This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.
There’s something about getting a pedicure or manicure that makes you feel fancy. And as soon as it’s sandal season, it’s time to whip your toes back into shape.
That being said, sometimes a trip to the salon just isn’t happening.
The good news is, doing your at-home pedicure can save you time and money.
With these easy steps, your feet will be looking better than if they had just come from an actual foot spa.
Step 1: Prep Your Toes For Your At-Home Pedicure
To kick off your at-home pedicure remove any old polish with a cotton pad and nail polish remover. Hold the pad on each nail for a few seconds to allow the nail polish to break down, then wipe it away.
A good nail polish remover will remove any stubborn colors quickly, but acetone is used for better results.
Step 2: Soak Your Feet and Toes in a Foot Bath
Now that you’re all set for your pedicure, whip out your foot bath and get ready to be transported to absolute bliss(if you don’t have a foot bath, you can fill up a bucket with water and use that instead).
Fill your bath/bucket with warm water and your favorite bath salt. Now submerge your feet.
Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes or until the water runs cold, this will help soften your cuticles and calluses. Then dry off your feet.
Step 3: Remove Calluses
Now it’s time to get down and dirty. This is most people’s favorite part of a pedicure. It can be satisfying to feel how smooth your feet get after grinding off all that dead skin.
Grab your foot file, pumice stone, or washcloth for a gentler approach, and begin grinding.
Focus on any problem areas you may have, calluses, corns, or rough heels.
Step 4: Trim, Shape, and Buff Your Nails
Cut down your nails and begin shaping them. Start by cutting toenails straight across and then filing down the edges, this will prevent ingrown nails.
Use your buffer to prep your nails for the polish, removing the top layer of the nail will help your pedicure last even longer.
Add a bit of cuticle oil on and around your prepped nails for a finishing touch.
Step 5: Massage Your Feet With Your Favorite Lotion
With a foot cream or body lotion of your choosing, begin massaging your toes and feet until they are tender and you feel more relaxed.
The massage will both relax you and hydrate your feet after you’ve just scrubbed off all your calluses, if you have a foot spa massager, you can use it to really get in there.
After you’ve finished, grab a new cotton pad and wipe away any excess oil and lotion. This will help your polish last longer. Now grab your toe separators and you’re all set for your polish.
Step 6: Apply Your Base Coat
After your nails are cleaned and buffed, it’s time to add your base coat.
The base coat acts as a barrier between your natural nails and the actual polish. Using this will help your pedicure last even longer, so don’t skip this step of your DIY pedicure if you want it to look professional.
Step 7: Paint Your Toenails
Once your base layer has dried and set, apply a layer of your nail polish of choice.
Let it dry and apply a second layer. Make sure to apply it in thin layers, because you can achieve an even finish and it allows for faster drying time.
Step 8: Finnish Off Your At-Home Spa With a Top Coat
Another very important step for a long-lasting, professional-looking pedicure.
A thin layer of top coat will seal everything in and prevents premature chipping after it has dried and a few drops of cuticle oil to really finish it off.
An at-home pedicure is as simple as you make it. In eight simple steps, you now have a salon-worthy pedicure in under 30 minutes.
For a full spa experience, try these at-home spa treatments and make sure to grab all the essentials to make it extra perfect.
Love this idea! Life is busy and this is such a great way to bring the spa to you! Thank you for making this a reality instead of just something to wish for. This supports well being and is a fun idea too!
Needed to read this today, I’ve been looking at my feet and thinking they need a spa makeover. These are some great tips and I love the massage oil gel suggestion, will have to look into that one. Taking care of ourselves is so important. Thank you for sharing!
That yea tree foot scrub looks heavenly!! I love an at home spa! Great post!
It is heavenly. I love that stuff
This a great little self pampering post! Love the tea tree foot soak idea!! I’ll have to share with my youngest daughter! She’s 13 and all into self pampering and beauty stuff!