The Nail School

Pedicure
01. Spray or wipe the client's feet with antiseptic solution and inspect for contra indications. It is a good idea to wear gloves at this stage.

02. Remove any nail polish and place both feet in to soak for 5 - 10 minutes. The water should be warm and contain a brand of pedicure foot soak. Give the client a magazine to read if they wish. A modesty towel should be placed over the clients knees.

03. Lift one foot out of the pedicure bath and towel dry. Clip the nails back to the required length using toenail clippers. Do not try to cut across them in one cut as this may split the nail. Using an emery board, file across the top of the toenail and remove any corners to prevent ingrowing toenails. The toenail should them be bevelled, to seal the layers in the nail. Repeat on all five nails.

04. Apply cuticle cream and massage it in with the pad of your thumb in a circular movement.

05. Push cuticles back with a cuticle pusher or hoof stick.

06. Use a cuticle knife or equivalent tool to remove any non living tissue on the nail plate around the cuticle and lateral folds.

07. Gently massage the foot with foot exfoliant in circular movements over the ball and heel of the foot. Be firm and confident with your movements, but be aware that your client may be sensitive in this area. Rinse off the exfoliant in the footbath and then gently use a pedifile to remove hard skin left on the heel and the ball of the foot. Do not use this tool on the sole or soft areas.

08. Repeat steps 3 - 7 on the other foot, keeping the clients other foot warm wrapped in a towel.

09. You may wish to use a special exfoliant suitable for the top of the foot and leg at this stage, wash off and dry the feet.

10. Using cream, oil or lotion apply to your clients foot and leg, using specific massage movements.

11. Wipe the nails till squeaky clean with non acetone to remove oil or creams.

12. Fit toe separators.

13. Polish the nails using one base coat, two coats of colour and a top coat.

Specialist Masks

There are many products to make your pedicure more luxurious, just follow the manufacturers instructions.

Paraffin Wax Treatment.

Turn on the wax heater 30 mins before treatment, checking temperature is set correctly on the thermostat. Protect the working area, yourself and your client from possible splashes of wax. Always check the temperature of the wax yourself before asking your client to place foot into the wax. Carry out client consultation and check for contra indications.

01. Clean and sanitise your clients feet.

02. Apply oils or lotions, these will help in the removal of the wax and also the absorption of the oils and lotions.

03. Immerse the clients foot into the wax bath, (you may if you wish brush on the wax in layers), wait 5 seconds and repeat another five times. Place the foot into plastic protector and place into hot towels or heated booties. Leave for 10 to 15 mins checking that the client is comfortable.

04. Unwrap the towel from the foot, hold the plastic protector tight to the skin and pull downward, this will peel off the wax at the same time. Dispose into a bin.

05. Proceed with a masage routine.