When it comes to pedicures the choice is overwhelming. In fact, we have already written about 20 different types of pedicure so when you are faced with so many choices what do you choose? Well, we believe that it can be hard to go wrong with 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 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.
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.
A 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 loosen muscle tension in your feet. Relaxing makes the whole process more enjoyable.
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 from the feet. If your feet are particularly rough then you might ask for a sea salt scrub treatment as well. When salt scrub is massaged into the skin it can remove dead skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Moisturising – Placing your feet in water hydrates them and helps to soften hard skin. Many foot soak treatments also have added hydrating moisturiser 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 shape them. They will also deal with your cuticles on your toes.
Foot Massage and Moisturising
A foot massage is the next part of the process 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 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 colour of your choice.
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 colour 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.
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