TIPS TO PERFORM the perfect pedicure

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As session tech and founder of Revarnish London Roxanne Campbell says, the point of a pedicure is for your client’s feet to look and feel much better than they did before they arrived. “The appearance and transformation are what clients love the most.” So, to help your client’s pedicure service last longer, it’s vital to do a proper prep.”

“EACH CLIENT gets the SAME ROUTINE, but I find TAILORING THE SERVICE to EACH PERSON’S NEEDS helps them get the BEST RESULTS. ”

Comments Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of Townhouse and winner of Professional Beauty UK’s Nail Salon of the Year 2021 Award: “You should never cut corners with your prep as it creates the foundation for the final result. And, the way you prep the toes should depend on whether you doing a lacquer or gel-polish treatment.”

Derby-based tech Melanie Lewendon adds: “Ensure all steps are completed thoroughly; the nail plate must be sufficiently dehydrated and all oils removed from it. If you’re using standard lacquer polish, then this will increase the adhesion and the life of the service.

“As gel-polish is a dry service, complete all your prep and gel-polish application before commencing with the scrub part of the pedicure. Don’t soak feet in water or apply product before gel-polish application, as this could inhibit the gel’s adhesion.”

A full pedicure usually takes around 60 minutes, so the nail tech needs to work out how much time each step will take to complete.

The six key steps that will result in a better outcome and a longer-lasting pedicure for clients are: soak, scrub, hard skin removal, moisturising mask, massage, and paint. And don’t forget about cuticle care.

Tailor-made

Pedicures should also be tailored to each client, as KB Educate’s Hampshire-based educator Erin Searle explains: “Every client is different. For example, older clientele come to me because they can no longer do their own feet comfortably and need extra care. They don’t have any colour painted, they just want a tidy up and their skin cared for.

“However, my younger clientele want their skin looked after, but they also want glitter, nail art and colours, so my focus is more towards gel-polish application and making sure this will last. Each client gets the same routine, but I find tailoring the service to each person’s needs helps them get the best results.”

Searle notes that apart from personal preference, there are some reasons why clients might be better suited to one service over another. She continues: “Lacquer pedicures are good for those who would like to remove the colour themselves at home. Many of my mature clients book in for a pedicure for the massage and toenail care, so opt for lacquer if they’re less concerned about colour longevity.

“Gel-polish is ideal for those who want a look that’s going to stay for as long as possible. Also, clients who want the quick in-and-out service aren’t coming in for the relaxation element, so they are best suited for gel-polish toes too. Acrylic pedicures are amazing for toe nail reconstruction as you can recreate a toenail and paint it to look as though nothing is different.”

“IF A CLIENT HASN’T had a PEDICURE FOR A FEW YEARS, then they may assume a PERFECT END RESULT which, DEPENDING ON the STATE AND CONDITION of the skin, MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE. ”

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges nail techs can face is dealing with ingrown toenails. “If a client has a severe ingrown toenail, which is very painful, swollen or appears red, then you should refer them to a podiatrist who is trained to treat it professionally,” says Campbell.

Another important issue is managing client expectations. “If a client hasn’t had a pedicure for a few years, then they may assume a perfect end result which, depending on the state and condition of the skin, may not be possible,” explains Huber-Millet. “Techs must explain to the client the realistic end result and recommend how to care for the feet in-between visits to ensure the best result each time.”

Keeping toenail length under control is important when it comes to a long-lasting pedicure too, as Katie Barnes, PB Award-winning nail artist and educator and owner of the Katie Barnes Training Academy and KB Tool Range, explains.

The tech may also come across common conditions such as fungal nail infection, athlete’s foot and bruised nails, which are contraindications. “Please remember, we’re not medically trained and although we may have an idea of what might be occurring, it is always advisable to encourage your client to seek medical advice before you can commence with any treatment,” advises Lewendon.

There may also be occasions where you have a very ticklish client as well. “The best way to minimise injury to yourself and to the client is to keep any pressure firm,” adds Lewendon. “Ensure you have a full hold of your client’s foot at all times and ask them if there would be anything they do not want you to do.”

Also, you need to be prepared to treat clients with mobility issues too. “It may be that they are unable to lift their leg due to hip or back problems, so ensure your pedicure station is set up with the client in a comfortable position and that you are at the correct height to carry out the service,” notes Lewendon.

“Where possible, leg rests are a great way of ensuring tech and client comfort, and offer your customer bolsters to prop and secure any area they need to make them comfortable. Always check the comfort with your client throughout the service.”

Striving for the ultimate

The goal is to make the treatment relaxing. “Even when offering a quicker service, a pedicure is a treat for the feet,” says Barnes. “I put it in the same relaxation category as a facial. When kitting out your pedicure area, choose furniture that is as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, and factor in the tech’s comfort and ergonomics.”

Think of yourself too – “Make sure you’re always in the correct position during treatment,” says Lewendon. “Your health is as important as that of clients and your career depends on your body working with you. Ensure you stretch, take regular breaks, and keep sat up straight – not a slouched posture – when working.”

Of course, practice makes perfect. “Practice as much as you can,” adds Campbell. “Build confidence in yourself, love what you do and never give up.”

(Source: https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/newsdetails/nail-techs--your-perfect-pedicuretroubleshooting-)