There are many types of pedicures that serve the purpose of cleansing and pampering the feet. Pedicures often include cuticle care as well as cutting, filing and painting the toenails. They usually leave the recipient feeling pampered, relaxed and more attractive. This type of treatment for the feet and toenails can take as long as two hours, and a mini pedicure typically lasts about 30 minutes. Many people incorporate mini pedicures into their regular skin care regimens because mini pedicures usually have all of the basic pedicure elements in a convenient amount of time.
The cleansing portion of the mini pedicure usually involves placing the feet in a small basin or tub filled with warm water to soften the feet and nails. Most often, a small scrubbing brush, soap and essential scented oils are used to clean the feet thoroughly. After the feet and nails have softened, the feet are toweled dry, and old toenail polish is removed. The nails are then cut and shaped with a nail trimmer and nail file. The nail cuticles usually are pushed back with a cuticle stick at this time.
Sometimes, the feet are then exfoliated with a salt or sugar scrub. In professional nail salons, the feet usually are wrapped in warm towels for five to 10 minutes. The next step in a mini pedicure is moisturizing the feet with lotion and applying nail polish. A clear base coat and two coats of nail polish usually are then applied to ensure that the nail enamel doesn’t discolor the nail and to prevent chipping. When the nail polish is dry, the mini pedicure is completed.
A mini pedicure can be done professionally or at home and often costs less than a standard pedicure. Standard pedicures typically have an exfoliation phase with callous removal and a 30-minute calf and foot massage. Some spa pedicures include mud or clay paste on the calf and foot as well as shaving of the bottom of the foot to remove dead skin. Other pedicures include dipping the feet in paraffin wax and wrapping them in plastic bags to further soften the feet. Many nail technicians apply pressure to reflexology points that are believed to be connected to specific organs in the body.
Pedicures can help to heal the damage caused by walking, standing and wearing uncomfortable shoes. Both men and women do this type of treatment because it typically gives fast, effective relief to tired and sore feet. The typical cost of a mini pedicure ranges from $15 US Dollars to $50 USD.