Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a good pedicure. I get one every two weeks and if there’s any part of my self-care routine I don’t skip, it’s this one. If I’m feeling particularly “extra” one week, I’ll take a day to do all of my grooming in one day. The ultimate day of grooming can be an elusive event, because having one day to yourself as an adult can be few and far between. When you do get one, it’s probably used to rest or deal with familial duties.
However, come rain or shine, hell or high water, I make sure to book my spot with my favourite salon with the lady who has proven to give me the best treatment. While sitting in my chair, I’ve learned some things that I’d like to share with others.
DO make an appointment ahead of schedule if you know who you want to deal with; some ladies are in high demand and have a tight roster of people wanting to see them. Take the stress off yourself by planning your visit in advance.
DO have a backup option. Sometimes we need an appointment in a hurry, so avoid the inconvenience by having a second choice; maybe even a third, if the place is really good.
DO practice patience. No salon have I ever been to, male or female, has serviced me at the time I was scheduled. There’s always a wait time. If you have more pressing matters, don’t schedule your appointments around that time. This refers to the end of your pedicure as well, don’t rush the job, or your toes will be smudged and you may even have to start again.
DO leave the children at home. Many salons are not child-friendly; this is because they’re often filled with sharp objects and chemicals. Those are not good things to lump together with children. Also, this is self-care time, so be in the moment and make sure you enjoy your experience.
DO wear open-toed shoes. Flip flops or sandals are preferred, since they’re easy to slip on and off. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to get a gel pedicure; your nails need to dry properly.
DO wear shorts or pants that are easy to pull up. Soggy pant legs do not make a relaxing situation. Also, the shorter your pants are, the higher your lady can go at the end of the pedicure when you get that mini exfoliating massage. (I literally just cried a little thinking about it, that’s my favourite part!)
DO help the lady who is doing your pedicure. Yes, it takes effort to lift your leg in an awkward angle, but it takes weight off your leg and your pedicurist’s wrists as she manoeuvres the landscape of your foot skin.
DO relax. The entire experience is not for letting your pedicurist suffer under the weight of your leg, but use the times when your legs are down as an opportunity to breathe in and out to allow your muscles to unclench.
DO find a way to politely express how your experience is going. Many of us find it hard to voice our distaste with certain situations. If you are unhappy with your nail colour, or how one of the attendants is treating your feet, don’t endure it, or secretly have your toes repainted elsewhere. Self-care is important and you want to know that you can breathe easy once you get out of the massage chair and step into the world.
DO consider what colour polish you’re wearing. The least favourable part about the pedicure is choosing from 100 thousand colours. This is the case with me, so since I don’t wear gel polish – yes, I sit for at least 15 minutes under the polish dryer before I leave the salon – I usually just walk with my own polish. At some point, I went insane and bought something like 15 nail polishes from INGLOT when they were $2 for a bottle; they still are. After I did that, it inspired me to choose my colours from at home and walk with them to the salon. If you’re a gel-head – no judgement, that was me a few months ago – consider the colour scheme you wear on a regular basis and choose something that will look good with everything you wear, or if all else fails, just go neutral.
DO shave right before. If you choose to live your life embracing your womanly hairscape, I salute you. However, if you’ve chosen to stay the path of the shorn woman, then as a curtesy to your pedicurist, consider having your legs nice and smooth to the touch, no matter your hair-removal choices. Personally, my legs are shaved especially for the lady, who does my feet, Mercedes. This is a great segue to the next point.
DO learn your ladies’ name(s). The people involved in your self-care are some of the most important people you will know in your life. Respect their craft and if you’ve found someone who is very good at their job, respect their price.
DO learn to respect the price if the work is top-notch. There are times when we have to stand up for ourselves, especially if the work is less than acceptable, but if you feel a sense of giddiness during and/or after the process, understand it’s worth the price.
DO tip. I’ll be honest, I don’t always follow this rule, for example, if it’s close to payday and I’m just getting a self-care top up. But I do entice others to practice tipping. The business of self-care is beautiful, but the people sacrificing to create that comfort are the real champs. Show them how much you appreciate it.
