What Happens During a Pedicure?

After spending all day on their feet, many tired workers and home makers enjoy treating themselves to pedicures. A pedicure is a relaxing way to sit back and undo all the abuse that your feet have experienced throughout the week. Aches, pains, calluses, corns and daily abuse are meant to melt away during a pedicure.

The history of pedicures dates all the way back to 2300 B.C. in Ancient Egypt. A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a pharaoh's tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs. Since then, the pampering of the legs and feet has been prevalent in most societies.

A pedicure is an excellent way to relax and allow yourself to recharge after a long day or week. On average, feet endure the force of several hundred tons per day. Pedicures can help relieve tension and provide therapeutic treatment for feet. Healthy feet are essential to a healthy lifestyle.

A pedicure is a relaxing procedure that does not require much work from the receiver--just lie back and relax. The first things that usually happen during a pedicure are a massage and a soak of the feet and legs to soften up calluses and make the skin on the feet easier to work with. Next, the pedicurist works with the cuticles and uses a loofah to clear away any dead skin cells. This brings the healthiest layer of skin to the surface. Lastly, nails are trimmed, polished, and possibly painted (if desired).

Although most salons are perfectly sanitary, pedicures do carry the risk of infection, especially if the tools used after each visit are not thrown away (in the case of one-time-use items such as emery boards, toe separators and cotton balls) or sterilized (when dealing with nail clippers or cuticle pushers).

Always check to see if your pedicurist has a license in her shop; this will let you know whether or not she is legitimate. Ask whether the salon sterilizes its equipment or simply disinfects it. Additionally, always ask whether or not the salon discards the disposable tools used for pedicures. If you want to be completely safe regarding instruments used, you can bring your own.