Whether you want to get your own pedicure supplies and pamper yourself at home, or pay a professional to do it, pedicures can be a great way to unwind and care for yourself.
Not only are they beneficial for mental wellbeing and reflection, but they improve the health of your feet overall and prevent infections from arising.
Pedicures can vary greatly in terms of cost, which is why this guide has been created to help you understand everything that comes into play when determining the price of a pedicure.
There are a lot of factors to consider with a pedicure, including the salon location, capacity, and additional treatments that you might choose.
As a society, we spend a lot of time rushing around and wanting to see instant results, which is not always the most sustainable way of living.
Pedicures can provide an unlikely source of mindfulness and relaxation, whether you want to carry out your own from the comfort of your own home or head to a salon or spa, there is something about soaking your feet for a set period of time that forces us to slow down and process everything.
This is why getting regular pedicures can be a great way to become more self-aware, and add a little perspective to your daily life. In addition to the price variations, this guide covers some of the benefits that come with the pedicure experience.
What Is A Pedicure?
A pedicure can be defined as a cosmetic treatment done to the feet, providing care to the soles and removing dead skin that may be causing discomfort. Typically, a standard pedicure involves focused care to the skin, which can be seen by thorough scrubbing, soaking, and massaging.
Some salons and spas offer their own range of additional features that can be purchased as a package, or as standalone items.
Whether you want to get a complete foot scrub and massage with a fresh set of painted toenails, or a manicure to match the design on your toenails, pedicures have become a form of pampering and self-care.
Within the modern world, a lot of people use pedicures to relax, and will spend a lot of money on the luxurious treatment that their feet receive.
Being forced to slow down and sit in one spot for a prolonged period of time can allow you to reflect, which is why some people see the pedicure process as meditative. This is why a lot of people are willing to spend a little extra money on getting a pedicure in a spa.
The tranquil environment adds to the overall experience of relaxation and creates a deeper sense of calm within clients.
Why Get A Pedicure?
We live in a society where everything is available immediately, and we spend a great deal of time chasing after our goals. People who spend more time on their feet during the working day can benefit from a pedicure, because their feet will get worn down and risk damaging their toenails.
This can leave them open to infection caused by external bacteria, so it’s important to stay on top of your foot health.
Not only that, but pedicures are a form of self-care, because it can force you to unwind and process your inner thoughts in a calm environment.
Living in a very fast-paced society can take its toll on your mental health, which is why it can be highly beneficial to slow down from time to time and focus on the process of a pedicure.
Average Pedicure Costs
Because of the many options available within the world of pedicures, there can be a lot of fluctuation with the overall prices. A basic pedicure involves soaking the feet in warm water, followed by scrubbing to remove excess skin and then painting the toenails.
A basic pedicure without additional features usually costs around $35, with more luxurious spas charging a little more. More pricey locations can charge up to $50 for a basic procedure.
Different pedicure options include a matching manicure, foot massage, a more focused exfoliating scrub, callus treatment, and different polish options.
Depending on what kind of care your feet need, and the type of luxury you want to achieve, the price can vary with each of the additional features.
Of course, the average prices of each treatment is different depending on the area that your chosen salon is in, but these are some of the ballpark figures that can act as a baseline.
Extra Features
Deep exfoliation of the feet and lower legs is likely to add $5-$10 to the overall cost of the pedicure. The same applies for paraffin wax, heel scrubbing, and foot massage.
If you suffer from calluses and want the pedicurist to relieve the tension, you might want to spend the additional $5-$8 to get the extra skin that could be causing discomfort removed.
Of course, if you are experiencing more substantial issues that are affecting your walking or posture, then you should consider speaking with a specialist, as there is a limit to the help that pedicurists can provide.
Other additional services when you are getting a pedicure include toenail polish. Even a basic color can add to the price of a pedicure because of the extra time needed to let the polish dry.
Depending on the desired outcome, you might want to be ready to spend $3-$5 extra on french tips, a regular polish is usually around $5 on top of the initial pedicure price, while a gel polish that is more hard wearing can increase the total by $10-$15.
Tipping
Another thing that you should consider before putting the money away for a pedicure is the amount you want to tip. It is customary to tip your pedicurist, especially if you are impressed with their work or think that they have done a good job.
Usually, people tip around 15% of the cost of their pedicure, but it is up to you to round up or down depending on how well you think they have done. Not only do tips reward salon workers for doing a satisfactory job, but it encourages them to work harder and keep doing what they are doing.
It reinforces hard work and motivates people to keep going. Tipping is expected after paying for any kind of service, and it is considered highly insulting not to offer any kind of tip at the end of your pedicure.
DIY
If you decide that you want to pamper yourself from the comfort of your own home, you could save a lot of money on the overall cost of a pedicure. Of course, there is the limitation that comes with treating your own feet, which means that it might be more difficult to reach certain places.
This is why it usually takes a little longer to carry out your own pedicure and ensure that you do an accurate job that is a similar standard to that which is achieved within a salon or spa.
There are plenty of sets available to purchase online with the supplies you might need for an at-home pedicure, but the overall spa experience is achieved by encouraging relaxation and internal reflection.
Depending on where you feel the most relaxed and comfortable, you might want to spend a little more time setting the mood and taking care of your feet at home. Callus removing abrasive tools can be great at softening the skin, and are very affordable.
Additionally, you could invest in some good quality foot soak or scrub that will help remove dead skin. It really depends on what supplies you already have, and what you think your feet need in order to take correct care of them.
Creating the right space in which you feel comfortable and relaxed can help you save money in the long run, because the supplies are considerably cheaper than the additional costs of a pedicure.
You can have fun with different nail colors, foot soaks, scrubs, and even get your friends to have a spa day with you. Why not make a day of it and put on an old movie in the background, you could even use face masks while your feet soak for an extra level of luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is The Best Place To Get A Pedicure?
For a high quality pedicure, a good place to go is a spa. However, these tend to have the highest prices, so it is worth being mindful of this beforehand, and bring more cash than you think you might need.
Usually, nail salons offer high quality pedicures that are more affordable than most spas. You could consider doing your research and seeing what places local to you offer highly rated pedicures.
Can I Get A Pedicure With A Damaged Toenail?
Yes, pedicurists are trained to treat all kinds of ailments, and will try to mend the damage in a way that encourages healthy growth in the long run. They are highly skilled workers who are aware of the most effective and least damaging methods of nail repair.
Depending on the severity of your toenail damage and the amount of repair that is needed, the price of toenail repair can start at around $5. Pedicurists often try to even out the nail length, and will add acrylic where needed to create a uniform look.
What Can I Expect From My First Pedicure?
There is a lot of natural variation between different salons and spas, but most pedicures follow the same rough outline. The pedicurist usually begins by soaking your feet in a small tub of water that sometimes has a scrubbing device or jet inside.
This usually takes the longest amount of time, and can last around twenty minutes. Then, the pedicurist may massage your feet and lower legs using a scrub or skin softening product. They will then begin with removing any dead skin on your feet and treating your toenails.
If you choose to get any additional features such as an exfoliating scrub or polish, it will add to the total time taken, but it is generally recommended that you allow an hour for the whole process.
Remember to bring a pair of open toe shoes so that you don’t have to wait an extra 10-20 minutes for any polish to dry.
Summary
There are a lot of benefits that come with doing your own pedicure, including the lower price and ability to do it whenever the mood hits. There is less need to schedule regular appointments when you understand how to take care of your feet, toenails, and the skin on the soles of your feet.
While it is cheaper in the long run to do your own pedicures, it can be somewhat time-consuming to figure out exactly what your feet need. That is why the pedicure experience received from a salon or spa is arguably unmatched.
Make sure that you bring open toed shoes with you, and allow for a tip at the end. Enjoy the benefits that come with forcing yourself to be still for a period of time with little distractions. Try to spend the time doing meditation, or self-reflection.
This can allow you to gain a little perspective during your day-to-day life and help you to feel more optimistic about the future. A pedicure is definitely so much more than simply taking care of your feet.
Hi, my name is Miranda Cole, and I’ve been working in the makeup industry for the last 10 years. I began my journey as a beautician, and now I specialize in both makeup and hair.
Over the last 10 years, I have watched as the latest trends change, and have seen the evolution of beauty and makeup in particular. As a result of this, I have a good knowledge of different makeup products, and hairstyles that will suit specific complexions or face shapes.
I want Fabulyst to be an extension of my day job, so that I can help educate others on everything they need to know about fashion and beauty. From the latest style pieces to wear, to the best hairstyles, I will be covering everything there is to know.
