7 tips to give yourself a salon quality pedicure at home
With the coronavirus pandemic still prevalent in many parts of the country, some have opted to postpone their usual nail appointments and try the DIY pedicure route instead.
With a shift to at-home manicures and pedicures, nail care company Olive & June just announced the launch of their "Pedi System." The new kit reflects the growing trend for doing nails at home and includes everything you need to achieve a salon-perfect pedicure.
"There's a misconception that pedicures are much more daunting than manicures, but I'm going to let you in on a secret," Olive & June Founder and CEO Sarah Gibson Tuttle told "GMA." "Pedicures are actually easier to do by yourself because you're always working with your dominant hand."
Below Gibson Tuttle shares seven tips to give yourself a salon quality pedicure at home.
1. Moisturize your feet
We hear all the time that when moisturizing, people seem to stop at their ankles. We're here to remind you to continue down to those toes. Just keep going! Use a lotion or whatever you like. I like a non-greasy formula packed with tons of hydration so you can go about your day.
2. Shape counts
Like a mani, shaping is a can't-skip step of your pedi. To shape, use your clippers to get 90% of the shape and then use a file to finish the last 10%. When filing, the key is to use a thin nail file that can actually get under the nail. Square pedis are all the rage right now -- it's a shape that looks fresh and clean on everyone.
3. Give yourself props
When giving yourself a pedicure, positioning is everything. The position of your foot, as well as support for your back, will make all the difference. I always suggest sitting on the floor and supporting your back against the base of your couch. Try to angle your foot upward so you can really see every little detail.
4. Save water
The best way to slough off dry skin from your feet is to start with a gentle foot file and dry feet. A lot of people do this in the shower, but once your skin is wet, the file becomes less effective. Using a foot file on dry skin once a week right before your shower will give you those baby-soft feet you've been dreaming of.
5. Soften, don't snip
Manis and pedis are all about having fun and unleashing your creative side, but there is one hard and fast rule I stand by: do not cut your cuticles at home. Unless you are a licensed nail technician, leave this to the professionals.
While the cuticles on our hands are soft enough to be pushed down over time, the cuticles on our toes are a bit more stubborn. Use a cuticle remover and let it do the work for you. Once it's been on for 10 minutes or so, buff your nails or use a metal pusher and your cuticles will just disappear.
After you've done this for two or three pedis, you'll start to train your cuticles and they won't come back as tough.
6. It's worth putting in the time
Pedicures are one of the only self-care rituals and beauty practices that gives you results for weeks! A perfectly applied winged liner lasts a day, a truly great blowout may last a few days, but a pedi will stay looking perfect for two to three weeks.
Set aside 30 minutes, put on your favorite podcast or playlist, and then enjoy that jolt of happiness you get every time you see your toes over the next few weeks.
7. You got this
There's a misconception that pedicures are much more daunting than manicures, but I'm going to let you in on a secret. Pedicures are actually easier to do by yourself because you're always working with your dominant hand. If you start out strong with confidence, you can't go wrong.
