THE DO-IT-YOUR-
SELF PEDICURE
1
. CLIP OVERGROWN NAILS
and remove old polish.
“I’m astounded by how
many people never take
the polish off their toes
and just continue to paint
over the top,” says Ji Baek,
owner of Rescue Beauty
Lounge in New York.
“Take the nail lacquer off
and examine your natural
nails to make sure they’re
in healthy condition.”
2
. USE A DRY-SKIN FILE
to whittle away stubborn
calluses. (If you suffer
from multiple conditions
such as cracked soles,
calluses, or corns, don’t
attempt to fix these
yourself. Seek the help
of a podiatrist.)
t r y
Diamancel Callus
Conquerer #20, $38.
3
.
SOAK
f e e t
in warm,
soapy water for
10
minutes, then exfoliate
using a grainy scrub
on feet, heels, and legs.
Rinse,
t r y
OPI Green Tea
Scrub, $16.
4. GENTLY PUSH BACK
c u t ic l e s
and use a
manicure stick to clean
under toenails.
try
Sephora Birch wood
Sticks, $2.
5
.
SLATHER CREAM
On legs
and feet. Clean nail beds
with nail polish remover.
6. PAINT ON A BASE COAT,
two coats of color, and
a top coat, and wait at
least
2 0
minutes for
toenails to dry.
A great tip
“Even your
own tools need
to be sterilized
after each use,”
says nail expert
Ji Baek “Soak
metal tools in
rubbing alcohol
for 25 minutes
then seal in a
plastic bag.”
At the Salon
These simple precautions will
ensu re a safe pedicure.
Check for the cleanliness of workstations
and the sterilization of tools,” says Suzi
Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice
president and artistic director of OPI. “Ask
questions and don’t be afraid to walk out if you
don’t feel comfortable.”
When the technician asks whether to cut
your cuticles, just say no. Ask that they
be pushed back instead. “Cuticles are
a protective barrier, and when they are cut the
body is open to dangerous viruses, bacteria, and
fungus,” says Dr. Seema Ram-Chari tar, a Forest
Hills, New York-based foot surgeon.
Whirlpool foot tubs are notorious
hotbeds for germs. Bacteria and dirt get
stuck in the whirlpool jets, which take
time to thoroughly sterilize. Try to be the first one
of the day to have a pedicure after the tub has been
sterilized and has had a chance to dry overnight.
Or look for a nonwhirlpool, metal basin that is
easily disinfected.
Razoring dead skin off heels and calluses
is illegal in most states, but that hasn’t
stopped the practice. Ask the technician
to use a pumice stone, file, or scrub instead. On the
subject of razors: Wait until after a pedicure to
shave your legs. Shaving causes microscopic tears
in skin where bacteria can enter.
IN THE BUFF
Not sure you want to commit to color?
Then don’t. Clean nails that have been
buffed to a high shine are an easy, low-
maintenance way to keep your nails
looking great—and without chipped
nail lacquer. Try a buffing block like
Creative Nail Design
Glossing
Buffer Block; $6. Start by rubbing the
coarsest side on the nail to smooth the
surface, then flip to the smoothest side
of the block. When you hear a squeak,
the nail is glossy.
138
JUNE2008 BETTER HO MES AND GARDENS
PHOTOS: (FOOT) MASTERFILE; (CREATIVE NAIL DESIGN) KEATE
