I have recently started enjoying my random ranting. Fortunately or unfortunately, most of my post ideas come at the salon because that’s the only ‘switch off from the world’ time I get in a week. That should explain the title of this post too. The thing is, pedicure season is here – the sweltering Lahori summer with beautiful Lahori belles in their crisp lawn suits and bling chappals… If you’re a smart one and headed to the Salon for a pedicure, here are some things you need to keep in mind (or at least I think you should).
WHAT IS A PEDICURE?
First thing you need to know is… you do not go to a pedicurist for an ingrown nail or a painful corn. A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment and if anything else is needed you go to a chiropodist or a foot doctor who’ll do whatever clinical procedures are required. So, that ought to make your pedicure a fun relaxing experience with minimum science.
ITS OK TO ASK ABOUT HYGIENE:
While I don’t change salons often, I am one of those annoying customers who do make it a point to ask the salon management how they clean their tools. In fact please make it a point to, you need to know if the tools are disposible (ideally) or how they’re sterilized. The last thing you want is some random Hep C scare.
DO NOT SHAVE BEFORE A PEDICURE:
Erm, so if you are one of those customers who like to show up at a salon looking like you don’t really need to be at the salon, it’s fine. BUT, shaving your legs right before a pedicure will increase risk of bacteria getting into your body (Note To Self: Who talks about shaving legs on a desi website??!).
IS YOUR PEDICURIST JUMPING INTO THE PEDICURE:
I’m usually concerned if my pedicurist jumps into the pedicure. I appreciate it when they ask if I have any concerns questions but what I do love is when the technician feels my feet (in a non creepy way) to understand what she’s about to manage. I’ve found that good pedicurists will usually assess the state of your feet, nails, calluses etc with a swift inspection.
ASK ABOUT THE PRODUCTS:
I’ve often found that even the nicest salons will mix and match the products/ manufacturers. It’s ok to ask what is what. If you’ve asked for an OPI pedicure that’s what you should get, or if it’s natural that’s what it should be. You’re paying your hard earned money it’s only fair to know what the products are.
REMEMBER! CUTICLES ARE OUR FRIENDS:
Yes, some salon girls will try to rip and cut them like cuticles are the only problem the world has but my friends understand, cuticles exist so the germs stay out. If you allow them to be removed entirely, you are at higher risk of infection around your nails so, be kind to your cuticles (and make sure the pedicurist is kind to them too).
BLADES ARE A NO GO:
Some nail technicians will make blades look cool. Almost like a chef showing off his chopping speed (Uuurgh! Bad example! Feet?! Food?! No) but honestly the results are almost miraculous. The calluses disappear in moments right before you eyes as years (or days) of abuse is scraped away BUT serious, don’t bother unless you absolutely have to. A pumice stone, scrub and foot file may seem less glam but they do the job fine.
NAIL CUTTING IS AN ART & SCIENCE:
And when you hit that moment when the girl asks you ‘Nail ki shape kiya kerni hai?’ Always remember it is a technical question as much as an aesthetic one. If you follow this blog you’re absolutely forbidden to have long toe nails. It’s unhygienic, unsafe and unnecessary. Usually the safest bet with shape is to have them cut straight across preventing ingrown edges.
YOU SHOULD NEVER BE IN PAIN:
While your pedicure technician may be trying to impress you as a first timer customer and being more diligent than usual, please bear in mind that no part of the pedicure should be painful… especially when it comes to cleaning the nails. If it’s hurting there is something wrong, either with your feet or nails or with the technique. Raise a red flag.
