If you have never had a professional pedicure, the idea can feel a little mysterious. What exactly happens to your feet while you sit back in the chair? Will it tickle? Do you need to do anything beforehand? This guide walks through a spa pedicure at Shiny Nails Croydon from the moment you sit down to the moment you slip your shoes back on, so there are no surprises.
Before anything starts: a quick check
Your technician will begin by looking at your feet and asking a few simple questions. Would you like colour, or just a tidy natural finish? Any preference for the shape of your toenails? Is anywhere tender or sensitive? This is also the moment to mention anything that worries you.
A pedicure is general foot care, not a medical treatment. If you have a corn, a verruca, an ingrown toenail, a thickened or discoloured nail that might be fungal, broken skin or pain, or if you have diabetes, please see a podiatrist or your GP first and hold off booking until they say it is fine. Your technician may suggest the same if they spot something that needs a professional opinion.
The spa pedicure, step by step
Every technician has their own rhythm, but a spa pedicure generally follows this order:
- Removing old polish. Any existing colour comes off so your technician can see the natural nail clearly. If you are wearing gel on your toes, removal is a separate service, so mention it when you book.
- The warm soak. Your feet go into warm water to relax and soften the skin. It is the part most people look forward to, and it makes the later steps more comfortable and effective.
- Trimming and shaping. Toenails are clipped and filed. Most technicians keep toenails fairly straight across with softened corners, a sensible shape for everyday comfort.
- Cuticle tidy. Cuticles are gently pushed back and any loose skin around the nail is neatened.
- Exfoliation. A scrub is massaged over the feet and lower legs to lift dry, flaky skin and leave everything smoother.
- Hard-skin care. Rougher areas, usually the heels and the balls of the feet, are worked on with a foot file to reduce thickness. The aim is smooth and comfortable, not stripped back.
- Massage. Your feet and lower legs are massaged with a moisturising product. Expect to feel thoroughly relaxed.
- Polish. Toenails are cleaned to remove any oil, then painted with base coat, colour and top coat. If you prefer, your technician can leave the colour off altogether.
Will it tickle, and does it hurt?
Plenty of people have ticklish feet, and technicians are very used to it. A slightly firmer touch usually helps, so just say if something is making you squirm. A spa pedicure should not hurt. If any step feels uncomfortable, particularly during hard-skin care or cuticle work, tell your technician straight away and they will adjust what they are doing.
How to prepare, and what to wear
There is very little you need to do beforehand, but a few small things make the experience easier:
- Do not shave your legs on the day. Freshly shaved skin can sting during the soak and scrub, so the day before is better.
- Wear loose trousers or a skirt that rolls up easily above the calf.
- Bring open-toed shoes or flip-flops if you are having colour. Squeezing freshly painted toes into trainers is the fastest way to smudge them.
- Arrive on time so you are not rushed. You can book online at any hour and receive an instant email confirmation.
What it costs
A spa pedicure starts from £30, which covers the soak, exfoliation, hard-skin care, massage and polish described above. As with all our treatments, this is a starting price, and extras such as nail art, gems or chrome are add-ons from £5. Your technician will always confirm the price before they begin, and you pay in the salon once your treatment is finished. You can see everything on our price list or read more about our pedicure services.
If your feet are already in good shape and you simply want a fresh colour, a paint toes service starts from £15.
After your pedicure
Regular polish needs time to set properly, so go easy on closed shoes and socks for the rest of the day. For more ways to keep the results going, read our guide to pedicure aftercare. When you are ready, you can book a spa pedicure online, choose your technician, and cancel free of charge online up to two hours before if your plans change. We are on Wellesley Road, right by the tram stop and a short walk from both East and West Croydon stations.