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 footcare services for clients with diabetes. In 2023, Denise won the SOS Beauty Award for Footcare Practitioner of the Year, and she is the founder of the Elevate Pedicures website.

www.elevatepedicures.com /denisespragg1971

8 steps to master the perfect pedicure

In the world of nails, trends come and go – but a great pedicure never goes out of style. Clients today expect more than just pretty toes. They want a long-lasting nail finish, excellent hygiene and a treatment that feels as good as it looks.

To deliver consistently high standards as a nail tech, you need to go beyond the basics. You must combine product knowledge with solid techniques, and understand how different nail systems shape each stage of a service.

Whether you’re refining your routine or training a new team member, here’s a step-by-step guide to pedicure perfection.

Step 1: Consultation

Often overlooked, the consultation is a crucial first step of a pedicure appointment. Ask the client about their foot health, nail issues and medical considerations, such as diabetes. A quick visual check can reveal conditions like fungal infections, trauma or psoriasis: any of which may require referral to a specialist.

The consultation is also an opportunity to talk about the client’s preferred nail shape, colour and products.

Pro tip: Make consultation notes and jot down clients’ preferences, as they appreciate when you remember these.

Step 2: Product removal

If a client arrives with product on their toenails, this will need removing. For soak-off gel and gel polish overlays, buff the top coat to break the seal, then soak the nails for 10-15 minutes. Following this, gently lift the product off with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. For lacquer, use an acetone-free polish remover to protect the nail plate.

Whatever system you are removing, always refer to the product manufacturer’s instructions.

Pro tip: Add a drop of cuticle oil to each nail before soaking off product, to help prevent dehydration during the removal process.

Clients today expect more than just pretty toes. They want a long-lasting nail finish, excellent hygiene and a treatment that feels as good as it looks.

Step 3: Foot soak

A warm soak helps the client to relax at their appointment. It softens skin and soothes tired feet. Add essential oils like antibacterial tea tree or refreshing peppermint, and use a gentle soak product suited to the client’s skin type.

Always sanitise your foot bath after every use and follow strict hygiene protocols – clients notice when you don’t.

Pro tip: Add marbles or smooth pebbles to your foot bowl for a subtle massage effect during the soak.

‘‘ A foot massage isn’t just a treat – it’s an essential part of the pedicure experience. ‘

Step 4: Shaping

Dry feet thoroughly, then shape the toenails. While common advice is to cut nails straight across, my top tip is to follow the natural shape of the free edge to avoid ingrown corners. Do not over-file the sides of the nails, as this puts them under stress.

Apply a cuticle softener and gently push back the eponychium. Trim only non-living tissue, as over-trimming the cuticle can lead to soreness and infection.

Pro tip: Hold the foot at eye level when shaping toenails, especially with shorter clients, to improve precision and balance.

Step 5: Exfoliation

Use a professional scrub product to exfoliate the feet and lower legs. Rinse this and pat dry, then gently file any hard skin and calluses around the heels and balls of the feet.

It is vital to note that UK pedicurists must never use bladed tools like scalpels, as that is the domain of HCPC-registered podiatrists.

Pro tip: For stubborn calluses, apply a softening product and wrap the area in warm towels for five minutes before filing.

Step 6: Massage

A foot massage isn’t just a treat – it’s an essential part of the pedicure experience. Use a hydrating lotion and spend 5-10 minutes working from toes to calves with firm, flowing massage movements. Focus on arch tension, pressure points and ankle mobility.

Warm lotion or hot towels in colder months add instant luxury.

Pro tip: Ask clients how much pressure they like during a foot massage. What relaxes one person may feel too intense to another.

Step 7: Nail colour application

Whatever system you are applying, begin with proper prep. If using soak-off gel products, buff away shine, cleanse and dehydrate the nails, then apply primer or bonder as recommended by the product manufacturer. From this point, avoid touching the nails, as natural oils interfere with adhesion.

For long-lasting colour, apply base coat, two layers of nail colour and top coat. Cure each following manufacturer instructions if using gel products, or allow to dry fully if using lacquer. Always cap the free edge to maximise longevity.

Pro tip: Use a toe separator and check the alignment of the toes. Gel product on the sidewalls of the nails may not cure properly if the toes aren’t flat before entering the lamp.

Step 8: The final flourish

If using a tacky gel top coat, cleanse toenails thoroughly after curing. Finish pedicures with cuticle oil for hydration and shine.

Review your results, take a photo or video of the feet (with the client’s permission) and offer simple aftercare advice, such as moisturising feet daily, avoiding prolonged soaking for 24 hours and rebooking every 2-3 weeks to maintain results.

Pro tip: Retail mini cuticle oils and foot creams. Clients are more likely to purchase aftercare if it’s easy to take home.