Everything about pedicures, types and steps of home pedicures + costs

January 7, 2026 Selma

All aboutpedicuretoenails

Our feet are some of the most used yet often neglected parts of our body. They bear our weight daily, stay in shoes for hours, and are exposed to dryness, cracks, and dirt. Pedicures are an essential beauty treatment that not only cares for toenails but also prevents cracks, calluses, and dryness, providing a sense of relaxation and lightness. If you want to have healthy, soft, and beautiful feet, getting acquainted with pedicures and their proper steps is the first step.

What is a pedicure?

A pedicure is a cosmetic and therapeutic treatment for the beauty and health of the feet and toenails. This process involves removing dead skin and calluses, shaping the toenails, and, if desired, applying nail polish or gel. You can perform a pedicure forcracked heelseither at home or in a salon, and it is very effective for preventing dryness, heel cracks, nail deformities, and even unpleasant foot odors.

Pedicure at home

Benefits of pedicures for foot health

Elimination of dryness, cracks, and calluses
Prevention of infections and fungal issues with salon pedicures
Increased blood circulation through massage
Long-lasting softness and tenderness of the skin
Visual appeal of feet and tidiness of toenails
Reduction of pain and fatigue in the feet

Necessary tools for a pedicure

Pedicure basin or tub
Epsom salt orcocktailpedicure
Foot file,pumice stoneornail filespecial electric file
exfoliating scrub
moisturizing cream or oil
nail clippers, nail file
cuticle pusher
toe separators
base coat, nail polish, and top coat

Longevity of pedicure

Types of pedicures

There are various methods of pedicures, each performed for a specific purpose and chosen based on individual skin needs and preferences.

Classic pedicure

Includes all basic steps such as soaking the feet, exfoliating, filing toenails, caring for cuticles, and applying polish.

Spa pedicure

Accompanied by herbal masks, strong creams,long massages,and therapeutic scents suitable for relaxation.

Dry pedicure

Performed without soaking the feet; it’s more suitable for salons and is done using an electric file.

Fish pedicure

Special fish eat dead skin off the feet naturally without any tools.

Paraffin pedicure

Involves soaking the feet in warm paraffin for intense softening and treatment of deep cracks.

Accompanied by hot stone pedicure

and foot massagewith heated stones to relieve pain, fatigue, and enhance blood circulation.Pedi-gel pedicure

Utilizes special gels for deep exfoliation and instant softening.

Rose petal pedicure

Involves the use of rose petals and extracts for added calmness and softness.

Steps for a pedicure (at home or in a salon)

You will learn about the steps of pedicures and foot exfoliation, and you will receive a simple and proper guide to performing a toenail pedicure at home for soft and beautiful feet.

Soaking feet: Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes in warm water along with Epsom salt, essential oils, or a pedicure cocktail to soften the skin thoroughly.

Exfoliation and scrubbing: Use a foot file or pumice stone to remove calluses, then massage the soles, toes, and calves with a scrub, and rinse off.
Trimming and shaping nails: In this step of the pedicure and manicure, trim the toenails, shape them with a file, and gently push back softened cuticles with oil.
Moisturizing and massage: For the pedicure and foot massage, use cream or oil to massage the soles and calves, improving blood circulation and keeping the skin soft and hydrated.
Preparing for polish: Clean any remaining cream off the nails and, for better precision, place toe separators.
Nail polishing: Apply a base coat, then one to two coats of colored polish, and finally a top coat for durability and extra shine.
How to make your pedicure last longer?

Tour to Russia

Use cuticle oil daily

Avoid using very old or fast-drying polishes
Do not wear closed shoes for 10–12 hours after a pedicure
Apply a clear top coat every other day
Keep your nails moisturized
Difference between dry pedicure and wet pedicure

Both dry and wet pedicures are performed for the beauty and health of the feet, but their processes have significant differences. In a wet pedicure, feet are initially soaked in warm water and special materials to soften the skin, preparing it for exfoliation, massage, and toenail care; a method that is clinical, sterile, and suitable for dry and callused skin.

However, in a dry pedicure, the soaking step is omitted, and all work is done with specialized tools, such as electric files, on dry skin. This method is faster, more precise, and suitable for those who do not want their skin pores to open excessively. Therefore, the main difference between these two methods lies in the existence or lack of soaking the feet, and the best option should be chosen based on skin type and expert opinion.

Factors determining the cost of a pedicure in a beauty salon

Due to the variety of pedicure services in beauty salons, the price of these services can vary widely. Options like cocktail pedicures, gel pedicures, callus removal pedicures, or even nail polish pedicures

for feet require different levels of materials, time, and techniques, which affects the final price. Besides the type of service, factors such as the specialist’s experience, the quality of products used, and the salon’s location also play roles in determining costs. Ultimately, individuals can choose the most suitable type of pedicure according to their needs and budget.At-home pedicure with simple toolsIf you are looking for a simple and home-based method for caring for your feet, a pedicure with basic tools can be the best option. With some warm water, a pumice stone, a file, and a suitable moisturizer, you can easily soften and tidy your feet. This method is highly effective as a pedicure for dry feet, as it reduces dryness and roughness, giving them a healthy and clean appearance by softening, exfoliating, and hydrating the skin.