4th Aug 2025
The nail tech’s guide to a perfect pedicure
Sandal season is officially here, which means a pedicure is most definitely pending! From lounging by the pool to strolling along the beach, there’s no doubt that the perfect pedicure is the ultimate accessory for summer. Whether your client is after a classic French pedicure to enhance their natural toes or a bright and glossy gel pedicure to complement their outfit, offering a great pedicure service is crucial to keeping your clients happy during the warmer months.
If you’re wondering how to create the ultimate pedicure for your clients, then we can give you a step in the right direction. Whether it’s removing unwanted callus with the innovative MAVEX range, soothing the skin with Kaeso’s nourishing foot lotion, elevating your services with industry-leading nail tools, upgrading your salon with a premium pedicure chair, or increasing your polish selection with trending summer toe nail colours, we’ve got the secrets to getting your clients summer-ready from tip to toe.
What is a pedicure?
A traditional pedicure is a professional treatment for the feet which often involves soaking, exfoliating and moisturising the skin, as well as applying nail lacquer or gel polish to the toenails. It’s just like a manicure, but sole-y for the feet! There are various types of pedicures depending on what your client wants, ranging from basic to luxury pedicures – the possibilities are endless!
French pedicure – this usually involves painting the nails a light pink or nude colour with a pristine white tip to enhance the nails with a clean, natural-looking finish. Clients can also opt for bright colours on the tips for a modern and vibrant touch.
Gel pedicure – perfect for clients who want their pedicures to last, a gel pedicure ensures long-lasting wear and a gorgeous glossy finish that’s ideal for holidays.
Russian pedicure – this is when a nail technician removes excess cuticle and dead skin with a dry technique. This is usually done with an electric nail file and doesn’t involve soaking the feet, ensuring excellent precision and long-lasting results.
Builder gel pedicure – recommended for clients with weak or damaged toenails, a builder gel pedicure can help to build strength and durability into the nails.
Pedicure for men – pedicures are for everyone! Great for holidays and honeymoons, male grooming is on the rise and a pedicure is the perfect place to start.
French pedicure – this usually involves painting the nails a light pink or nude colour with a pristine white tip to enhance the nails with a clean, natural-looking finish. Clients can also opt for bright colours on the tips for a modern and vibrant touch.
Gel pedicure – perfect for clients who want their pedicures to last, a gel pedicure ensures long-lasting wear and a gorgeous glossy finish that’s ideal for holidays.
Russian pedicure – this is when a nail technician removes excess cuticle and dead skin with a dry technique. This is usually done with an electric nail file and doesn’t involve soaking the feet, ensuring excellent precision and long-lasting results.
Builder gel pedicure – recommended for clients with weak or damaged toenails, a builder gel pedicure can help to build strength and durability into the nails.
Pedicure for men – pedicures are for everyone! Great for holidays and honeymoons, male grooming is on the rise and a pedicure is the perfect place to start.
Shop hero brands...
Wave goodbye to hard, callused skin with MAVEX's innovative Calluspeeling system which reveals healthy, supple skin with ease.
From soothing foot soaks to hydrating foot lotions, the Kaeso footcare range has everything you need to create the perfect pedicure.
VOESH pedi in a box is bursting with nourishing ingredients that help to soothe, soften and hydrate the feet for a perfect pedi wherever you go.
What does a pedicure include?
In order to get the feet looking their best, there are several steps involved in a pedicure to help cleanse, soften and moisturise the feet. Here’s what most pedicure services include:
1. Soaking
Soaking the feet helps to cleanse and refresh the skin, to leave the feet feeling energised and rejuvenated. A soothing foot soak is the perfect way to start any pedicure service. We recommend:
- Kaeso citrus squeeze foot soak 495ml – this refreshing foot soak is enriched with citrus and mango to help soothe the skin and awaken the senses with a lovely tropical aroma.
- BARE FEET soothing foot soak 200ml – infused with natural ginger and manuka honey, this luxury foot soak leaves the feet feeling soft and hydrated for the ultimate pampering experience.
2. Exfoliating
Exfoliation is essential for removing dry, dead and callused skin, making the feet feel ultra-soft and supple. When exfoliating the feet, they need to be filed and scrubbed to gently remove hard skin, as well as performing precision cuticle work to ensure the nails look healthy and maintained. We recommend:
- Mii neat and tidy stainless steel foot file – this lightweight, professional foot file is made from stainless steel to ensure excellent durability and performance. Featuring a multi-dimensional grit with fine and coarse sides, this foot file effortlessly removes dead skin while helping to protect the remaining healthy skin.
- Kaeso lime and ginger tingle foot scrub 450ml – helping to deeply nourish and exfoliate the skin, this lime and ginger foot scrub creates a fresh and invigorating feel that vanishes rough skin for feet that feel renewed.
- Beauty Essentials cuticle nipper, deluxe 102mm – made from durable stainless steel, this deluxe cuticle nipper helps to effortlessly remove excess cuticle from the nail, with excellent precision and control.
- MAVEX Calluspeeling system – MAVEX® is a premium pedicure brand that offers an extremely effective treatment for clients with hard, dry and callused feet. If your client suffers from particularly hard skin and callus, then the MAVEX Calluspeeling system will transform their feet into silky soft goodness. These MAVEX Calluspeeling sachets can also be included as an excellent add-on service to a standard pedicure to remove hard, callused skin at an extra cost. Professionals can charge around the region of £25 to £35 for this additional service.
3. Polish application
After you’ve done all the preparation, it’s time to add some colour! From a classic French to bold, statement shades, applying polish to the nails will instantly enhance your client’s pedicure. Whether you’re using traditional nail polish, gel or builder gel, adding a touch of colour to the nails is essential to making your client’s feet look and feel their best.
4. Add-ons
Why not give your client the opportunity to upgrade their treatment with a luxury massage, a trending nail art design or a soothing foot lotion? There are lots of ways you can enhance your pedicure services by adding these options to your menu. We recommend:
- Kaeso mandarin/mint yoghurt foot leg lotion 495ml – this luxurious leg and foot lotion intensely moisturises and soothes the skin to leave it feeling super soft and energised. Infused with menthol and peppermint, this hydrating lotion offers the perfect finish to any pedicure treatment.
- MAVEX honey foot cream – this deeply nourishing foot cream is enriched with natural honey, argan oil, shea butter, vitamin E, menthol and urea to leave the skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated.
- The GelBottle Inc chrome pigment – this outstanding chrome nail pigment can be applied over any gel colour, enabling nail technicians to create beautiful chrome-effect nails with ease – a perfect look for summer!
How long does a pedicure take?
A pedicure can take anything from 30 to 75 minutes depending on what type of service you are offering and what tools you use.
Express vs. luxury pedicure services
An express pedicure treatment can take as little as 30 minutes and is a basic service that involves nail shaping, cuticle work and polish application. This treatment is perfect for clients who are on a busy schedule and want a simple way of maintaining their toenails. A luxury pedicure can take 60 to 75 minutes and involves soaking, exfoliating and moisturising the feet, as well as applying traditional nail polish or gel to the nails. This treatment is ideal for clients who want to give their feet some TLC and enjoy some much-needed relaxation time that will help keep their feet feeling happy and healthy.
Time saving tools
There are lots of ways you can save valuable time during pedicure treatments that will help improve your salon’s efficiency and performance. From high-tech electric foot files to comfort-boosting spa chairs, these are the must-have nail tools and equipment that will help you perform your best work with ease and speed:
- The GelBottle Inc e-foot file – this innovative electric foot file features a 360-degree rotating disc that effortlessly adapts to the contours of the feet, for superior comfort and performance. The lightweight and ergonomic design is quick and easy to use and offers adjustable speed options for maximum control.
- Esthetix Bella salon chair, black/gold – a comfortable and manoeuvrable salon chair is essential for performing pedicures. This Bella salon chair features a 5-wheel base and soft black upholstery that provides maximum comfort and practicality.
- Halo Elite e-file and pedicure drill bit kit – this electric nail file and pedicure drill bit kit will help you to perform precision cuticle work with ease, helping to reduce preparation times and improve efficiency. You can shop our full range of e-files and e-file bits here.
How often should you recommend your client to have a pedicure?
How frequently your client has a pedicure will depend on the type of treatment they’ve had and how much maintenance they need. These are the guidelines we recommend:
| Client type | Recommended Frequency | Why |
| Regular polish wearer | Every 2 weeks | To maintain neat appearance, prevent chipping and overgrowth |
| Gel or shellac pedicure clients | Every 3-4 weeks | Gel lasts longer, but needs maintenance to avoid lifting or nail damage |
| Clients with dry, cracked heels | Every 2 weeks | Frequent exfoliation and moisturising keeps heels healthy |
| Luxury or spa pedicure clients | Monthly | For long-lasting results and relaxation benefits |
| Male clients or low-maintenance care | Every 4-6 weeks | Depends on lifestyle and grooming habits |
| Elderly or diabetic clients | Every 4 weeks (minimum) | Helps prevent infections and maintain foot health (with extra care) |
Pedicure set-up essentials
To deliver the perfect pedi for your clients, you need the best tools, furniture and equipment that will guarantee a flawless treatment every time. From a premium quality pedicure chair to a stylish and authentic pedicure bowl, here’s everything you need to provide the ultimate pedi for your clients:
- Esthetix Isabella pedi chair, black/gold – crafted with premium black upholstery with chic gold details, this sophisticated pedi chair adds a luxurious feel to any treatment. With a bottom draw that opens out a removable pedicure bowl, this Isabella chair combines practicality and style to take your pedicures to the next level. Shop our full range of pedicure chairs here.
- Pedicure bowl – whether it’s copper or resin, a pedicure bowl is a must-have for your pedicure services. A pedicure bowl with a footrest is also a great option for professionals, providing additional ease for the technician. Perfect for soaking and cleansing the feet, our wide range of pedicure bowls ensure excellent hygiene and easy use.
- Salon stools – a comfortable pedicure stool will help you perform treatments with ease. Our deluxe pony stool is great for technicians who prefer to have back support, and also features a padded seat and gas-lift height adjustment for maximum control and comfort.
- Pedicure kits – a luxurious pedicure kit is the secret to creating the best pedicure service for your clients. The Kaeso pedicure kit delivers the ultimate invigorating experience, with 6 essential products that help to deeply cleanse, soften and hydrate the feet. With an energising foot scrub to a soothing foot mask, this pedicure set has it all.
Trending pedicure colours and designs
The cherry on top
The flawless French
A pedi to-go
VOESH pedi in a box
If your client loves a pedi, then VOESH pedi in a box is an excellent take-home option, enabling your clients to recreate their own pedicure experience wherever they go. This all-in-one pedicure kit is a simple 4-step system that nourishes, softens and exfoliates the feet. VOESH pedi in a box is available in a range of luxurious aromas with an array of skin-boosting benefits that will deeply nourish and revive the feet.
avrybeauty Gel-Ohh! jelly spa bath
Your client can create an ultra-indulgent spa-like experience at home with the Gel-Ooh! Jelly spa bath pedicure kits from avrybeauty. This 2-step system is super quick and easy to use, helping to nourish, soften and soothe the feet in a luxurious jelly texture. These pedicure sets are also available in a selection of irresistible scents.
Get your clients summer-ready with our ultimate pedicure guide. After all, sun’s out, toes out! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your salon station with a luxury pedicure chair or enhance your treatments with a comprehensive pedicure kit, we have everything you need to get your client’s feet feeling utterly beautiful and renewed.
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