FOOT notes

Award-winning pedicurist & advanced footcare practitioner, DENISE SPRAGG, shares insights to elevate your treatments

ABOUT DENISE SPRAGG

Denise set up a tai chi and yoga retreats company with her husband in 2005, which sparked an interest in holistic and beauty treatments. She has practiced manicure and pedicure services since 2011, is trained in advanced pedicure techniques and is an accredited Footlogix practitioner.

Alongside her husband, Denise runs health and wellbeing centre, The Sangha House, in Taunton, Somerset. She offers lacquer and gel pedicure treatments, as well as complex diabetic treatments. In 2023, Denise won the SOS Beauty Award for Footcare Practitioner of the Year, and she has founded footcare website, Elevate Pedicures.

www.elevatepedicures.com /denisespragg1971

How to curate a luxurious pedicure experience

"Scent has a profound effect on mood. Diffusing essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or lemongrass in your space promotes calm and a sense of retreat.‘‘

In a world where self-care is becoming a vital part of people’s routines, a pedicure is more than just a beauty treatment – it’s a chance for clients to unwind, recharge and indulge. What sets your pedicure services apart isn’t always the finish or price; it’s the experience. Small, thoughtful extras can elevate your treatments from standard to standout, transforming occasional visitors into loyal regulars. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to infuse luxury into your pedicure offerings:

1. A warm welcome ritual.

A sense of calm should present to your client as soon as they arrive for their appointment. Offer a warm greeting, take their coat and bag, and escort them to their seat. A welcome drink, such as herbal tea, cucumber-infused water or even a mocktail, can help them relax. You could offer a hot towel for the hands or neck before the pedicure starts, or a cool, damp cloth from the fridge on a warm day.

2. Aromatherapy atmosphere.

Scent has a profound effect on mood. Diffusing essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or lemongrass in your space promotes calm and a sense of retreat. You could also invite clients to choose their own essential oil blend to add to their foot soak. Keep the scent subtle to maintain a spa-like atmosphere.

3. Customised foot soaks.

Go beyond a basic soak by creating signature blends with Epsom salts, dried flowers, fruit slices or essential oils. Offer clients a small menu to choose from, such as:

• Detox soak (charcoal + peppermint oil).

• Relaxing soak (lavender + chamomile).

• Revitalising soak (citrus slices + rosemary). These options make the treatment feel personalised and indulgent.

4. Heated towels & warm stones.

Add a luxurious element by incorporating warm elements. Wrap feet in heated towels after exfoliation, or use warm stones for a mini massage during the treatment. The heat soothes muscles and provides instant relaxation. Even placing a heated pad behind the client’s back or under their neck can elevate comfort.

5. Massage add-ons.

Clients may expect a short foot massage during a pedicure, but adding a five to 10-minute upgrade with speciality balms or oils can feel truly decadent. Offer hand or lower leg massages as an optional add-on.

6. Polish with precision.

Luxury is synonymous with care and attention. Use high-quality nail products and compatible systems, offer a wide and up-to-date colour selection, and be careful and precise with application.

7. Pampering products.

Let clients indulge their senses with products they won’t find at home. Use spa-grade scrubs, cooling foot masks and cuticle oils with natural ingredients. Display the products attractively and offer samples or travel-size options for purchase.

8. Digital detox.

Encourage clients to put away their phones and enjoy their treatments. Provide magazines, calming playlists, or even noise-cancelling headphones with guided meditations or ambient sounds. Allow them to truly disconnect and unwind.

9. Add a signature scent or theme.

Develop your own signature scent or seasonal theme to keep things fresh and enticing. Consider a ‘Coconut Breeze Summer Pedi’ with tropical oils and pineapple water, or an ‘Autumn Spice Pedicure’ with cinnamon scrubs and pumpkin foot masks. These small twists add excitement and encourage clients to return.

10. Personal touches.

Keep a profile for each client detailing their favourite nail shades and scent preferences, alongside any allergies or sensitivities. Remembering their name, birthday – or even how they like their tea, shows care and builds a strong relationship. The best experience I had at a salon was when I’d visited a few times, and the staff didn’t ask me how I like my coffee; they simply had it ready for me when I arrived!

11. The finishing flair.

Details matters. Offer disposable flip flops if a client has left theirs at home, and provide a mini foot powder or cooling spray before they go. Wrap their feet in a warm towel after their massage, or finish with a spritz of foot fragrance or mist. Finally, for a really chic touch, think about sending a thank you note or sample products after their treatment, and don’t forget about birthday cards offering free upgrades.

‘‘ A luxurious pedicure isn’t about opulence – it’s about thoughtfulness, comfort and attention to detail. ‘‘

A luxurious pedicure isn’t about opulence – it’s about thoughtfulness, comfort and attention to detail. By incorporating some of these elements into your services, you can turn a basic treatment into a blissful escape. These extras don’t just pamper the feet; they make your clients feel valued, relaxed and eager to come back for more.

Do you offer exceptional pedicure services? Don’t forget to enter the Pedicurist of the Year category in the Scratch Stars Awards 2026, before entry closes 15 March. Head to www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars for all the details.