How To do a Pedicure at Home (Step by Step Guide)

May 3, 2018

In a pampering session one often neglects the feet which are equally prone to dust and harsh weather conditions like our facial skin.

Moreover they even carry the weight of our body all day long which requires occasional pampering too.

When it comes to taking care of our feet it is often restricted to painting the nails or that once in a while skin bleaching session.

But there is a lot more to the regular feet pampering and this is exactly what we shall be discussing about in this article.

Pedicure is the term used for the feet pampering sessions. Pedicure is not just a vain pampering routine but also offers several benefits like promoting healthy toe nails, prevents calluses, relieves stress and enhances healthier joints.

But this doesn’t mean that one needs to spend exuberant amounts of money in a fancy salon for a pedicure.

One might be wondering about how to do a pedicure at home and get the same professional results?

So, here we are discussing some simple DIY pedicure ideas which can be easily done at home which are equally effective, time saving and economical too.

In a basic homemade pedicure process we require a few easily available supplies like-

Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Nail Clipper
Cotton Pads
Towel
Cuticle Cream or Oil
Cuticle Pusher
Nail Buffer
Nail File
Foot File
Foot Brush
Foot Scrub
Water
Big Bowl
Moisturizer
Base Coat and Top Coat Nail Polish
Preferred Color of Nail Polish

Pedicure treatment involves a few easy step by step procedures by using a few basic tools and natural ingredients.

These pedicure steps will definitely help to flaunt beautiful feet this season by saving you time and money both.

How To do a Pedicure at Home

So, now let’s start with how to do a pedicure at home in a step by step manner-

Step-1 Prepping Your Nails

The first step is very essential in a home pedicure as cleaning the pre existing nail polish will help in removing yellowness of the nails and benefit in cleaning the nail thoroughly.

Direction:

Start by cleaning nails by removing the old nail polish by using a non acetone nail polish remover as it gentle on nails.
Dab a cotton pad with non acetone nail polish remover liquid and wipe off the nail polish.
Later trim the nails using a nail clipper in desired shape such as oval, straight or pointed.
Always make sure to not to cut the corners of nails deep as it increases the chances of ingrown nails.
Complete the nail prep by filing in desired shape.
It is important to file the nails in only one direction as filing the nails in back and forth direction can weaken the nails.

Step- 2 Foot Soak

This foot soak step is the most relaxing procedure in the pedicure as it eases the tension and relieves the pain in the feet.

Things you need:

Large tub
Water
Shampoo- 1 to 2 Drops
Rock Salt- ½ Cup
Towel

Direction:

Start by filling up a large tub with enough warm water so that the water covers your ankle.
For a simple foot soak add ½ cup of rock salt and shampoo in to the warm water and stir.
Then soak your feet in this water, rock salt and shampoo solution for 15 to 20 minutes.
Later remove the feet from the soak and pat dry the feet with towel.
If you are looking for more salon kind or special pedicure here are a few interesting DIY foot soak recipes.

Lime and Mint Foot Soak

In this home pedicure lime and mint foot soak enhances the whole pedicure experience. As this DIY foot soak with Epsom salt, baking soda, lime zest and peppermint essential oil has a refreshing fragrance and this soak is even great for relaxing the tired feet.

Epsom salt is beneficial in relieving the pains and softening the rough dry skin on your feet. Baking Soda helps in eliminating the foot odor and exfoliates the skin effectively.

Peppermint Oil provides a cooling sensation (1) and fresh fragrance also releases the tension and treats the muscular pains very effectively.

Lime is a great natural cleanser and energizes the pedicure treatment.

Ingredients:

Epsom Salt- 2 Cups
Baking Soda- ½ Cup
Peppermint Essential Oil- 3 to 4 Drops
Lime Essential Oil- 3 to 4 Drops
Lime Zest- 1 to 2 tsp
Glass Jar

Direction:

Take a large bowl and add in 2 cups of epsom salt and ½ cup of baking soda.
Then add in 3 to 4 drops of lime essential oil, 3 to 4 drops of peppermint essential oil and 1 to 2 tsp of lime zest.
Mix well and store this epsom salt and lime soak in a clean glass jar.
This foot soak can be prepared 1 or 2 weeks in advance.
For usage add ½ cup of this lime and mint foot soak into warm water in the large tub and soak your feet for a refreshing pedicure at home.

Lavender Green Tea Foot Soak

This lavender foot soak’s fragrances will surely make you feel like you are having a pedicure in a luxurious spa without shelling out a huge amount of money.

This foot soak includes lavender, green tea and epsom salt to give you a rejuvenated experience in a pedicure at home.

Epsom salt is great for soothing aches and pains in feet. It is even beneficial in fighting toe and foot infections.

Green Tea is beneficial in eliminating the foot odor and heals the cracked heels.

Lavender Oil is great for increasing the blood circulation and relaxes the brain (2).

Ingredients:

Dried Lavender Buds- 2 tsp
Lavender Essential Oil- ½ tsp
Loose Green Tea-2 tsp
Epsom Salt- 1 Cup
Glass Jar- For Storage

Direction:

Take a bowl and add in epsom salt, dried lavender buds and loose green tea leaves.
Mix well and add in ½ tsp of lavender essential oil.
Mix again and store this lavender and green tea foot soak in a clean glass jar.
For usage in a home pedicure take ½ cup of this lavender green tea foot soak and add it into warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.

After drying the feet massage cuticle cream or cuticle oil on the toenails. If you don’t want to invest in expensive cuticle oil then try any one of these simple economical DIY cuticle oil and cuticle cream recipes.

Olive Oil, Petroleum Jelly and Lemon Juice Cuticle Oil

This lemony and moisturizing cuticle oil is beneficial for protecting your cuticles and provides deep hydrating benefits to the cuticles in this homemade pedicure process.

Olive Oil is easily absorbed by the skin to repair damaged nails and cuticles.

Petroleum Jelly is yet another excellent ingredient for treating dry cuticles and strengthening brittle nails.

Lemon Juice is rich in vitamin C which protects the nails and encourages healthy nails.

Ingredients:

Olive Oil- ½ tsp
Petroleum Jelly- 2 tsp
Fresh Lemon Juice- ¼ tsp
Jar- For storage

Direction:

Take small bowl and add in olive oil, lemon juice and petroleum jelly.
Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined and creamy.
Store this DIY cuticle cream in a cool place.
For usage scoop out the required quantity of this DIY lemon, olive oil and petroleum jelly cuticle oil and apply it on the toes.

Grapeseed and Coconut Cuticle Cream

This cuticle cream contains nail strengthening ingredients like grapeseed oil, coconut oil, honey, yogurt and vanilla extract which even helps in softening the cuticles easily.

Grapeseed Oil is ultra moisturizing oil which helps to relieve dry cuticles without leaving a greasy feel.

Coconut Oil is an excellent ingredient for protecting the toenail infection and moisturizing the cuticles.

Yogurt is yet another ingredient in this cuticle cream which helps to moisturize and strengthen the cuticle tissues.

Honey is one of the key ingredients in many cuticle treatments as it is great for treating dry cuticles and for strengthening the nails.

Ingredients:

Grapeseed Oil- 1 tsp
Coconut Oil- ½ tsp
Natural Yogurt- 1 tsp
Honey- ½ tsp
Vanilla Extract- ½ tsp
Glass Jar- For Storage

Direction:

Take a bowl and add in grapeseed oil, coconut oil, honey and yogurt.
Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Then add in vanilla extract and mix again.
Store this cuticle cream for pedicure at home in a glass jar and keep it in a cool dry place.
For usage take required quantity of this grapeseed and coconut oil cuticle cream and massage it into the cuticles.

After massaging the cuticle oil well into the cuticles, leave the cuticle oil application for 4 to 5 minutes to soften the dead skin around nails.
Later take a foot file and lightly scrape the dry dead skin from heals and back of your feet, be gentle but firm while removing the dead skin from the feet.
By now the cuticles will be soft so, take a cuticle pusher and gently push back the cuticles for a nice shape.
Make sure never to cut the cuticles as it promotes healthy nails.
Then take a nail buffer and buff your nail’s top layer with the roughest part firstly then moving on to smooth and shiner part of the buffer.
Then take a damp cotton pad and wipe the buffed toenails.

Step- 3 Foot Scrub

Foot scrub is an important step at home pedicure as scrubbing the feet helps in removing the tan and makes the skin soft.

One can find plenty of variants in foot scrubs commercially but homemade foot scrubs are far more effective and very economical too.

So, here are a few delicious must try recipes of foot scrub. You can try any of these natural foot scrub recipes for lightening the sun tan, making the dry skin soft and shinier.

Sugar, Olive Oil and Vanilla Foot Scrub

The combination of ingredients in this foot scrub such as brown sugar, white sugar, olive oil and vanilla extract works great for getting rid of tan, exfoliates the dry skin on feet easily.

Sugar is a good source of glycolic acid which treats sun damaged skin and exfoliates the dead skin cells over and under the feet effectively.

Olive Oil softens the skin, accelerates the healing process of the heels and calluses.

Ingredients:

Brown Sugar- 1/3 Cup
White Sugar- 2/3 Cup
Olive Oil- ½ Cup
Vanilla Extract- 1 tbsp.
Glass Jar- For Storage

Direction:

Take a bowl and add in brown sugar, white sugar and olive oil.
Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Then add in vanilla extract and mix again.
Store this sugar, olive oil and vanilla scrub for homemade pedicure in a glass jar and keep it in a cool place.

Coconut Oil and Lime Foot Scrub

This lemony fragrance is great for treating smelly feet and the other ingredients like coconut oil, epsom salt, baking soda make an excellent combination in this foot scrub for this pedicure at home procedure.

Coconut Oil works as an amazing base for moisturizing the skin in this foot scrub.

Epsom Salt’s coarse texture provides a deep exfoliation and helps to soothe pains as well.

Baking Soda gently exfoliates the dead skin cells and helps in getting rid of feet odour as well.

Lime essential oil adds a strong citrusy smell in this foot scrub and also is beneficial for the skin on your feet because of its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties help in preventing fungal infection in toenails as well.

Ingredients:

Coconut Oil- 2 tbsp.
Epsom Salt- ½ Cup
Baking Soda- 1 tbsp.
Lime Zest- 1 tsp
Lime Essential Oil- 3 to 4 Drops
Glass Jar- For Storage

Direction:

Place a double boiler on the heat and place a glass bowl on the double boiler.
Then add 2 tbsp. of coconut oil in the glass bowl over double boiler.
Stir the coconut oil until it’s completely dissolved.
Then remove the coconut oil and add in epsom salt, baking soda, zest of 1 lime and lime essential oil.
Mix well and store this coconut and lime foot scrub in a clean glass jar, keep in a cool dry place.

For usage choose any of these scrubs and gently massage on the feet in gentle circular motions.
Make sure you massage the scrub on the heels, in between the toes and ankles as well.
Continue to scrub the feet for 2 to 3 minutes.
Then wash off the scrub with water and pat dry the skin with a towel.

Step- 4 Moisturize the Feet

A home pedicure kit is incomplete without a heavy moisturizer which can rejuvenate the feet and provide deep hydration to the feet after the soaking and scrubbing process. One can use any heavy moisturizer for this step but, if you are looking for natural and homemade foot moisturizer alternative then you can try any one of these recipes.

These foot moisturizers are great to be used as a massage cream in a home pedicure or even as a night cream for tired achy feet and dry cracked heels. The rich natural ingredients based foot creams can be made in advance to take the level of pedicure at home a notch higher.

Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream with Essential Oils

This homemade pedicure foot cream recipe include rich ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and aromatic essential oils.

Olive oil and coconut oil contain deep moisturizing properties which soften and help in healing cracks in feet.

Beeswax is a natural humectant which helps in keeping the skin hydrating.

Cocoa Butter is an excellent natural moisturizer for dry feet.

Peppermint Oil refreshing smell and its cooling sensation provides a calming effect on the body which makes it a great addition in this foot cream after a homemade pedicure.

Vanilla Oil is rich in anti-oxidants which protects the skin from environmental damage and revives the skin from within.

Lemongrass Oil’s adds an invigorating scent in this foot cream and even promotes healing the dry skin of the skin.

Tea Tree Oil is beneficial in treating toenail and athlete foot infections effectively.

Lavender Oil’s aroma not only relaxes the mind but even relieve tired feet pain.

Ingredients:

Olive Oil- ¼ Cup
Coconut Oil- ¼ Cup
Beeswax Grated- 2 tsp
Cocoa Butter- ¼ Cup
Peppermint Essential Oil- 25 Drops
Vanilla Essential Oil- 5 Drops
Lemongrass Essential Oil- 10 Drops
Tea Tree Essential Oil- 5 Drops
Lavender Essential Oil- 5 Drops
Glass Jar- For Storage
Hand Whisk

Direction:

Start by putting a double boiler on heat.
Then add in olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter and grated beeswax into the double boiler.
Mix well and heat until all the ingredients are well combined and melted.
Then add in essential oils into the melted oils blend and mix stir again.
Later remove from heat and pour into a heat proof jar.
Allow the foot cream mix to cool down to room temperature and set for 7 to 8 hours.
Store this foot cream for pedicure at home in a cool dry place.

Lavender and Rose Foot Cream

This relaxing lavender and beautiful floral fragrance of rose in this foot cream is perfect for completing this homemade pedicure. The hydrating benefits of this foot cream will help you flaunt your beautiful soft feet effortlessly.

Rose Oil along with being a potent astringent the floral fragrance of it elevates the pedicure at home experience.

Lavender Oil eliminates tension in the feet and improves blood circulation.

Coconut oil and beeswax are excellent natural moisturizers for providing deep hydration to the feet.

Borax is beneficial for conditioning the skin and making it healthier.

Ingredients:

Rose Essential Oil- 15 to 20 Drops
Lavender Essential Oil- 15 to 20 Drops
Coconut Oil- ½ Cup
Beeswax- 1 tsp
Borax- 1 tsp
Distilled Water- 3 tbsp.
Ice Cubes- 15 to 20 Nos
Glass Jar- For Storage
Hand Whisk

Direction:

Take a saucepan and put it on low heat.
Then add in coconut oil and beeswax in to the saucepan.
Stir and allow the coconut oil and beeswax to melt over low heat.
After the beeswax and coconut oil is completely melted remove it from heat and allow it cool down to room temperatures.
Take another saucepan and put it on low heat.
Then add in 3 tbsp of distilled water and 1 tsp of borax powder.
Stir the borax powder in distilled water on low heat until the borax is completely melted.
Then remove the saucepan from heat and allow it cool down.
Later take a bowl and fill it with ice cubes.
Place the bowl of melted coconut oil and beeswax over the bowl with ice cubes.
Then add in 15 to 20 drops of rose essential oil and 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil into coconut oil and beeswax blend.
Mix with a hand whisk and keep whisking until the oil’s blend starts to thicken up.
Then slowly start adding in the borax and distilled water solution in the oils blend and whisk.
This mixture will start to thicken up immediately meanwhile continue to whisk until the mixture starts to change its color to white.
In 3 to 4 minutes the mixture will turn into foot cream texture light and fluffy.
The foot cream is ready so, now store the lavender and rose foot cream for pedicure at home in a glass jar.

For usage take a dollop of any of these rich hydrating homemade foot cream and slather it on the feet.
Massage cream into the feet, ankles, calf muscles in circular motions for improving the blood circulation and relaxing the feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
If you are looking for a basic moisturizing alternative use coconut oil and massage the oil into the feet.
These foot creams can even be used as a night cream for pampering the tired feet and healing the cracks. Just slather the cream on feet and put on a pair of socks, leave it overnight for soft feet in the morning.

Step- 5 Polish Your Toes

Take a non acetone nail polish remover in a cotton pad and clean the toenails to remove the cream and oil residue, so that your nail polish in this pedicure at home can last longer.
Now your nails are ready to glam up with your favorite shade of nail polish.
Firstly start by applying a base coat of nail polish or transparent nail polish.
Allow the base coat to dry for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Then apply any preferred color of nail polish on top of the base coat and allow it to dry for 30 seconds.
Later reapply coat of the preferred color for enhancing the color of nail polish.
After the nail polish dries out finish it off the pedicure at home with a top coat for a glossy finish and make your nail polish last longer.

In case you want to give your toenails a different yet classic look than simple coloured nails then try French pedicure.

Yes, French pedicure is achievable at home pedicure.

French Pedicure at Home

Things you need:

White Nail Polish
Natural Pink Nail Polish
Top Coat Nail Polish
Flat head Brush
Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Cotton wool

Direction:

Start by applying a base coat of nail polish on toenails.
Then after 30 seconds apply a coat of natural pink nail polish similar to the natural color of toenails.
Later allow the coat to dry for 30 seconds.
Then paint the upper quarter of your toenails with white nail polish and reapply again after the first layer dries out.
Beginners don’t bother about the French tip not being straight or neat.
After the French tip or white nail polish dries out take a flat head paint brush and pour some non acetone nail polish remover in a small cup.
Dip the flat head brush in the nail polish remover and remover the excess white tip and straighten the French tips.
The collected white polish on the brush can be wiped off on a cotton pad.
Be patient in this step for a perfect French pedicure.
Later paint a second layer of natural pink nail polish on the entire toenails.
Finish off the French pedicure at home by applying a layer of top coat.

Important Tips for maintaining your home pedicure for longer time–

Make sure to clean your feet in a shower daily with a foot brush.
If your feet are dry and prone to cracked feet include a foot moisturizer in your daily bedtime routine.
Applying cuticle oil or cream daily can prevent your nails from chipping and keep your cuticles healthy so, that you can flaunt your pedicure in beautiful sandals daily.
Avoid sharing your nail care tools like nail files and nail brush with anyone to prevent nail infections and fungus.
Make sure to change your foot scrubber once every 2 months as scrubber can easily build up bacteria.
Moisturization is the key to make your at home pedicure last longer which will give your feet soft and hydrated salon like polished looked daily.
Choosing covered footwear is even a good idea to help your pedicure last longer as exposing the feet to the environment can chip and fade your nail polish faster. The right footwear will even help in preventing rough skin.
Opting for a good quality nail polish is recommended to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and make your pedicure appear fresh even after weeks.
If you have weak, brittle and hang nails then add biotin supplements in your diet for stronger and healthier nails.
Avoid indulging in hot tub baths or saunas for at least 12 hours after pedicure as 12 hours is maximum time required for the nail polish to set completely.
Re-applying a fresh coat of top coat of nail polish after a week or so is a good trick after homemade pedicure. As this will give high shine finish for making your pedicure last longer.

So by now you must have gained enough knowledge about how to do pedicure at home without shelling out a high amount of money. Make sure you indulge your feet in this luxurious pampering pedicure treatment easily at home.

All these foot soaks, foot scrubs and cuticle cream and foot moisturizer recipes mentioned in this article contain all natural ingredients and are completely safe for the skin. If in case any of the step or ingredient causes irritation, stop using it immediately and consult a specialist for the same.

If you like our topic about how to do a pedicure at home or any of the tips and tricks about pedicure mentioned here don’t forget to leave in a line or comment to let us know.