How to Do a Pedicure at Home

A home pedicure can transform your feet, making them soft, smooth, and visually appealing. Beyond being a cosmetic treatment, a well done pedicure offers numerous health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and preventing issues like calluses and infections.

Here is a detailed guide on how to perform a professional, long-lasting pedicure that can significantly enhance the health of your feet, all from the comfort of your own home.

Why spend time doing a pedicure?

Doing a pedicure at home is a convenient and relaxing option that allows you to care for your feet: but why invest time in this routine?

Toenails, if neglected, can not only be aesthetically unpleasing but can also cause pain, especially during the summer. In winter, the use of closed shoes, heavy boots, and socks compresses the feet, making toenails more problematic and painful when the weather warms up.

Additionally, dirt and bacteria trapped under the nails can create a breeding ground for fungal infections and unpleasant odors. If nail polish is not removed for months, the nails are likely to become brittle, dull, thickened, or discolored.

Finally, heels can also cause discomfort and pain due to dryness and flaking. The skin of the heels, if left untreated, can become cracked and painful, negatively affecting the quality of daily life.

For all these reasons, taking care of one's feet regularly not only improves their appearance, but also helps prevent various health problems, ensuring healthier and stronger feet.

Steps for a Perfect DIY Pedicure

If you're interested in a DIY pedicure, follow these steps to achieve a professional result:

1) Remove old nail polish

The first thing to do to successfully complete a home pedicure is to remove any nail polish residue with a cotton pad soaked in acetone.

2) Soak your feet

If you have a foot bath at home, now is the time to use it. Alternatively, fill your bathtub and sit on the edge, or use a basin large enough to hold both feet. Fill it with warm water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes to soften the skin, then dry them.

3) Trim your nails

Begin with the cuticles: if you have a cuticle remover, apply it to soften them further; otherwise, proceed directly with a cuticle trimmer.

Next, trim your nails using nail clippers or scissors, depending on your preference. Regardless of the tool you use, we suggest you be careful not to cut too much at the corners of the nails, maintaining a shape as straight as possible, in order to avoid the onset of annoying ingrown toenails.

4) Exfoliate your feet

If the heels or soles of your feet are rough, start by using a pumice stone to gently smooth out any calluses.

After treating both feet, use a scrub to thoroughly remove dead skin and complete the exfoliation.

For this step, we recommend ESTĒREL’s PLAISANT AUX NOIX D'OLIVE SCRUB.

This product features a gel texture that facilitates easy application and rinsing, providing a deep cleanse without harshness. Its selected ingredients, such as olive pit microgranules and jojoba spheres, gently remove dead cells, while chamomile and calendula extracts soothe and hydrate the skin.

Apply the scrub to feet and ankles, massage gently for about two minutes, and leave it on for up to five minutes for a more intense effect. Rinse with warm water or a warm, damp towel. The result will be soft, fresh, luminous and toned skin, ready for the next step in your pedicure.

5) Moisturize

After exfoliating your feet, it's essential to apply a moisturizing cream to keep the skin soft and well-nourished. Massage until all of the cream has been absorbed: this step not only softens the skin but also improves blood circulation and maintains your feet in excellent condition.

For effective and quality care, we recommend ESTĒREL’s CRÈME RELAXANTE PEDICURE +. Specifically formulated for feet, this cream provides emollient action with shea butter and the soothing, refreshing, antiseptic properties from Bisabolol, Melaleuca Alternifolia, and Dead Sea salts.

6) Apply nail polish

Before applying nail polish, use a cotton ball to remove any oily residues from the nails to ensure better durability of the polish.

Next, file your nails and apply a primer to all nails. Once the base is dry, apply a thin layer of polish, let it dry, and apply a second layer for a fuller and brighter color.

Finish with a top coat to seal everything and prevent premature chipping. Once the job is complete, let your nails completely dry and touch them to ensure the polish is fully dry.

7) Massage your legs

For an extra treat to your legs, we suggest our ICE GEL RINFRESCANTE GAMBE. This gel is ideal for relieving the heaviness and discomfort of tired, swollen, or fatigued legs. Its formula, enriched with red vine and devil's claw, strengthens blood vessels and provides an immediate sense of freshness and well-being.

Apply the gel to the affected areas and massage until fully absorbed to complete your foot and leg care routine.