Going out for a manicure or pedicure can be one of the best treats we give ourselves. Whether we go alone or with family and friends, a quick trip to the spa or parlour can be remarkably relaxing, as well as do a world of good for our toe and fingernails (especially if we don’t treat them too often).
Going once in a while is certainly recommended. However, if you want to keep your nails and skin in the best possible shape, most professionals suggest getting a manicure or pedicure every two to three weeks. That’s usually about the time it takes for your cuticles to dry, your nails grow, and your varnishes begin to get chipped away.
So, if you’re looking forward to having your salon fresh manicure or pedicure last as long as possible, then be sure to follow these Do’s and Don’ts!
Tips for getting the most out of your manicure
Do have a rough idea of what you would like done before the appointment
There’s a whole world of possibilities when it comes to having your nails done. Everything from shape, length, colour, to size can be customized, along with choices like gel or acrylic nails. So, if you’re the kind of person who needs an extra minute to figure out what to order from a menu, having at least some idea before you go can help get you the results you want.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with changing your mind when you get there or asking for ideas from your manicurist. Most specialists are trained as well as being creative, and can probably give you some fun options or good advice if you can’t choose between one or the other.
Do your research before booking your first appointment
Most salons and spas are staffed by qualified, and well-trained nail specialists, but it never hurts to look up reviews beforehand. There can be quite a difference in quality between a well-maintained and licensed spot from one that’s operating under the table.
As your nails are part of your body, don’t risk going to some shady spot and be sure to ask questions while you’re there. There’s no shame in being well-informed!
Do opt for a shellac polish if you’re looking for longer lasting results
Oftentimes, we’re just looking for something short term for our nails, such as for a special event like a wedding or other reception. However, if you’re hoping to have longer lasting results, a shellac option can increase the duration at which your nails maintain their shape, colour, and sheen from the manicure.
Don’t soak your hands in warm water before a manicure
Everyone enjoys having their skin soaked in warm, refreshing water, but doing so for your nails before a manicure could be a mistake. The heat may cause your nails to expand, which means that when they cool and shrink after, it could chip all the work you’ve had done!
The same is true for after the treatment is done. Long baths or even washing dishes can lead to your nails easily chipping and losing all the work that went into them!
Don’t pick at a manicure even if it’s peeling
For a lot of us, seeing little chips or imperfections in our nails is enough to drive us crazy. The urge to pick at them can honestly be pretty difficult sometimes. However, when picking off your polish, you can damage the outermost layer of your nails – which is already vulnerable from the polish having been on for so long.
Because it can take around 3 months for your nail to grow completely from root to tip, if you damage the middle of your nail by accident, you might be waiting at least a month or two before it’s grown out.
Don’t get your cuticles removed or trimmed back
Some salons or even beauty influencers suggest trimming back your cuticles or nipping them altogether. Never do this! Your cuticles are there to protect your body against microbes and help keep your nails safe as they grow. Worse, there’s the possibility of getting cut, and that can open the door to irritation or even infection.
Tips for getting the most out of your pedicure
Do give your toenails a breather between frequent visit
If you are frequently at the salon, you may want to ensure that your toenails have some breathing room. Too much time under polish and our toenails can easily dry out and become brittle.
One common tip is for people to give them toenails a break during the autumn or winter months, long after you’ve started putting away your sandals. You’ll have fewer occasions to show them off, and your feet will eventually need the break too!
Do consider arriving on time for your appointment
The last thing anyone needs is a pedicurist who feels like they have to rush to make sure you get your full treatment before the next booking arrives.
Often, showing up early in the morning is best. There’s less chance of a backlog, and the pedicurist might be more focused too (as most of us are at the start of our shifts).
Do gently moisturize your feet before and after
Moisturizing helps prevent our skin from getting too rough or dry. While you don’t need to go overboard, a gentle moisturizer rubbed into your feet before and after can help your skin feel smooth and relaxed.
Do bring your own pedicurist kit and instruments (if you have them)
If you have your own professional kit or tools that you regularly use, many spas will let you bring your own (such as a pumice stone) for the pedicurist to use. This can be a good choice when the spa options near you aren’t exactly top of the line, or if it’s your first visit there. While spas should be cleaning all their tools regularly, the last thing you want is to use something that was shared without a good clean.
Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes
While nail polish can often dry fairly quickly, it sometimes takes up to several hours of exposure to the air before the polish is properly cured. The last thing you want to do in situations like this is to leave the salon or spa with a pair of tight, uncomfortable shoes that pinch your toes or damage your nails.
Your best bet for going to the spa and getting a pedicure done is to bring a pair of flip flops or easy-to-slide-into sandals. Not only are they comfortable, but the exposure to air will help ensure your nails cure properly as they continue to dry.
Don’t try to “prep” your nails or calluses beforehand
Oftentimes, we might feel a little embarrassed by the state of our feet or toes before visiting the spa. That’s okay, and it’s a pretty normal thing to experience (and one of the reasons we might have opted for a pedicure in the first place).
What we shouldn’t do is try to clip our nails or cut away our callouses beforehand. If you know what you’re doing, and maybe took an esthetics course yourself, that’s one thing. However, for most of us, doing so might exacerbate any issues before you reach the spa.
In any event, no matter what’s going on with your toenails or the rough spots on your feet, your pedicurist should be able to make things right for you!
Don’t visit the spa if you have serious foot issues
Pedicurists are amazing when it comes to treating your feet, but they’re not trained as medical doctors the way a foot specialist – or a podiatrist – would be. If you have pain in your feet, or rashes, or other medical conditions that have not been explained, please visit your doctor beforehand and get their okay to see a pedicurist (and maybe a medical treatment too).
Are you looking to become an expert in all things related to manicures or pedicures, or have dreams of starting your own beauty business one day? Nail care is one of the many lesson modules that make up our Esthetics Program here at Modern College.
Students who go through the program from start to finish gain the theoretical knowledge, hands-on spa experience, and confidence they’ve always wanted to work in the beauty industry.
To learn more about our programs, fill in the form on the right side of this page or send us an email at [email protected].
P.S. Our students also offer manicure and pedicure services at a discounted rate. We’re open for bookings throughout the year!