Pedicure tips?

September 25, 2006 10:52 PM

What do I need to know for my first trip to the pedicurist?

My friends have convinced me that this will be a good time, so I'm going with the flow. I've never been to anything like this before (22 yo male here, by the way). I'm a wee bit self-conscious about my feet (I wear size 15 shoes, my big toes are very oddly colored and my feet get sweaty (hence smelly). What are the basics I should know to save myself and my pedicurist trouble tomorrow?
I assume I should at least give my feet a once over after my shower tomorrow, yes?

posted by Slimemonster to clothing, beauty, & fashion (16 comments total)

Get 'em clean; other than that, don't worry. They've seen worse (take it from a guy whose feet look weird even after pedicured, and whose big toenail grows at a tricky angle).
posted by spaceman_spiff at 11:05 PM on September 25, 2006

Bring flip-flops for when you're done
posted by lois1950 at 1:18 AM on September 26, 2006

Also, it seems like the latest 'style' in toenailery is sort of, er, long. They look a little Howard Hughs creepy to me but maybe it's just a matter of taste. Anyway, if you want them shorter, tell them.
posted by lois1950 at 1:21 AM on September 26, 2006

To avoid infections, bring your own instruments.
posted by caddis at 4:51 AM on September 26, 2006

No worries, just make sure they are clean before you go in. A nice soak in the tub and a nail brush will do.

For the love of god don't have your toes painted clear. Have them buffed instead. Nailpolish on a guy = huge turnoff. But that's just me.
posted by LoriFLA at 5:08 AM on September 26, 2006

I just had my first pedicure last week (I'm a girl). I sat next to a big burly guy getting his feet and hands done. He had a funky toe and the girl didn't seem to care. And your feet really can't get sweaty and smelly during the pedicure because they're mostly sitting in soapy water.

I second LoriFLA's advice. Also try to relax and enjoy it -- it feels pretty good!
posted by jdl at 5:37 AM on September 26, 2006

caddis: if your pedicurist isn't using sterilized (or, at least, very clean) equipment, shouldn't you find another pedicurist? I am guessing the OP doesn't have his own instruments.

To the OP, just be clean. They will wash your feet again, but it's a courtesy, like brushing your teeth before you visit the dentist. I second the recommendations for having your toenails buffed rather than painted, and for bringing flip flops.
posted by joannemerriam at 5:46 AM on September 26, 2006

They sit you up in a big chair, put your feet in a tub of water, wash them and let them soak a bit. Then they cut your nails, trim your cuticles, file the nails, massage your feet and calves with cream (the best part) and then paint your nails if you desire.
I went for my first this summer and had all sorts of "my feet are so ugly" issues, but it was fine. And your feet feel and look great after. You should get a manicure too while you're at it. Manicures are better because you can admire your new hands far more easily than your new feet.
posted by CunningLinguist at 5:58 AM on September 26, 2006

Oh and tip your pedicurist a few bucks.
posted by CunningLinguist at 5:59 AM on September 26, 2006

sobering
posted by caddis at 6:43 AM on September 26, 2006

For the love of god don't have your toes painted clear. Have them buffed instead. Nailpolish on a guy = huge turnoff. But that's just me.

Plus, it's a PITA when it starts to chip/peel/flake off, and you have neither the remover to get rid of it altogether, nor more clear nail polish to touch things up.
posted by spaceman_spiff at 6:54 AM on September 26, 2006

I totally missed the part where you said you were a guy and thought, "This poor woman must have a hell of a time finding any shoes in womens size 15."

What everyone else said. Scrub up ahead of time, maybe sprinkle a little powder and wear flip-flops to the appointment. That will hopefully curb some of the pre-appointment sweaty and also make it easier post-pedi. I wouldn't worry about odd colored toes or big feet or whatever. The pedicurist has seen it all before. Also... buff, no polish and relax. Bring some reading material with you (they're going to have mostly women's magazines there), be ready to relax and enjoy!
posted by jerseygirl at 7:08 AM on September 26, 2006

It's going to tickle a bit. Be prepared, try not to kick the pedicurist (I saw this happan a couple of weeks back).
posted by Sara Anne at 7:25 AM on September 26, 2006

Tip 10%-15%. Don't worry about your feet. They've seen worse.
posted by k8t at 7:47 AM on September 26, 2006

Why flip-flops if you're not getting polish? I thought the flip-flops were to avoid your polish getting smeared.
posted by matildaben at 9:14 AM on September 26, 2006

Actually depending on how much it costs - you may want to tip a little more than the standard 10-15%. Around my house a mani pedi can be as cheap as 15 bucks. I would never have the two women working on me share even a 20% tip. I average about 3-5 bucks a person/service depending on the job they've done.
posted by Wolfie at 1:48 PM on September 26, 2006