How to prepare for a pedicure and keep the result for longer

A pedicure is not only about pretty toes in open shoes - it is also about foot hygiene and health. To make the treatment comfortable and the result last longer, a little preparation helps. Nothing complicated: a few simple steps before your visit and a couple of habits afterwards.

What to do the day before

• Wash your feet with soap before leaving home - it is a matter of hygiene and respect for your artist.
• Moisturise your feet for a few evenings in a row. Soft skin is easier to treat and stays smooth longer afterwards.
• Do not cut your nails short yourself. If they are very long you can trim them a little, but leave the shaping to your artist - it lowers the risk of ingrown nails.
• Remove old polish or let the administrator know that it needs to be removed at the studio.

What not to do

The main rule, recommended even by podiatrists: do not shave your legs a day or two before a pedicure. Shaving leaves tiny scratches on the skin, and water, scrubs and products used during the treatment can irritate them. It is better to shave after your visit or 2-3 days before it.

Also, do not try to cut calluses with a blade or scrub your feet with a pumice stone until it hurts the day before. Damaged skin needs time to heal, your artist will have to work more carefully and the result will be worse.

What to tell your artist

Before you start, let your artist know if you have:

• diabetes or circulation problems;
• fungal infections, cracks, cuts or inflammation;
• allergies to cosmetic products;
• an ingrown nail or pain in a particular spot.

This is no reason to skip a pedicure - your artist will simply choose a safe technique and products. In some cases they will honestly advise you to see a doctor first.

Hygienic or full pedicure?

A hygienic pedicure is nail and cuticle care - toes only, or toes together with the feet - without polish. A full pedicure is complete care for the feet and nails with gel polish, which lasts longer on the toes than on the hands because toenails grow more slowly. There is also an option in between - toes only with polish. Not sure which one you need? The administrator will help you choose when you book.

What happens during a pedicure at the studio

Your artist examines your feet and nails, removes old polish, treats the cuticles and side walls and shapes the nails. A full pedicure also includes foot care: rough skin on the heels and balls of the feet is removed and calluses are smoothed. Finally comes the polish and a care product - cream or oil.

The treatment should be comfortable. If something feels unpleasant or painful, tell your artist straight away - it matters both for your peace of mind and for the result.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have a pedicure? Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so roughly every 4-6 weeks is enough. In summer, when you wear open shoes, you may want to come a little more often.

Is it worth having a pedicure in winter? Yes, very much so: in warm closed shoes the skin on your feet dries out and heels crack. Regular care in winter is the best preparation for open-shoe season.

Can I have a pedicure with nail fungus? Fungal infections are treated by a doctor. Your artist will not apply polish to affected nails, but can help maintain hygiene while treatment is under way - if your doctor allows it.

What about an ingrown toenail? Do not try to cut it out yourself. Mention it when you book: in mild cases proper nail care and shaping help, but if it is inflamed it is better to see a doctor first.

How long does polish last on toenails? Usually longer than on fingernails, because feet have less contact with water and cleaning products. The key is comfortable shoes that do not press on your toes.

How to make the result last

1. On the day of the treatment, wear open shoes or bring flip-flops so you do not smudge the fresh polish.
2. Apply foot cream every evening - especially on the heels.
3. Use cuticle oil on your toes too.
4. Wear comfortable shoes: tight toe boxes press on the nails and can damage the polish.
5. Refresh your pedicure roughly every 4-6 weeks.

If something goes wrong in the first few days - the polish lifts or you feel discomfort - message us: every NV Stars service comes with a 3-day guarantee.