also gives you a little time to focus on yourself (Image: Canva)

Don’t have time to go to the parlour and still want your feet looking soft for the festive season? Doing a pedicure at home can be easy and relaxing. With only a few tools that you might already have in your house, you can easily achieve soft, glowing feet that will make you feel confident at Diwali parties and get-togethers, even if you have to take your shoes off.

Using basic tools like a large tub, nail cutter and file, shampoo and foot cream, giving yourself a pedicure at home can be a relaxing ritual that also gives you a little time to focus on yourself. So take out a little time from your busy weekend and practice this self-care technique that will make your feet feeling soft and smooth without stepping out of your home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to a refreshing and indulgent DIY pedicure.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Make sure you have all the tools you'll need before you begin:

• A big soaking basin or bathtub;
• A nail clipper and file;
• A cuticle pusher;
• A foot file or stone;
• An exfoliating scrub;
• Foot cream or lotion;
• A base coat, nail polish, and top coat (if painting nails);
• Cotton pads and remover for nail polish;
• A clean towel

Start by using a mild acetone-free nail polish remover to remove any existing nail polish. This will help your nails look fresh and guarantee a clean base for the pedicure.

Step 3: Soak your feet

Add a few drops of a gentle shampoo or foot soak to a basin of warm water. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender, for a calming effect. Adding Epsom salt will help your muscles relax. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. This will ensure softer skin and nails, making them easier to work with.

Step 4: Exfoliate and buff

After soaking, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently wipe away dead skin, paying particular attention to the balls and heels of your feet. Remember to be gentle and not scrub roughly as doing so may break your skin barrier.

You can also choose an exfoliating scrub to massage your feet in in circular strokes. This will increase circulation and eliminate dead skin cells. After exfoliating, rinse your feet with warm water and use a fresh towel to pat dry.

Step 5: Trim and shape your nails

• Trim your toenails: Using a nail clipper, trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
• Trim the edges: Use a nail file to smooth off any sharp edges. Be sure to only file in one direction to prevent your nails from getting weak.

Soaking your feet will also soften your cuticles. At this point, gently push them back with a cuticle pusher. It’s important not to trim your cuticles as they shield your nails from diseases. Apply a nourishing cream or cuticle oil to hydrate them.

Step 7: Moisturise your feet

• Apply a thick foot lotion or cream: Your feet are thicker and need more moisturizing. Use a lotion made especially for them.
• Give your feet a thorough massage, focusing on the toes, arch, and heels for a soothing experience. If your feet are extremely dry, apply a thick coating of lotion and wear cotton socks to allow the moisture to absorb more deeply.

If you want to apply nail polish, follow these steps:

• Apply a base coat to your nails. Doing this essential step will prevent discoloration, especially if you wear more vibrant colours.
• Apply two thin layers of your favourite nail colour for a flawless finish. Avoid putting thick coats as they are more likely to smudge. Give each coat a few minutes to dry.
• To add gloss and seal the colour, apply a top coat last.
• To fix any errors around the edges, use a cotton pad or a q-tip dipped in nail polish remover.

Apply cuticle oil or lotion to your nails after the nail polish has completely dried to enhance hydration.

Tips for maintaining your pedicure

• To keep your feet from drying out and peeling, moisturize them every day.
• Avoid wearing tight shoes that could hurt or cause blisters.
• To prevent dead skin, clean your feet once a week.
• To extend the longevity of your pedicure, touch up your polish or reapply a top coat every few days.
• Doing a pedicure at home can be simple and relaxing. Using only a few tools, you can achieve soft, glowing feet and nails and be ready in time for the festive season.