She Strengthens

Give Yourself a Salon-Worthy Pedicure at Home

With many nail salons temporarily closed, it’s time to take matters into our own hands. But before we dive into the DIY pedicure process, let’s not forget about our favorite local nail salons. These small businesses are at high risk of shutting down during the pandemic, so if you have the means, consider purchasing gift cards from them online to show your support.

Gather Your Essential Tools

To give yourself a professional-looking pedicure at home, you’ll need a few basic tools. Chances are, you already have most of these items lying around. Make do with what you have, and don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Cotton pads
• Nail polish remover or acetone
• Nail clippers*
• Footbath or large bowl with warm, soapy water*
• Towel or washcloth*
• Foot scrub*
• Pumice/foot file
• Nail file*
• Cuticle pusher/trimmer
• Foot cream or body lotion*
• Cuticle oil* (petroleum jelly works as a common substitute)
• Toe separators (optional)
• Nail polish of your choice*

Step-by-Step Guide to a Salon-Worthy Pedicure

Remove Old Polish and Prep Your Nails

Start by removing any lingering polish from your toenails using cotton pads and nail polish remover. If you have shellac or gel polish, you’ll need to soak your nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes before scraping off the polish.

Soften Your Skin and Exfoliate

Fill a foot bath or large bowl with warm, soapy water and soak your feet for at least 10 minutes. Use a foot scrub, foot file, or pumice stone to exfoliate dead skin, paying close attention to your heels. Rinse off with warm water.

Trim and Shape Your Nails

Use nail clippers to cut your nails straight across, then file the edges to your desired shape. Optional: push back and trim your cuticles using clean tools. Be careful not to nip your skin.

Moisturize and Protect

Apply a thick layer of foot cream or body lotion to your feet, especially on your heels. Then, apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to your cuticles. This is especially important if you’ve opted to push them back or trim them.

Prep Your Nails for Polish

Use cotton pads with nail polish remover to wipe off any lingering oil or moisturizer from your toenails. This will ensure a smooth polish application.

Apply Your Favorite Nail Polish

Apply a base-coat, nail color, and top-coat to your toenails. If you don’t have a base-coat, that’s okay! Just use your nail color and top-coat. Allow each coat to dry for a few minutes before applying the next one.

Finishing Touches

Remove your toe separators (if using) and let your pedicure dry for at least 5-10 minutes. To prevent smudging, do your DIY pedicure in the early evening and let it dry overnight. You can also try running your nails under cold water to help them dry faster.

And there you have it! A salon-worthy pedicure from the comfort of your own home. Repeat the process in two weeks to keep your nails looking fresh and fabulous.