How Often Should You Get a Pedicure, Really?

What is it about having freshly scrubbed and painted toes that instantly makes you feel better? Though we don’t always have the time (or unlimited budget) to get a fancy massage or a manicure (which tends to chip too quickly anyway), a pedicure is a more affordable luxury that lasts longer than other treatments.

But how often should you get a pedicure for optimal nail health? We tapped two experts—a veteran manicurist and a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in nail health—for their answers ahead.

• Jin Soon Choi is a celebrity manicurist with over two decades of experience in the industry, the founder of founder of JinSoon Nail Lacquer and the owner of JinSoon Natural Hand and Foot Spas in New York. Her work has been featured in Vogue, British Vogue and Dazed (among many other publications),and she’s worked with countless designers including Marc Jacobs, Tibi, Alice + Olivia and Proenza Schouler.
• Dr. Dana Stern, MD, is the only board-certified dermatologist in the country who devotes her entire practice to the diagnosis and treatment of the nail. She is also an assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, where she teaches dermatology residents nail surgery. Dr. Stern is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, The Council for Nail Disorders and The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Unsurprisingly, this will depend on the individual. As. Dr. Stern explains, “Some people naturally produce more callus or participate in activities that create a lot of friction at the feet (which produces even more callus) so the frequency will vary from person to person.”

If you’re looking for an average ballpark number, Choi recommends getting a pedicure every two to three weeks to keep your polish fresh and your heels smooth.

• Basic Pedicure: The classic pedicure involves soaking, nail trimming and shaping, cuticle grooming, callus scrubbing, a soothing foot massage and the application of nail polish.  
• Spa Pedicure: Elevating the regular pedicure experience, a spa pedicure adds a touch of luxury, which includes soaking of the feet in various ingredients, such as warm milk, with essential oils or flower petals, exfoliation of the feet, a foot mask or paraffin treatment and an extended massage sometimes incorporating hot stones. 
• Gel Pedicure: Ideal for those seeking a longer-lasting polish (up to three weeks), a gel pedicure also eliminates the concern that the polish isn’t completely dry before putting your shoes back on because it’s cured under an LED light. This makes it a great option for anyone who’s short on time.  “I see a lot of my clients getting gel or CND shellac pedicures before going on a beach vacation or a honeymoon,” adds Choi.
• Medical Pedicure: Typically performed by a podiatrist or a trained medical professional, a medical pedicure addresses specific foot issues. This type focuses on severe concerns like corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and diabetic foot care, prioritizing both foot health and treatment. 

“The duration of a pedicure can vary widely, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of pedicure chosen,” says Choi.

Here Are the Steps in a Standard Pedicure: 

• Soak Your Feet: Your technician will begin by soaking your feet in warm water to soften the skin and nails. (Note: Some salons only offer dry pedicures, which forgo the soaking step altogether.)
• Remove Old Nail Polish: Remove any existing nail polish from your toenails. 
• Clipping: Your toenails will be carefully clipped to your desired length. 
• Shaping/Filing: After trimming them, your toenails will then be shaped and filed to achieve your preferred shape. 
• Pushing/Trimming the Cuticle: Depending on your preference, your cuticles will either be gently pushed back or trimmed.
• Callus Treatment: Any calluses or rough areas on the soles of your feet will be scrubbed away.
• Exfoliating: If opting for a spa pedicure, your feet and legs might be further exfoliated to remove dead skin cells. 
• Foot Massage: Arguably the best part of a pedicure, this is when your feet are massaged to promote circulation and alleviate tension. 
• Clean the Nail Surface: Your tech will clean the surface of your toenails to make sure they’re free of any debris or oily residue that could interfere with the polish.
• Apply Base Coat, Nail Polish and Top Coat: The pedicure will conclude with an application of base coat, followed by your chosen nail polish color and top coat for shine and durability. 

Like any beauty treatment, there are potential risks associated with pedicures that should be considered: 

• Infections from Unsterilized Tools: The use of non-sterilized tools or inadequately cleaned footbaths can increase the risk of infections, leading to conditions like athlete's foot or toenail fungus. 
• Ingrown Toenails from Improper Cutting: Ingrown toenails may occur if corners of the toenails are cut too much, especially on the big toes. It's important to cut and file toenails straight to avoid this issue. 
• Bleeding and Infection from Excessive Cuticle Cutting: Cutting too much of the cuticles can lead to bleeding and elevate the risk of infection. It's crucial to exercise caution and moderation when dealing with cuticles. 
• Risk of Athlete's Foot from Shared Foot Pumice: Not using a one-time-only foot pumice for the sole can increase the risk of spreading athlete's foot, especially if the pumice is shared between clients.
• Nail trauma or nail separation (onycholysis). This can occur if tools are pushed too aggressively beneath the nail to clear dirt or debris.

“Avoid pedicures if you have obvious openings in the skin, infections or cuts on your legs, feet or nails,” says Dr. Stern. “If you have a toenail issue that is undiagnosed, see a board-certified dermatologist or a podiatrist before having a pedicure to be sure that it is safe to do so. Also, if you’re diabetic and have neuropathy, you should consult your doctor before having a pedicure,” she adds.

Choi agrees, cautioning that, “Due to the increased risk of foot ulcers and infections among individuals with diabetes, it's advisable for them to consult their doctor before getting a pedicure. If they decide to proceed, it's crucial to choose a salon that follows strict sterilization protocols to minimize the risk of complications.”