How to Do a Pedicure at Home In 5 Simple Steps

Let's be real: Your feet can get pretty dirty and gross. And while a salon pedicure can save the day, you unfortunately don't have access to one at the moment. This leaves you to deal with your cracked heels and sharp claws, all by yourself. So, if you haven't already, it's high time you do. Vandana Luthra, Founder and Co-Chairperson VLCC, tells you exactly how to DIY, at home! Self care, FTW.

While prepping for the DIY, here's the paraphernalia you would require:

1. Acetone or Nail Paint Remover (alcohol-free, if possible)

2. Cotton ball/pad  

3. Nail cutter 

4. Nail File 

5. Nail Buffer

6. Cuticle Oil & Stick (Optional)

7. Hand and Foot Scrub or Bath Soak

8. Epsom Salt (Optional)

9. Tub of warm water

10. Foot Scrubber or Pumice Stone

11. Body Butter or Moisturiser

12. Essential Oil (Optional)

13. Choice of Nail Polish 

Clip, File & Buff

Clip your nails using a nail cutter, but make sure you cut across straight. Don’t cut the corners too deep, or you will end up with painful ingrown nails. Some of us prefer to soak the feet in warm water beforehand, to soften the nails, so do so if you desire. Post giving your nails a trim, decide the shape of your nails (square, oval, pointed, round) and file them accordingly. When filing nails, do so in a single direction to get the desired shape. Back and forth motion often tends to weaken them. Now, use the buffer with medium pressure, and buff the nails up!

Self-Indulgence Never Hurt No One

Fill up some luke warm water in a tub and add the foot bath/epsom salts (peppermint or french rose is a favourite!). You can also add a few drops of essential oil, if you have any at home (Ylang Ylang is heavenly). These usually calm the nerves and give your feet the spa treatment they deserve. If you want it plain and simple, you can just add shampoo and a few crystals of rock salt into the liquid. Maybe some pebbles to give your soles a soothing foot rub? Sit back, put on some great music, and relax for 15-20 minutes. When done, dry your feet with a clean towel.

Do a Scrub & Tend to the Cuticles

Once your feet are dry, massage a little cuticle cream on the base of your toe-nails and heel. As the cream softens the dead skin, scrub your skin using a pumice stone. You could also use a foot file, as an alternative to the pumice stone. This will help get rid of all the flaky dead skin cells. After filing and buffing the nails, rub some cuticle oil along the nails, for about 2-3 minutes. Now, take the cuticle stick and push the cuticle backward, to ensure good shape of your nails. Remember: Never cut your cuticles. The removal of the cuticle by pushing backwards promotes healthy nails. However, while doing so, make sure you are gentle. Following this, scrub your nails using a nail scrubber. Now, use a scrub to exfoliate your feet (you could use a foot scrub or a face scrub). Scrub your heels, soles, and don’t forget the areas between your toes and the sides of your feet!

Moisturise!

Finally, your feet are sparkling clean! However, to make them super soft too, you must remember to moisturise. A mixture of almond oil and olive oil/argan oil, to massage your feet post the cleaning process, is recommended. Massage your feet, ankles, and calves, for a good 10-15 minutes. 

Get Pretty

After cleaning, clipping and moisturising, it’s time to get pretty! Apply a coat of protective base-coat to protect the natural shine of your nails, and to prevent them from getting discoloured. Let it dry for about 2-3 minutes. As the last step, pick out your favourite nail-polish colour and apply it in a single direction. Apply at least two coats of nail-polish and let it dry for about 5-6 minutes. You may also choose to apply a transparent, shiny topcoat to prevent your nail-paint from chipping or wearing off.

Last but not the least, take out your Manolo’s and slip into them. It's time to flaunt your gorgeous DIY feet to the world! (well, not really amidst a global pandemic, but whatever.)