Pedicure etiquette, or pediquette as we like to say here at pedicure.com, is incredibly important when you are going to a salon and having someone else tend to your toes. Below are a quick and handy list of some of the essential do’s and don’ts that will make your experience, and your pedicurist’s job, more pleasant.
Don’t talk on your phone
There’s nothing worse than the person next to you taking a loud personal call while you’re trying to relax and enjoy your foot massage. It’s ok to pick up and say a quick ‘I’m in the salon, I’ll call you back’ but maybe hold the gossip session for a more appropriate time. This is general common courtesy.
Don’t let your kids misbehave
If you bring your little ones to the salon with you, make sure they have something to occupy them while you get pampered. Not only does it disturb everyone else if little miss 3 year old is running around screaming, it actually becomes dangerous as there are sharp tools and lots of little bottles everywhere that could cause injury.
Do show up on time
If you have an appointment at 2pm, make sure you are there at 1:59pm, not 2:10, 2:15, or whenever else you feel like it.
Do stick to what your appointment is
If you made an appointment for a gel mani and a pedi, don’t show up and change your mind. The salon is a business and they have a schedule – you changing your mind means they might have lost a client and revenue during that wasted timeslot.
Don’t be indecisive
We know, picking between 7 different shades of red is a tough call! But don’t waste 10 minutes umming and ahhing, and then asked for it to be changed halfway through. If you’re really not sure, your pedicurist would be happy to do a couple of quick samples to help you decide up front.
Don’t bring your germs into the salon
If you have a fungal infection, large cuts, or blisters, it’s best for everyone if you skip your appointment (but let them know in advance). Not only is it disrespectful to ask a technician to massage your festering sore, you’re exposing yourself to all sorts of bacteria in the salon with an open wound.
Do skip your leg shave
Truly! Your technician doesn’t mind that your legs are hairy – she isn’t judging you. Plus, freshly shaved legs have tiny little microcuts and there is always the chance that bacteria will get in there and cause infection.
Do tip
Did your technician do a good job? Does your paint job look exquisite and your heels crack free? Anything between 20-40% is acceptable.
Do go often
We aren’t just saying this because getting a pedi is a really nice experience and we think people should go as often as possible! It’s bad news to leave your pedicure on for eight weeks – who knows what’s going on under there! Frequently changing the polish means you know that you don’t have a surprise fungal infection under that beautiful layer of pink lacquer.
You totally skipped the pre-wash your feet part! No nail tech wants debris floating in their wash basin! I know because this keeps happening to me! It makes me nauseated every time I see a woman put her feet into the bath and chunks of “stuff” start floating around!