Mala McAlpin Among many other wonderful things, we’re almost at that time of year where we can welcome open-toed shoes back into our lives, which means one thing – pedicures. Your nail services may soon be experiencing a little boost, and after months of hibernation in socks, slippers and covered shoes, some pedicures may prove a little more difficult to execute than they normally would.
Since now is a better time than any to get geared up for an influx of spa pedis, we thought we’d share some ideas on how to elevate your pedicures and give those toes some much-needed care and attention.
Polish prep
Save some valuable time that could be better spent on dry, unkempt cuticles by having your clients select their polish on arrival while they wait. Be sure to ask all clients when booking if they need Shellac removal so you can schedule additional time.
Buff away build-up
Constantly-covered shoes can leave soles particularly built up and in need of a good scrub. Coarse salt or sugar scrubs work wonders, as does a coffee scrub – since the grounds are not water-soluble, it leaves you with more time to work with it before rinsing off.
Max your mask
Soles and cuticles will probably require some deep hydration. After filing, apply the mask everywhere but the toes, leaving them exposed for cuticle work, and wrap with hot towels or glad wrap to encourage better product penetration. This will leave you with more time for cuticles and a longer mask application. Detoxifying masks are ideal for this time of year, kicking circulation and sluggish skin into gear. In severe cases of dryness, you could amplify your mask even further by applying a concentrated oil or serum first.
Bliss out your massage
Now would also be a great time to get creative with your massage components or add-ons, which will likely be the most enjoyable part for your clients after months of neglect. Incorporate some reflexology, or even some hot stone for particularly sore soles. Extend your massage all the way up to the knee for maximum client bliss.
Longwear polish
Your clients will be so thrilled to have their pretty polish on display again that they will want it to last as long as possible. Products like CND’s Vinylux work particularly well for pedicures on clients that prefer to avoid Shellac, as it wears almost as strongly but paints on and removes like regular polish – no UV lamp required. Some clients may also find it cures further if exposed to sunlight, leaving toe polish lasting even longer.
