Pedicure
A cosmetic service performed on the feet by a licensed nail tech
What does a basic pedicure include?
• Trimming, polishing, & shaping
• Exfoliating the skin of the feet & legs
• Performing a foot & leg massage
Name two differences between a manicure & pedicure
• Manicures are on hands; pedicures are on feet
• Pedicures require more knowledge of chronic illnesses, diseases, & disorders (with additional precautions)
What features should a pedicure stool have?
Low to the ground (can come with a footrest), comfortable, & ergonomic
Basin Soak Bath
Large stainless-steel, ceramic, or plastic footbaths; they’re transportable & have to be manually filled / emptied, & disinfected
Pedicure Chair
Non-portable units that are fully plumbed with a drainable whirlpool bath; many units have built in massage chairs & seat warmers
Another name for a pedicure chair is:
Throne-type pedicure chair
Pedicure Cart
Designed to keep supplies organized & stocked whenever you’re performing pedicuring services
Electric Foot Mitt
Similar to electric manicure mitts; they’re used after you’ve applied a mask (typically after a foot massage). The warmth helps the mask condition the skin
Terry Cloth Mitts
Available for both hands & feet; they are placed on the feet after a paraffin treatment - they allow the wax to harden & perform their barrier function
Who shouldn’t be receiving paraffin wax treatment?
Clients with diabetes-related problems; such as lesions, abrasions, impaired circulation, & loss of feeling in their foot / legs
Mask (Masque)
A concentrated treatment product often composed of mineral clays, moisturizing agents, skin softeners, etc
Natural Stones vs Synthetic Stones (Hot Stones)
• Natural stones are porous & cannot be disinfected
• Synthetic stones can be scrub-cleaned & disinfected
Why should you properly clean & disinfect hot stones?
To prevent the transfer of infections; especially MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
Toenail Clipper
Larger than fingernail clippers & specifically designed for shortening toenails; they have a wider jaw that allows them to cut thicker nails
Toenail Nippers
Similar to fingernail nippers, but bigger & much stronger; they have a larger hinge box & jaws to trim the free edge of the nail
Curette
An implement with a small scoop-shaped end that allows more efficient removal of debris from the nail folds, eponychiym, & hyponychium areas
Nail Rasp
A preventative tool that reduces the sides of the free edge that might grow into an ingrown nail; never use on nails that are ingrown
Pedicure Nail File
For toenails, a medium-grit (180-220) nail file works best; always finish with a fine-grit file to seal the edges
Foot File
AKA pedicure paddle; is designed to reduce & smooth thicker foot calluses
What tool is banned in spas across several states?
Pedicure rasp (sometimes called a foot file); resembles a cheese grater
Toe Separators
Used to keep the toes apart while the tech is polishing the client’s toenails; single-use only
Pedicure Slippers
Single-use paper / foam slippers designed to not touch the nails while the newly applied polish is drying; can be very slippery
Foot Soak
A gentle product that is added to the water in the pedicure bath to soften the skin, clean, & deoderize the feet