Remove calluses for baby-smooth feet and perfectly polished toes — no salon visit required.
Our toes can’t help but peek out with the arrival of sunny weather. But when you break out your cute summer sandals, you’ll probably realize it’s been a while since the last time you treated your feet (or even applied foot cream). When it’s hard (or impossible!) to make it into the salon for a pro pedicure, we’ve got you covered with simple steps to give yourself the perfect pedicure — right at home.
From top tools to aftercare, here are the must-do’s and at-home pedicure hacks to pamper your feet and toes properly. Embrace y0ur inner nail tech and give your feet a little TLC.
- Gather the essential at-home pedicure tools.
Make sure you’re ready to go with a straight (not curved) nail clipper, nail file, foot file, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, foot mask, and cuticle oil. You can always leave your toes au natural, but if you prefer a fresh coat of paint, have your favorite nail polish on hand, too, plus a base and top coat.
- Trim your toenails short.
Use a straight nail clipper to create a neat line and avoid ingrown toenails, global lead educator for Essie. Another plus: “Keeping your toenails short prevents polish chips,” she says. After clipping, file your toenails smooth in one direction.
- Be gentle on cuticles.
When treating your cuticles, think less is more, education manager for OPI. Be gentle with your cuticle pusher — simply push back any waxy build-up on your natural toenail plate and near the cuticle area. The point of the pusher is to detach that cuticle buildup from the natural nail, but (bonus!) it will also help your polish adhere to the nails. Then take your cuticle trimmer and trim only any pieces of dead skin or obvious hang nails.
- Exfoliate rough heels with a foot file.
Start by soaking your feet to soften and help remove dead skin, Nuñez says. Using a foot file, buff away at any rough areas that may have been caused by standing too long in heels, exercising, or have just accumulated over time. “Focus on cracks on the edges of your heel, as well as the ball of your foot, which is where calluses tend to occur,” Remark advises.
- Treat feet to a mask.
Putting on a foot mask can help extend the life of your baby-soft skin even days after your pedicure. If you find that your feet often feel dry, try a moisturizing mask that will nourish the skin on your soles and leave them silky-smooth.
If you’re looking for a more intensive callus treatment, use a chemical foot peel like Baby Foot that will dissolve rough skin without harsh, physical exfoliation. When rinsing off the mask, soak feet for an extra 10 minutes of added relaxation.
