Pedicure Etiquette: The Do’s & Don’ts Of Getting Pedicures (2024)

There’s a certain amount of pedicure etiquette that goes into making the experience great for you, your pedicurist, and the people around you. If you’ve never gotten a pedicure in Tucson before or if you’re unsure whether or not you’re taking the necessary steps before and during your appointment, there are a few things your pedicurist would like for you to know.

Do Arrive To Your Pedicure Appointment On Time

Appointments are booked to optimize guest experience. If you’re 20 minutes late for your pedicure, your pedicurist will have to rush through your pedicure and rush through the preparation for the person coming in after you. This can create a domino effect where the rest of the pedicures for the day aren’t as great as they should be. If you’re going to be late, it may be better to cancel or reschedule your appointment to avoid disrupting the flow. It affects more people than you may realize.

Do See A Podiatrist For Serious Issues

Your pedicurist can do a little bit to maintain the health of your feet. He or she can keep your feet clean, help to remove calluses, and work with mild ingrown toenails or prevent ingrown toenails. Your pedicurist is not a foot fungus specialist or a foot surgeon – those kinds of jobs require proper medical certification. For serious issues, visit a podiatrist.

Do Play With Fun Nail Polish Colors

Salons and spas offer hundreds of colors because they want you to use them. You don’t have to stick to a conventional neutral color all the time. Try the turquoise. Pick something shiny. Lacquer your big toe in multichromatic glitter. Do something fun. If you’re unsure whether or not you like it, your pedicurist may be willing to paint a test toe to see how it looks. Nail polish is an extremely temporary commitment. Be creative and expressive.

Don’t Eat During Your Pedicure

Polish off your relaxing afternoon with a snack, or polish off a great meal with a relaxing afternoon. Please don’t bring snacks to your pedicure. It’s unhygienic and disruptive to munch away while your pedicurist is working to massage your feet and legs. Your drink is fine – there’s always a place for that. Just save the chips for a little later.

Don’t Chat On Your Phone The Whole Time

Many people treat pedicures as a relaxing experience. They want to close their eyes and take a load off their minds. They may even use headphones to listen to their favorite chill out tunes on their phone. When you’re chatting on your phone, you’re negatively impacting the experience for everyone around you. They’re not much interested in hearing half of a conversation that doesn’t concern them while they’re trying to unwind. If you have to speak with someone, shoot them a text.

Don’t Cut Your Calluses Or Your Ingrown Toenails

Cutting off your calluses with a knife or a blade and snipping away at ingrown toenails with a pair of clippers or scissors can ultimately make the problem worse. You can cut your feet and leave a problem for your pedicurist to fix if you don’t intend on going to a podiatrist first.

Instead, use a foot file to gently buff away calluses and file the sides of your ingrown toenails straight to prevent them from digging into the skin. If you don’t think you can do that for yourself, leave them both alone. Your pedicurist can do it for you.

Don’t Feel Embarrassed About Your Feet

Many people feel embarrassed about their feet and vocalize to their pedicurist that they believe their feet are ugly. Some people even apologize. Your pedicurist is a pro. He or she sees dozens of pairs of feet every week, and it’s unlikely that yours are the worst. It can also come off as a subtle insult to your pedicurist, implying that you look down at their job or that the work they do is lowly. You may not mean it that way, but it can certainly be perceived as such. Consider the implications.

Don’t Wear The Wrong Shoes

Even though nail polish is dry, it may not be fully cured. It can take a few hours to set completely. Jamming your feet into narrow or pointy toed shoes is the quickest way to mess up a fresh pedicure. Flip flops are the best pedicure shoes. They keep your toes from touching and allow the air to circulate around the polish, speeding up the curing process.

Do Book A Pedicure Today

The pedicure pros at Greentoes in Tucson are ready to give you soft, beautiful, healthy, and relaxed feet. You can book an appointment online or by phone for the ultimate soothing pedicure experience. We’re not here to judge you for your feet – we just want you to have a great time.

Pedicure Etiquette: The Do’s & Don’ts Of Getting Pedicures (2024)

FAQs

Pedicure Etiquette: The Do’s & Don’ts Of Getting Pedicures? ›

Tell your technician what kind of manicure or pedicure you want, and be specific about any design or color preferences you have. Be gentle with your hands and feet. Don't kick or fidget around while your technician is working on you. Don't bring your phone or other electronic devices into the salon.

What is proper etiquette when getting a pedicure? ›

Tell your technician what kind of manicure or pedicure you want, and be specific about any design or color preferences you have. Be gentle with your hands and feet. Don't kick or fidget around while your technician is working on you. Don't bring your phone or other electronic devices into the salon.

What not to do while getting a pedicure? ›

Things Not to Do
  1. Do not shave your legs before the pedicure. ...
  2. If you're getting both a pedicure and manicure, do not use the same tools as fungus can transfer between toes and fingers.
  3. Do not use the foot razor to remove skin build-up. ...
  4. Do not round your nails because it increases the risk of ingrown toenails.

Do pedicurists judge your feet? ›

"I think so many of us become embarrassed by the state of our feet, that we tend to do the beauty therapists job for them when really there is no need," she said. "A good therapist and/or salon will never judge you for your slightly chipped toenails and dry heels."

Should you cut your toenails before a pedicure? ›

First off, don't trim your toenails beforehand. Your pedicurist will take care of this for you. Choose your nail polish color ahead of time. This will save time and keep your pedicurist on schedule.

How much do you tip for a $50 pedicure? ›

"For example, if your service costs $50, you should see it as costing $60." The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15 percent, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20 percent. This is similar to what's expected when tipping at a hair salon, or for a massage or spa treatment.

Is it rude to not tip for a pedicure? ›

It is generally considered bad etiquette to not tip at a nail salon. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the service provided and is an important part of the salon industry. Nail technicians often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income, so not tipping can greatly impact their livelihood.

What do podiatrists think of pedicures? ›

Many people assume podiatrists don't recommend pedicures. However, podiatrists simply want people to be safe during their pedicures. Podiatrists often treat people who were not safe during their pedicure and end up with conditions such as ingrown toenails, athletes foot, and toenail fungus.

Why do they hit your legs during a pedicure? ›

They promote circulation

During a pedicure, you receive a massage of your feet and lower legs. The massaging helps promote the circulation of your blood. Increased blood circulation can prevent things like pain, arthritis, and varicose veins.

What is the healthiest pedicure to get? ›

A paraffin pedicure is known for being very moisturizing, and people with very dry feet will often benefit from them. Regain beauty in your feet with this therapy. Stone pedicures give your feet a relaxing massage.

What do Pedicurists soak your feet in? ›

Soaking your feet during a pedicure can be a really relaxing and enjoyable experience. With some warm water, Epsom salt, scented oil and a couple of other tools, you will be on your way to feet relaxation heaven.

Should I wear flip flops to a pedicure? ›

Jamming your feet into narrow or pointy toed shoes is the quickest way to mess up a fresh pedicure. Flip flops are the best pedicure shoes. They keep your toes from touching and allow the air to circulate around the polish, speeding up the curing process.

What is the best thing to wear to a pedicure? ›

Shorts or knee-length pants are perfect for your appointment so that your clothes will not get wet during the pedicure.

What is not included in a basic pedicure? ›

There are two typical types of pedicures – basic and luxury. Let's have a look at their differences. A basic pedicure is usually cuticle work, shaping and gel polish. A luxury pedicure takes it further and involves a relaxing soak, scrub, massage and callus removal.

When should you not get a pedicure? ›

For our diabetic patients, especially those with poor circulation, we do not recommend pedicures,” says Dr. Ulett. “For other people, it's at their own risk. I tell them to make sure their nail salon is licensed to sterilize their instruments and make sure the instruments are as clean as possible.”

Can you get a pedicure with bad toenails? ›

You absolutely can get a pedicure with a fungal infection, but it is important to honestly address the situation with the salon ahead of time. When doing so, find out if the salon has the proper sterilization practices and necessary tools to handle fungal nails.

What should you wear to a pedicure? ›

Make sure to dress in comfortable clothes, bring your flip-flops, and let your nail tech do the hard work for you!

What should I do before my first pedicure? ›

Cleanse and Moisturize

Before your appointment, make sure your hands and feet are clean and free from any nail polish or product residue. Remove old nail polish using a non-acetone remover, which is gentler on your nails.

What do you get when you ask for a pedicure? ›

On the other hand, a basic pedicure service will include toenail cutting, cuticle removal, shaping, and buffing. Every salon has its way of providing pedicure services, so it is best to test out a few salons and choose one that treats you just the way you want it.

Do you need to shower before pedicure? ›

Rule #2: Shower before getting a pedicure.

Think of it this way: Would you want someone's dirty, sweaty feet in front of your face all day?

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