A pedicure is a way to improve the appearance of the feet, and their nails. It basically is a manicure for the feet. The word pedicure comes form the Latin words pes, which means foot, and cura, which means care. It also means the care of the feet and toenails. A pedicure can be helpful because it can prevent nail diseases and nail disorders.



Some women hide their feet in sneakers, loafers or sandals that cover most of the foot. Others show their feet in thongs or skinny sandals. Those who show their feet, and occasionally those who don't, may want to get a pedicure. A pedicure is a manicure for the feet.

A pedicure will usually take about 30 minutes, depending on the services offered. A basic pedicure will include a foot soak, having the toenails trimmed and shaped, having the cuticles trimmed and the calluses pumiced, and finally having the toenails painted. Some salons offer extra services such as foot massage, hot paraffin baths and even salt or kelp wraps. The whole idea is to make the feet look as attractive as possible.

A woman considering a pedicure will probably want to see if the salon she regularly goes to offers the service and how much it costs, along with what services are included. If pedicures are not offered at her regular salon, she can often look in the yellow pages to see what salons in her area do offer them.

Tips to getting a Safe Pedicure

&bullAsk the manager how often the footbaths are cleaned. The footbaths should be cleaned at least once a day. The bacteria is usually present in the filter. The filter should be removed of debris.

&bullAsk the manager how the footbaths are cleaned. The footbaths should be cleaned with a bleach solution for 15 minutes.

&bullDon't shave your legs 24 hours before your pedicure. A shave can create tiny nicks that allow the bacteria to enter your skin.

&bullMake sure the salon sterilizes metal equipment between appointments. Some salons will allow you to bring your own metal equipment.

&bullMake sure the salon has posted a current license from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, as well as the Board's Health and Safety poster.

&bullMake sure your pedicurist has posted their license.

&bullTrim only your toenails. Do not let your pedicurist cut your cuticles. Cut cuticles provide an opening to bacteria.

&bullIf the footbath basin looks dirty, ask your pedicurist to wash and disinfect the footbath and the metal equipment.

Pedicure prices vary depending on the salon and the services. A basic pedicure will usually be about INR 900, and prices increase from there. One option for a less expensive pedicure may be to go to a cosmetology school which offers beauty services to the public. A woman would probably receive a pedicure from a senior student, and the price might be as low as INR 225-450. Since a pedicure is much more difficult to mess up than a haircut, a woman can probably get a pedicure at a cosmetology school with confidence.

One other point to consider is what to wear for a pedicure. Short skirts or short-shorts could be problematic, since the pedicurist may elevate the legs to do the work. Pants that are easily rolled up are probably the best option. Also, the pedicurist should receive a tip, usually about 10-20 percent of the fee depending on the services rendered. For especially good service or extended services, the tip should be about 30 percent.