What to Expect at Your First Pedicure

If you've never had a professional pedicure, not knowing what to expect can make the whole thing feel intimidating. Here's a full walkthrough. You'll start by soaking your feet in a warm, jetted foot bath for about five to ten minutes to soften skin. The technician will then trim and shape your toenails, push back cuticles (and remove excess with a nipper), and use a foot file or pumice stone on callused areas — the heel especially. A scrub exfoliation comes next, followed by a lower-leg and foot massage with lotion. Then your nails are prepped with a dehydrating wipe, base coat is applied, followed by two coats of your chosen color, and a top coat. Budget 45 minutes to an hour for a standard pedicure. A few tips: shave your legs at least 24 hours before (fresh shaving can cause irritation when products are applied), and don't cut your cuticles at home right before — let the tech handle them. Bring flip-flops so you don't smudge your polish on the walk to your car.