The Ultimate Home Spa Pedicure: A Step-By-Step Guide To Achieving Salon-Worthy Results

How to Do a Spa Pedicure at Home

A spa pedicure is a great way to pamper yourself and keep your feet looking and feeling their best. While it may seem like a luxury, it's actually something you can easily do at home with just a few simple tools and supplies. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to achieve baby-soft feet and perfectly polished toes without having to step into a salon. So, grab your favourite nail polish and get ready to relax as we walk you through the ultimate at-home spa pedicure experience.

Remove old nail polish

Removing old nail polish is the first step to achieving a great pedicure. It is important to use lint-free cotton pads, such as Ulta Premium Cotton Pads, instead of cotton balls, which tend to leave fuzzies. If you are attached to a cheap drugstore nail polish remover, consider upgrading to an acetone-, paraben-, and phthalate-free one like Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover, as it will be healthier for your nails in the long run. Cutex's Gel Nail Polish Remover is a good option if you frequently use dark or stubborn nail polish.

Once you have your supplies ready, saturate the cotton pad with the remover. Then, press the saturated cotton onto your nail and let it soak for a few seconds before wiping it off. If you have stains on your nails, lemon juice can help remove them. Simply apply the lemon juice to your nails and let it soak in for a few seconds before wiping it off. It may take a few tries, but it is a gentle and effective method.

Removing old nail polish is an important step in the pedicure process, ensuring that your nails are clean and ready for a fresh coat of paint. By using the right tools and techniques, you can effectively remove old nail polish and create a smooth canvas for your at-home spa pedicure.

Soak and scrub your feet

Soaking your feet is a great way to relax and recharge, and it's an important step in achieving soft, smooth skin. It's also a good opportunity to focus on your feet, which often get neglected.

To prepare a foot soak, you'll need a bathtub, a large washbasin, or a foot tub, and a towel or bath mat to dry your feet off afterward. Fill the tub with warm water, ensuring the temperature is comfortable and not too hot. You can also add some of the following ingredients to the water for a therapeutic spa experience:

• Epsom salt: This is great for relieving sore, tender feet as it contains magnesium, which is absorbed through the skin and helps to relax muscles and reduce inflammation and pain.
• Essential oils: These can enhance the experience by providing aromatherapy benefits. Try lavender, rosemary, or peppermint for a soothing experience, or lemongrass or clary sage for an invigorating effect.
• Carrier oil: This can be blended with essential oils and added to the bath.
• Vinegar: Adding a cup of white or apple cider vinegar to the water can help soften dry, dead skin and make it easier to remove.
• Lemon juice: Squeeze in some lemon juice to enhance the effects of the vinegar and use the peels to gently clean your toes and feet.
• Honey and coconut milk: The moisturizing properties of these ingredients will leave your feet feeling soft and smooth.
• Cinnamon powder: Sprinkle some cinnamon powder into the water for an extra touch of luxury.

Once you have prepared your foot bath, it's time to soak your feet. Submerge your feet above the ankle and relax for 15 to 20 minutes. If you're using a basin instead of a tub, you may need to add some extra hot water to keep the temperature warm. After soaking, gently scrub your feet with a pumice stone, exfoliating brush, or washcloth to remove any excess dead skin. Pay special attention to the balls of your feet, the bottoms and sides of your heels, and around your toes. Be careful not to remove too much skin, especially in areas where you have calluses, as they are there for a good reason.

If you want to take your foot care routine a step further, you can also try using a foot scrub or exfoliator after soaking and scrubbing your feet. This will help to remove any remaining rough spots and leave your feet feeling even softer. You can purchase a ready-made foot scrub or create your own DIY recipe with natural ingredients like baking soda or sugar. Gently massage the scrub into your feet, focusing on the areas that tend to be the roughest. Finally, rinse your feet with fresh water and dry them off with a soft towel.

Remove calluses

To remove calluses, start by soaking your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to help soften the calluses. You can also add a handful of Epsom salts to the water, which will help to relax your muscles and soothe your skin.

After soaking, you can use a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating cream to gently rub away the calluses in a circular motion. Pumice stones are made from volcanic rock and are excellent at removing the top layer of calluses. You can find them in most drugstores. Be sure to only use a pumice stone 1 to 2 times a week, as overuse can irritate your feet and lead to more callus build-up.

If you prefer a chemical exfoliant, look for exfoliating creams that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate. Apply these daily to encourage the removal of built-up skin cells.

For a more natural approach, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of water with enough baking soda to form a paste, then adding a few drops of lime juice. Apply this mixture to the callused areas and cover them with socks or gauze overnight. Repeat this process nightly until the calluses are gone.

It's important to note that you should never use sharp objects to remove calluses, as this can injure your skin and lead to infection. Additionally, if you have diabetes or medical conditions that affect your circulation or nerves, it's best to consult a doctor or podiatrist before attempting to remove calluses at home.

Moisturise

Moisturising is a vital step in any at-home pedicure. It helps to nourish and hydrate your skin after the scrubbing and soaking, leaving your feet feeling soft and smooth.

There are many different products you can use to moisturise your feet, including foot creams, lotions, moisturisers, and cuticle oils. You can also use petroleum jelly, which board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner recommends as one of the most hydrating products for your feet.

When choosing a moisturiser, look for ingredients that will hydrate and protect your skin, such as cupuaçu butter, shea butter, vitamin E, and white tea extract. These ingredients can be found in products like OPI ProSpa's Protective Hand Nail and Cuticle Cream and Moisture Whip Massage Cream.

Be sure to work the product from your toes up your calves, giving yourself a nice massage in the process. This will help improve blood circulation in your legs and feet, leaving them feeling refreshed and energised.

If you're looking for a more intensive treatment, consider using a moisturising foot mask. This can help extend the life of your baby-soft skin for days after your pedicure. Aveeno's Moisturizing Foot Mask and Baby Foot's Original Exfoliant Foot Peel are great options.

After moisturising, remember to swipe your nail beds dry to remove any excess product or oil before applying your base coat and nail polish.

Paint your toenails

Painting your toenails is the final step in achieving a spa pedicure at home. Before you start painting, ensure your nails are dry and free of any oil, lotion, or residue. You can use a paper towel to wipe your nails clean.

Start by applying a thin base coat to your toenails. This will help the polish last longer and prevent chips and yellow nail stains. Once the base coat has dried, you can move on to the colour. Choose a nail polish in your preferred shade and start by applying a thin coat. If you have shaky hands, you can use a gripping tool like Olive & June's The Poppy to help you paint within the lines.

To achieve a professional-looking finish, follow these steps:

• Paint a thin stripe of polish up the middle of the nail.
• Paint a thin stripe of polish on one side of the nail, getting as close as possible to the cuticle without touching it.
• Repeat on the other side of the nail.
• Fill in the middle of the nail.
• Paint the exposed edge of the nail with an under-saturated polish brush.

Wait for the first coat of colour to dry, and then apply a second thin coat. Finish with a quick-drying top coat to seal in the colour and add shine. Carefully clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover.

Allow your toenails to dry completely before putting on socks or closed-toe shoes. This typically takes at least two hours. To speed up the drying process, you can use quick-dry drops.

Frequently asked questions