30 tips, trends & treats for feet

Elevate your pedicure offerings & explore product choices with CALLIE ILEY’S focus on footcare

Techs I’ve spoken to either find performing a pedicure treatment deeply satisfying and thrive on its transformative results, or prefer to focus on handcare services, shying away from getting too close to clients’ feet. But the experience can be a pleasing one for all, with product solutions to soothe and infuse the nail space with calming scents, and ergonomic tools to support the comfort of both tech and client.

“Foot issues can alter a walking pattern and lead to pain throughout the feet and body, so alleviating issues such as dry, callused skin and fissures can prevent further issues from developing,” shares Annabel Ifill, Willow educator. “Promoting the importance of good foot health throughout the year to your clients is essential, as feet are the foundations of our bodies and support us every day.”

“If your clients stopped to consider what their feet do in a day, they wouldn’t hesitate to book a monthly pedi,” adds Salon System educator, “Feet support the entire body, including balance and posture. They absorb shock and impact and Lisa Stone allow us to move, dance and run. Caring for feet is an investment in their health.”

1 Start services right

Mundo Hand & Foot Spray from £2.50 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk Kick off pedi services with Mundo’s Hand & Foot Spray, available in 60ml, 250ml and 1L sizes. The 70% alcohol formula features a refreshing minty scent and includes soothing aloe vera. The 60ml spray is an ideal retail item and perfect for everyday use: particularly post-gym or on holiday.

2 Perfect toenail prep

LCN Mango Scented Cleaner £4.70 + VAT www.lcnuk.co.uk This solvent-based alcoholic solution degreases natural nails, ensuring a pristine canvas for lacquer or enhancement application. Infused with a tropical mango scent, the handy bottle design allows for controlled pouring, preventing waste and ensuring efficient application.

“Regular pedicures will eliminate dead skin cell build-up and can increase blood circulation. They help maintain healthy nails and muscles, and can even support joint mobility.”

3 Cleanse the skin

Soak-A-Lyptus by Famous Names £23.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com This gentle and luxurious soak cleanses, deodorises and hydrates the feet, hands and body and is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Its formula does not contain water, parabens or sulphates, and features the scent of eucalyptol to promote calmness and relaxation.

4 Sit back & soak

Create a relaxing ambience, whether in the salon or when working on a mobile basis, using a portable foot spa and sumptuous soaks infused with soothing scents.

The GelBottle Inc Pillow Powder Indulgent Repair Soak £29.50 + VAT

www.thegelbottle.com

The soft foam and blend of almond oil and vitamin E soften and soothe skin and cuticles. Ideal for all skin types, the woody scent of amber is combined with heady florals and exotic spices for an indulgent experience. Add 1-2 scoops of Pillow Powder to running warm water in a foot bath and allow to foam, before soaking feet for 8-12 minutes.

Instagram.com/paiwaloves

Footsie Bath of Beverly Hills £179.99 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

Immerse your client’s feet into this Footsie Bath, which offers relaxing heat and soothing vibration. Using disposable liners, the Footsie Bath is lightweight and durable: perfect for mobile treatments, and it has a retractable cord. Other features are vibration and temperature controls for client comfort, and the bath includes five liners and a liner carrier.

5 Shape spotlight

Light Elegance Q&Lu Salt Soak (1.6kg) £49.95 + VAT

www.lightelegance.co.uk

Part of the Light Elegance Q&Lu Spa Essentials range, this ultra-fine salt soak softens cuticles and calluses. It has a gentle foaming action and contains Dead Sea salt, Epsom salt, and lavender, peppermint, spearmint and sage essential oils. To use, fill a pedicure basin or bath with 2-3 scoops and soak as desired.

6 Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation can reduce hard, dry and cracked skin, which can become sore and encourage bacterial and fungal infections.

OPI Pro Spa Exfoliating Sugar Scrub from £18.20 + VAT

www.opi.com

Formulated with moisturing Cupuaçu butter, this scrub is non-greasy and reveals smoother, brighter skin. The sugar crystals are quick to dissolve.

Ensure continued comfort by clipping toenails straight across and smoothing sharp edges. “Ingrown toenails are usually caused by cutting toenails too short, or by filing and shaping incorrectly,” shares Lisa Stone. “They can also be caused by ill-fitting shoes. If a client presents an ingrown toenail, advise them to to visit a chiropodist.”

The Nail Lab – The Sydney Nail Clipper £22.50 + VAT www.tnluk.co.uk Available in black or silver, the curved blade of The Sydney helps prevent breaks and splits in the nail.

7 Mask

For clients who aren’t pressed for time, add an intensive foot mask to their luxury pedicure service to intensively hydrate.

Lyco’Pedi Hydrating Mask £13 + VAT/RRP £26

www.lyconuk.com

The GelBottle Inc Therapy Mask £29.50 + VAT

www.thegelbottle.com

Treat feet to this calming foot mask, featuring a floral and citrus fragrance and hint of May Chang, orange and jasmine essential oils.

This rich yet fresh crème-gel is enriched with hyaluronic acid and marine collagen to hydrate, moisturise and revive tired feet. The clay-free mask restores smooth, comfortable, youthful-looking skin and wipes away easily, leaving no greasy or powdery residue. The mask uses hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

CNDTM Pro Skincare Toe Separators £2.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com Manipulate these separators between toes to keep them apart while you work on nails.

8 Reduce odour

CND™ Pro Skincare Mineral Bath For Feet £33.95 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

The CNDTM Pro Skincare Mineral Bath cleanses, deodorises and reduces foot odour, while softening the skin. It’s infused with rice bran, eucalyptus and sweet almond oils.

9 Toe separators

Footlogix Pedicure Slippers £5.50 +VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

Let pedicure clients relax with the Footlogix Pedicure Slippers, which include toe separators to aid perfect nail colour finishes. SCRATCHMAGAZINE.CO.UK29

10 Moisturise & hydrate

CND™ Pro Skincare Intensive Hydration Treatment For Feet £28.95 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

Relieve dry skin with this soothing footcare treatment from CND™. It contains moisturising ingredients: shea butter and avocado oil, to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, and lactic acid and urea to gently exfoliate the skin.

+serumology Foot Serum £5.95 + VAT.

Available via leading wholesalers.

Ideal for clients with dry or rough skin, this refreshing serum uses AHAs and enzymes to break down dead skin cells and rejuvenate. The plant-based formula can also be sold as part of your retail range. Calli-Mae Stevens shows dry, rough skin on a client’s foot pre-pedicure.

Mavex Honey Foot Cream £13 + VAT/RRP £26

www.mavex.uk

Soften and hydrate skin with Mavex’s Honey Foot Cream, infused with honey, argan oil, shea butter, vitamin E, menthol and urea. The silky formulation absorbs easily and can be used within a foot massage.

11 Maintenance

“Regular toenail maintenance is essential to help prevent bruised, damaged or ingrowing toenails,” explains OPI’s Jessica Price. “I offer a mini pedicure service in addition to signature and luxury treatments, which consists of cuticle prep, nail shaping and the addition of colour.

I encourage clients to book this between longer pedi appointments so I can shorten the length of the nails and refresh the colour.

“My signature pedicure services are perfect for six weekly appointments, suiting clients who are committed to maintaining their toenails year-round, with a luxury pedicure upgrade for a treat or special occasion,” she continues. “I recommend clients schedule mini pedicure services throughout the winter to maintain length and prevent cuticles overgrowing, as nails are easily forgotten about when hidden in socks and boots.”

12 Top trends for summer 2024

FRENCH PEDIS

“French pedis are a stunning and classic look for toenails,” shares Lisa Stone. “They offer a beautifully manicured, healthy-looking finish.” Instagram.com/gel.bygeorgia

BOLD, BRIGHT SHADES

“Bold shades will return for summer,” shares Jessica Price. “I expect requests for pink, bright red and cobalt blue hues.”

NAIL ART

“I’m predicting a rise in nail art on toes this year,” says Blackburn-based Glitterbels ambassador, Jennie Padbury.

“Minimal designs have been having a moment, but matching mani-pedi art and bold colours will be a popular choice.”

“I believe that toenail nail art will become very popular in 2024,” agrees salon owner & beauty therapist, Paris Evans of Belle Voir, Huddersfield. “I’m encouraging my clients to choose nail art, as it’s fun to do!”

13 Retail

“Retailing footcare items is a great way to increase revenue and support the health of your clients’ feet at home,” shares Lisa Stone. “Recommend a foot and leg moisturiser to keep skin soft and hydrated in between services, and an antibacterial spray for summer.

“You could also retail foot masks and cuticle oil as part of a self-care routine,” she continues.

“It’s easy to forget about cuticle oil application on the toes, but regular use will keep them healthy and soft, making them easier to manage during pedicure services.”

Footlogix Ultimate ‘At Home’ Foot Care Combo £19.95 + VAT 

www.sweetsquared.com

This kit contains the hydrating Footlogix Callus Softener and the brand’s Foot File to treat dry and callused feet.

Halo Citrus Crush Cuticle Oil £4.95 + VAT

www.purenails.co.uk

This organic oil hydrates and moisturises cuticles and skin, and features a fruity orange scent. Encourage twice-daily use for best results.

“Footlogix products are non-occlusive and they don’t leave a greasy residue, meaning clients can walk on hard floors or wear sandals immediately after,” comments Suzanne Clayton, brand manager Suzanne Clayton at Sweet Squared. “Footlogix is suitable for everyone including diabetics, and sports people would benefit hugely from using the brand’s products.”

14 Massage 

“Adding a massage to a pedicure treatment can help to reduce stress and ease tension, aches and pains,” Lisa Stone explains. “I’m a reflexologist, and I know our entire body is reflected and mapped in our feet. A pedicure with massage can boost the client’s mood.”

Margaret Dabbs London PURE Regenerating Foot Oil £POA/RRP £25

www.margaretdabbs.co.uk

Use this lightweight, silky oil to instantly treat, repair and regenerate dry, damaged, flaky and cracked skin on the feet and offer intense, long-lasting hydration. Spray and massage into feet for best results.

Light Elegance Q&Lu Spa Oil £17.95 + VAT/RRP £43.95

www.lightelegance.co.uk

This blend of natural and essential oils helps relieve tension, ease sore muscles and uplift the spirit. Massage into feet alone or in combination with Q&Lu Bamboo Lotion.

The GelBottle Inc Better Balm £29.50 + VAT

www.thegelbottle.com

Containing mango seed and shea butter to hydrate the skin, The GelBottle Inc’s Better Balm melts into the skin during foot massage services.

16 Soothe dry, itchy skin

OPI Pro Spa Intensive Callus Smoothing Balm £18.20 + VAT

www.opi.com

Featuring chamomile to soothe itchy skin, this balm softens the foot and heel to relieve severe dryness. The treatment balm uses lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin with moisturising Cupuaçu butter and avocado lipid complex.

LONDON INK Pomegranate & Camelina Luxury Lotion from £12.50 + VAT

www.inknails.com

This luxurious lotion includes moisturising camelina oil, shea butter and soothing pomegranate to leave skin feeling soft and beautifully scented. Quick to absorb, it has a non-sticky finish.

18 Reduce inflammation

CND™ Pro Skincare Exfoliating Sea Salt Scrub For Feet £67.45 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

This refreshing scrub is suited to clients dealing with discomfort from swollen feet.

It contains Epsom granules to physically exfoliate and stimulate the skin, and reinforces the skin barrier with prebiotic complex.

15 Combat corns & calluses

“Clients who struggle with calluses and thickened skin should consider regular pedicures to manage these conditions,” says Jennie Padbury.

OPI Pro Spa Advanced Callus Softening Gel £13.30 + VAT

www.opi.com

This fast-acting formulation features soothing and moisturising ingredients. Tea tree extract protects the skin, while aloe vera, lavender and chamomile soothe.

Mavex Calluspeeling® Swiss Pedicure System £112.50 + VAT

www.mavex.uk

Remove dead skin and calluses in 15 minutes with the Mavex Calluspeeling® Swiss Pedicure System. It negates the use of blades or drills: ideal for trainees and existing professionals. Mavex products feature a high concentration of active ingredients, including plant extracts from alpine herbs.

17 Target tough skin

LCN Urea 10% Foot Cream £2.65 + VAT

www.lcnuk.co.uk

Hydrate dry feet with this foot cream, which targets tough skin and relieves discomfort with 10% urea, saccharide isomerates, provitamin B5, glycerin and allantoin. The ingredients also aid in restoring the skin’s natural barrier to ensure lasting results.

19 Contraindications & your right to refuse

“Nail techs should not perform a pedicure if the client has a broken bone or sprains in the foot or leg and any contraindications. They should also avoid the service if they aren’t qualified to deal with a condition presented,” says Lisa Stone.

“As a nail technician, it’s important to know when something isn’t right,” stresses Jessica Price. “We cannot diagnose conditions and must refer clients to a GP if we have concerns and see a potential contraindication. This could be a change in colour or texture, discolouration, inflammation, swelling or redness.”

“Some conditions can be unsafe for us to treat, such as clients with diabetes or clients who have verrucas, as these are highly contagious,” warns Hannah Clayton. “I would advise clients to seek medical advice and treatment, then accept a booking once the problem is healed.” 

20 Address discolouration

Footlogix Toe Nail Tincture £11.95 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

Deal with discolouration and lifting of toenails with Footlogix’s Toe Nail Tincture. The odourless spray contains a preventative anti-fungal agent for use on toenails or on peeling skin, between the toes.

22 Marketing matters

“We often use Instagram to market pedicure services, but our clients are our best advertisement,” share Ella Wilson and Ellie Dargan. “Whenever a client has a pedicure, they encourage other clients in the salon to book one. Most clients say their favourite parts are the foot soak and addition of the mud mask.”

“I regularly create video content for pedi services, focusing on the nitty-gritty parts of the treatment so that clients know what to expect,” explains Jennie Padbury. “I also like posting before and after images and client testimonials.”

24 Comfort factor

Salon and spa owners: offer indulgence and comfort to clients with a relaxing pedicure chair, ergonomically designed to suit your professional needs. Add soft booties to enhance the effects of products.

CND™ Pro Skincare Socks £4.45 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

Maximise the benefits of pedi products by wrapping the feet in film after product application, then placing into the CND™

Pro Skincare Socks. The fabric is washable and reusable.

REM Fantasy Pedispa from £1179 + VAT www.rem.co.uk With 25 options for fabric and laminate finishes, the Fantasy Pedispa features a removable and retractable stainless steel basin and unplumbed seat.

21 Deal with damaged toenails

“Toenail trauma is very common and is caused through injury or impact,” Lisa Stone explains. “Depending on the severity of the trauma, damage can cause loss of the nail and infection.” “I have a lot of clients that are very active, with toenails that have been damaged from running and walking, and had dumbbells dropped on them,” shares Hannah Clayton. “If toenails are damaged in any way, I assess them and, if safe, perform a basic pedicure with cuticle tidy and oil to finish.” Hannah Clayton performing a pedicure treatment.

LCN Wilde Pedique Silver Plus in Pastel Pink £17.30 + VAT

www.lcnuk.co.uk

Specifically designed for cosmetic toenail reconstruction, LCN Wilde Pedique Silver Plus is a UV gel resin that helps to correct deformities and discolouration in the toenails.

“Some of my clients do a lot of running, which results in bruising or sometimes loss of nails from the impact and pressure,” explains Paris Evans. “I always recommend leaving nails if this occurs, but I also offer toenail reconstruction, allowing me to create a temporary nail lasting six to eight weeks, without causing damage to the natural nail underneath.”

23 Heal dry skin & heels

“Dry, cracked and split skin can become sore and painful,” warns Lisa Stone. “The skin can easily become infected, so regular pedicures will exfoliate, smooth and moisturise, eliminating and reducing dry skin to help prevent future problems.”

Ella Wilson and Ellie Dargan reveal results from removing hard, dry and cracked skin from heels.

Mavex Intensive Repair Foot Cream £14.50 + VAT/RRP £29

www.mavex.uk

This healing and repairing cream is formulated with extracts from medicinal plants and herbs to soothe dry feet and hard skin, and reduce the thickness of calluses and corns.

Footlogix Foot Soak £12.45 + VAT

www.sweetsquared.com

Suitable for diabetic clients, the Footlogix Foot Soak is a moisturising and cleansing solution for pedi treatments. The formula is pH balanced with urea and anti-microbial ingredients to soften the skin.

25 Diabetes focus

Clients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot problems due to increased blood sugar levels, which can damage the sensations in their feet. Reduced blood supply to the feet, due to the impact diabetes can have on blood circulation, can cause delayed healing of cuts and sores, and leg or foot cramps and pain.

“If your client has diabetes, you should always seek GP referral before carrying out a pedicure,” says Lisa Stone. “Diabetics can have many problems with their feet. Soaking them and using sharp tools that could cut skin can lead to serious issues, so great care should be taken.”

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26 Face fungal infections 

“Fungal foot and nail conditions are common and contagious,” explains Lisa Stone. “Advise clients how to prevent and avoid such conditions, and follow all health and hygiene procedures within your business. Make sure you know what these conditions look like and advise clients to seek the relevant treatment. This could be great homecare products or a visit to their GP, local pharmacy or chiropodist who are qualified to deal with such conditions.”

LCN Mykosept Spray £5.25 + VAT

www.lcnuk.co.uk

Designed to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, protect the feet with LCN’s Mykosept Spray, with a refreshing antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-septic formulation. Use the spray to easily apply to larger areas of the feet, or a dropper tool to target specific spots.

28 E-pedis

Consider an E-pedicure course, allowing for a more bespoke treatment that helps you quickly and comfortably alleviate issues such as calluses and fissures. Ideal for time-poor clients, using an E-file during a pedicure service can speed up prep and help you to pinpoint specific areas that need attention. What’s more, E-pedis negate the need for water, bowls and pedi spas.

“E-pedis allow for fast natural nail prep and cuticle removal, as well as precise skin exfoliation and polishing.” shares HD Pro Nails founder & award-winning nail artist, Hazel Dixon. “The results from using the skin closing technique with E-pedi bits results in a longer-lasting pedicure for the client.”

27 Handy tools

HD Professional Nail Systems The Pedi Bit – C £22.99 + VAT

www.hazeldixonnails.com

Part of the HD Professional Nail Systems diamond E-file bits range, The Pedi Bit – C is designed for removing and exfoliating hard skin on the feet.

Suitable for left and right-handed techs, it is made from high-quality tungsten and feature grooves to aid in heat dispersal during treatments.

“Clients with thick, hardened skin have benefitted from an E-pedi service, carried out with an E-file and variety of specialised bits to tackle certain areas,” Jennie Padbury comments. “This is a waterless service working to address more stubborn concerns, such as cracks, fissures and callouses.”

TGB E-Foot File £89 + VAT

www.thegelbottle.com

Offer fast and safe callus removal using the TGB E-Foot File, a lightweight E-pedi device with a pearlescent design. The device features adjustable speed controls up to 500RPM with an ergonomic 360° rotating disc.

KB E-file Pedi Ball Bit £19.99 inc VAT

www.katiebarnesacademy.com

Reduce corns, calluses, cracks and fissures with the KB E-file Pedi Ball Bit, which effectively smooths skin.

Halo Elite Cuticle Nippers £19.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk This tool can be used to trim tough cuticles, hangnails and toenails that are showing signs of ingrowing.

OPI Pro Spa Dual Sided Foot File with Disposable Grit £13.80 + VAT www.opi.com Made from disinfectant-safe plastic, the OPI Pro Spa Dual Sided Foot File has disposable 80 and 120-grit strips to buff and smooth the skin.

29 Mobile-friendly essentials

Prevent backache from carrying around large pots and tubes of pedi products, by investing in single-use sachets or smaller sizes of your treatment essentials.

+maskology Foot Peel £4.95 + VAT.

Available via leading wholesalers.

An ideal retail item, this foot mask features over 16 botanical and fruit extracts to gradually remove rough and dead skin from the feet in seven days. The 90-minute treatment softens and smooths feet, working to banish calloused skin.

Morgan Taylor BareLuxury Complete Pedicure/Manicure Kit (4pk) £3.95 + VAT

www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk

Morgan Taylor serves up a sanitary solution for on-the-go pedicure services with four pouches of pre-measured product: Purifying Soak, Detox Masque, Salt Scrub and Massage Butter, ideal for a single service. BareLuxury is available in a variety of scents to suit different moods.

30 Envelop in luxury

Cuccio Artisan Shea & Vetiver Collection £109 + VAT

www.cuccio.co.uk

Deliver a scentual spa experience with Cuccio’s luxury spa products, which combine natural ingredients with sumptuous scents and effective delivery. The Artisan Shea & Vetiver Collection features intense moisturising and soothing properties. Create express or luxury pedicure options using the products within the range:

• Scentual Salt Soak

• Cuticle Softener

• Micro Exfoliation Scrub

• Callus Softener

• Invigorating Masque

• Scentual Lotion

• Intense Hydrating Treatment