Last Updated on September 16, 2023 by Martina McKeough
Are you a lover of a classic pedicure or do you find the choice when it comes to pedicures overwhelming and complicated?
There are so many different types of pedicures out there that it can be difficult to know which is the best pedicure. Here are just some of the pedicures that spas are currently offering.
- A French Pedicure
- Gel Pedicure
- Ice Cream Pedicure
- Athletic or Sports Pedicure
- Spa Pedicure
- Chocolate Pedicure
- Honey Pedicure
- Fish Pedicure
- Margarita Pedicure
- Wine Pedicure
When it comes to pedicures you have endless choices. You can read my articles on 20 different types of pedicure for more details about what they mean. However, I believe that when you are faced with all those choices you can’t go wrong with a classic pedicure.
So what is a classic pedicure? A classic pedicure contains the essential elements that you need to keep your feet looking in great condition without all the added extras. When you choose a pedicure treatment you know that your feet will be well looked after without worrying about the added costs of premium foot care which can soon add up.
All pedicure services however are not equal so it is important to know what should be included in your classic pedi before parting with your money and time. Here’s what we believe should be included when you ask for this type of pedicure.
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What Is Included in a Classic Pedicure?
Classic pedicure services typically involve a foot soak, followed by foot skin exfoliation and toenail trimming and shaping. Following the foot preparation, your feet are then given a massage and moisturized before finally nail polish is applied to your toes and you are ready to go.
How Much is a Classic Pedicure?
A classic pedicure in the United States can cost anywhere between $35-$60. This treatment price will increase depending on the location and exclusivity of the spa. Remember that if you choose to have added extras in your pedicure such as gel polish instead or ordinary polish you may pay more. In the UK expect prices between £25 to £40.
How Long Does a Classic Pedicure Take?
Classic pedicure services can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half to complete. The time taken will depend on salon practices and techniques but most people expect to spend at least an hour in the salon.
Classic Pedicure Description and Steps
Typical pedicure services in a spa involve a series of standard steps that are given to every customer. These steps form the basis of the classic foot treatment however most salons are happy to add in extras at an additional cost. The extras can involve everything from getting gel polish instead of regular polish to using sea salt scrubs on your feet and legs or even paraffin wax.
Whilst many of these additional pedicure services are nice to have they are not essential if you want great-looking feet. The standard pedicure treatment is so popular because it doesn’t cost a fortune and makes your feet look great. It is a no-fuss treatment that will give you pretty feet without the huge expense.
So what are the steps involved in the classic pedi? Well here is what you should expect.
Pedicure Foot Soak and Nail Polish Removal
When you enter the spa the very first step for any pedicure involves removing any existing nail polish if you have any on with a good quality nail polish remover. Your feet are then placed in a hot towel for a short period of time before being immersed in a foot bath and soaked to soften the skin. When your feet are given a warm foot soak it doesn’t just help to clean them but also helps relax your foot muscles and soften dry skin.
A relaxing foot soak is an essential foot spa treatment as it has a number of benefits:
Relaxation – Pedicure services in a spa are designed to help you unwind so the foot bath is there to help you to relax and helps to loosen muscle tension in your feet. Relaxing your feet in warm water makes the whole process more enjoyable. Some foot soaks will contain aromatherapy oils to enhance the relaxation during a traditional pedicure.
Hygiene – Bathing your feet is used for hygiene purposes. The soak helps to deep clean your feet and remove any harmful bacteria before any other parts of the service.
Exfoliating – Many foot soaks will have an exfoliator in them to help remove dead skin cells from the feet. If your feet are particularly rough then you might ask for a sea salt foot scrub treatment as well. When salt scrub is massaged into the skin it can remove dead skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Moisturizing – Placing your feet in water hydrates them and helps to soften hard skin. Many foot soak treatments also have added hydrating moisturizer in the soak to make your feet softer.
Foot Exfoliation and Nail Trimming
Once your feet are removed from the foot soak they are usually placed in a hot towel to dry. Your nail technician will then begin to exfoliate your feet with a professional foot file to remove any dead skin from your feet. Again a hot towel or foot wipe may be used to remove any of the dead skin before your nails are trimmed and shaped.
Unless you have chosen a medical pedicure your nail technician won’t cut any skin from your feet. They will however cut your nails and do nail shaping to remove jagged edges. They will also deal with your cuticles on your toes. Cuticle care helps to keep your feet in tip-top condition.
Foot Massage and Moisturising
A foot massage is the next part of the process in a regular pedicure which usually involves massaging skin up to the knees. The massage is supposed to be relaxing for your foot and calf muscles and help soothe any aches and pains.
The nail technician at your spa may use a standard cream, lotion, oil or gel for the massage treatment or you may have the option to upgrade to something more bespoke. Certain products may be more suitable to use for a massage depending on your circumstances particularly if you have particular problems you want help with such as varicose veins or dry skin. Hydrating foot massage products may be more appropriate so speak to your nail technician first.
Expect to pay more for hydrating massage products that are not part of the standard pedicure menu.
Regular Pedicures and Nail Polish
Pedicure services all tend to include regular polish application at the very end of the process. Usually, your nails will have been prepared in the earlier part of the pedicure allowing your nails to be painted with a base coat and then a top coat in the color of your choice.
A Gel Pedicure with gel polish is however massively popular right now and isn’t usually included in the standard pedicure price. If you want gel nails as part of your pedicure then you will probably have to pay more and spend longer in the salon.
Gel nails require a base coat to be applied and then cured under a UV lamp. Then further gel coats in a color of your choice are applied on top. Each coat is also cured under the lamp. Finally, the final coat is buffed and you are ready to go.
A french pedicure is also one of the top requested treatments where light pink nail polish with white tips is applied for a classic look. As this takes more time to do you would probably need to pay extra.
More Articles About Foot Care
Using a Jelly Pedi to Pamper Your Feet
The Best Essential Oils for Feet
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