Perfecting the pedicure AN A-Z GUIDE

Elevate your footcare offerings with LILLY DELMAGE’S comprehensive guide to results-driven services

Pedicure popularity is on the rise – and what fantastic news this is for nail pros and footcare specialists. According to the 2025 Vantage Report by salon software company, Vagaro, pedicures accounted for 59% of searches on its platform between January and September 2024, overtaking manicures in popularity. Cater to this interest with an A-Z of tips, expert advice and products to enhance your footcare services.

Aromatherapy

Invite clients to drift into a state of relaxation from their first step into your nail environment by using essential oils and fragranced products. Not only will this ignite their senses, but it will create a calming space in which they can enjoy their treatments.

Buffing

While buffing is a technique used to remove ridges, imperfections and unevenness to create a polished canvas for smooth colour application, it has other benefits. Buffing stimulates blood circulation beneath the nails, promotes growth and strengthens, making nails more resilient to breakage.

However, care must be taken when faced with ridged toenails, says industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM. “Ridged nails can be treated if buffing them will not result in the nail plate becoming too thin,” she shares. “However, if the nail plate is the same thickness throughout, and the ridges are folds created by the nail bed or matrix, they should not be buffed, as the ridges will become splits.”

“It’s important for clients to book regular pedicures to keep on top of foot health. A foot soak, hard skin removal and nail tidy have many benefits.”

Cuticle care

As with manicures, be mindful when tending to the cuticle area at the toes, to prevent exposing the nails and skin to infection. “If your client has hard cuticle build-up, an E-file can help with stubborn areas,” shares Anna-Lee Powell of @thenailloungeswin Barry, South Wales.

Diabetes focus

According to charity, Diabetes UK, approximately 6% of the UK population suffers from diabetes – so you need to be aware of treatment protocol, should a diabetic client book an appointment. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves in the feet and reduce blood flow, therefore it’s essential to tailor pedicures to the needs of diabetic clients.

“Nail and beauty professionals should remember that if a client has a loss of sensation in their feet, they should be cautious with water temperature and massage pressure. They should also take extra care when cutting and filing,” shares Gareth Hicks, podiatrist & educator at DUET Diabetes, a provider of diabetes workshops. “It’s also crucial to ensure that equipment is sterile, as people with diabetes are more prone to infection.”

Clients who suffer from diabetes can receive a salon pedicure, as long as there is no sign of infection, ulcers or neuropathy. In such cases, Hicks advises: “Explain to the client why you can’t carry out the service, and refer them to a GP. Once the issue has been resolved, they can be encouraged to return for the treatment.”

E-pedis are often preferable for diabetic clients, due to the absence of blades, which could potentially cut skin and increase the risk of infection.

E-pedis

“E-pedis are dry pedicure treatments that use E-file tools, instead of blades, scrubs and peels traditionally used within wet pedicures,” shares Blackburn-based nail tech, Jennie Padbury. “Clients with thick, hardened skin may benefit most from an E-pedi service, as the waterless treatment effectively addresses more stubborn concerns, such as cracks, fissures and calluses. Nail techs can choose from a variety of specialised bits, tailored to clients’ needs.”

French manicure

Nail expert & Katie Barnes Tool Range founder, Katie Clark, shares how to perfect the ever-popular French manicure on toenails: “A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus how quickly the nails will grow in that timeframe, and paint lower over the free edge. This will mean that the shadow of the natural free edge will not show during this time, giving a cleaner finish.

“It is a common misconception that the natural nail must be long to create a French tip pedicure. In fact, a short French line can appear natural and pleasing to the eye.”

Gel polish

“Gel polish is a popular choice for pedicures due to its longevity,” says Anna-Lee Powell. “Toenails grow at a slower rate than fingernails, so I find my clients can go longer between pedi appointments, indulging every eight weeks.”

Hydrate

Hydrating the feet is essential for maintaining their health and comfort, by preventing flaking, cracking and pain. Stock up on occlusive products to keep skin soft, supple and resilient.

Ingrown toenails

You may be presented with an ingrown toenail: when the edge of a nail embeds into the skin. Clients may experience pain, and show inflammation, redness and swelling around the impacted area, which can indicate an infection.

Education book, Milady’s Art & Science of Nail Technology, states: “If the nail or skin to be worked on is infected, inflamed, broken or swollen, a nail tech should not service the client.” Therefore, if you come across this condition, your client should seek advice from a medical professional. Scan to discover which nail conditions are treatable, and which are untreatable, at the nail desk.

To prevent ingrown nails, avoid cutting nails too short, and cut them straight across, rather than in a curved shape.

Jazz up toes & feet

Rings, while a go-to accessory for dressing up hands, are often overlooked as a way to enhance pedicures. Toe rings are ideal retail items, and bring a subtle touch of glamour to feet. They can enhance the look of ‘nailfies’ used to promote your services on social media.

What’s more, jazz up big toes for bridal or holidaying clients, or those who seek an elevated nail art look, using crystals and embellishments.

Kit out your salon

Craft your dream pedicure space by experimenting with colour palettes and décor, and create a comfortable environment for clients to enjoy their treatments with appropriate furniture options.

Luxury upgrades

Elevate your pedicure services with luxury massage oil, mask or soft booties. Clients will enjoy the extra appointment time, within which their senses can be indulged, and you can benefit from additional profit from ‘ each upgrade.

Missing toenails

Toenail issues, such as complete absence or partial loss, are commonly encountered at the nail desk. Toe trauma can occur during sports, from stubbing, after nail surgery or as a result of fungal nail infections, often leaving individuals feeling embarrassed and seeking toenail reconstruction or replacement. However, nail techs should only offer these treatments if they have completed a relevant qualification in cosmetic toenail reconstruction and in the absence of infection.

HD Professional Nail Systems founder, Hazel Dixon, and multi award-winning nail pro, Catriona Leith, explain how HD Nail Artist Academy’s Reconstruction Course teaches techs how to reconstruct damaged or missing nails safely, in an interview with Scratch. Scan to gain insight into the service, which uses the brand’s BUILD IT! Pro Recon Gel.

Nail art additions

Anna-Marie Powell shares: “Nail art isn’t as popular with my clients on toenails as it is on fingernails, but I have identified trends for glitter, chrome, aura finishes and French tips.”

Liverpool nail tech, Chelsey Millington, adds: “I’ve noticed demand for contrasting mani and pedi combos. For example, opting for a nude manicure with a bold pedicure or vice versa.”

On-the-go pedis

Mobile and session techs: take note of travel-friendly products and tools to enable you to offer top-notch pedicures from any space.

Pricing pointers

“My standard gel polish pedicure service costs £50, although prices vary depending on tier, ranging up to £95,” shares Scottish nail artist & content creator, Dannika Bernadette.

“The price reflects the quality, experience and care that go into each appointment. It covers more than just the time on the day; it includes high-quality products, thorough hygiene practices, years of training, experience and overheads. Clients aren’t just paying for pretty feet; they’re investing in a service that’s safe, effective and designed to feel like a treat.”

Quick solutions

Are you a high-traffic nail business, with clients who seek speedy solutions to their footcare needs? Eliza Moore, owner of Leicestershire-based salon, The Mani & Pedi Club, offers an Express Pedicure option in addition to a Luxe Pedicure service. “The Express Pedicure starts with prepping, trimming and shaping of the cuticles and nails using Navy Professional tools,” she shares. “Clients then select their chosen The GelBottle Inc gel polish shade via an iPad. This is applied thinly, followed by top coat. The free edge is finish-filed and cuticle balm and foot lotion are applied.”

Rebuild & repair

Designed to repair broken or damaged toenails, Halo’s Rebuild Pedicure Gels are self-levelling and contain anti-fungal properties to help prevent infections. Offering both strength and flexibility, the formula provides up to six weeks’ wear. For sports professionals and active clients, the Rebuild Active Repair Gel is recommended.

Streamline the pedicure process

Anna-Lee Powell shares her luxury pedicure routine: “I prep the nails and file square to prevent ingrown toenails. Next, I etch the nail plate and apply a base coat, nail colour and top coat. I then apply Elim Callus Softening Tonic to break down the dead skin on the soles of the feet, and neutralise with a PH neutraliser. A foot scrub, mask, soak and massage follows, with cuticle oil to finish.”

Tool kit

Perfect your pedi services and aid comfort with a pick of handy tools to add to your kit.

Understanding the importance of at-home maintenance

Educate clients on best at-home practices to promote foot health using education platform, NailKnowledge’s three-step routine to cleaning feet:

1. Wash feet with a neutral soap and water.

2. Dry the feet well, including in between the toes.

3. Massage feet and toes with oil and lotion for 10 seconds to prevent pathogens entering dry, split skin.

Additionally, Lovisa Walker, founder of footcare brand, LOVASKIN, notes the importance of selling pro-approved products to clients, commenting: “By retailing pedi products, not only will you generate an additional income, but it will make regular pedicure appointments easier, as clients’ feet will be better maintained.”

Vanquish calluses

Calluses are hard or thick areas of skin, usually on the ball or heel of the foot, that have been subject to friction and rubbing. According to NailKnowledge, nail technicians should be adept in alleviating the condition. If painful, advise your client to seek treatment from a medical professional.

“Not only do many clients consider calluses unsightly, but they can also cause pain and problems if left untreated,” shares Lovisa Walker. She recommends LOVASKIN’s Instant Foot Peel, designed to loosen up the layers of dead hard skin in two minutes, to aid easy removal and reveal healthy skin.

Wellbeing benefits

As well as offering aesthetic benefits, remind clients that routine pedicures offer multiple health advantages, including:

• Improved circulation. Having feet touched and massaged stimulates the circulation of blood flow, aiding the transportation of oxygen to the feet.

• Reduce stress. A foot massage can help ease anxiety and tensions.

• Avoid infection and odour. Pedicures can help eliminate odour, infection and hard skin by keeping feet clean and bacteria-free.

eXfoliate

Slough away dead cells that can lead to dryness and cracking, and smooth the skin with a gentle scrub in a soothing scent. Exfoliating the feet regularly can prevent calluses and painful corns, so integrate into your standard and luxury pedi services.

Year-round importance

“Remind clients that pedicures aren’t just for summer,” says Chelsey Millington. “It’s important for clients to book regular pedicures to keep on top of foot health. A foot soak, hard skin removal and nail tidy have many benefits. Feet are in constant use and deserve to be pampered!”

Zoom in on client needs

Whether targeting hard skin, hydrating feet or choosing the perfect nail colour, the key to a successful pedicure is understanding what your client wants and needs, which can be uncovered during the consultation. “This should cover common issues and contraindications, personal preferences, the client’s general health, medication details and physical limitations,” shares Tanya Jeskins, Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year finalist 2025. “It should uphold your insurance terms and provides the opportunity to create an ongoing plan to reach the client’s nail goals.” Failing to offer a complete consultation can lead to service breakdown. “It could also result in health implications, such as onycholysis, bacterial or fungal issues,” Tanya adds.