Cosmetic pedicure is described as a beauty and treatment method for toenails and feet. This includes softening the skin, removing dead skin, and optionally applying nail polish or gel polish to shape and trim your toenails.
Is it really necessary to shave before a pedicure?
We understand that you don’t want to walk into a salon with hairy legs. There’s a good reason why you shouldn’t shave your legs right before getting a pedicure.
Shaving can cause micro-tears in this skin, increasing the chance of infection. Shaving 60 hours before your pedicure treatment gives your skin enough time to recover from the small abrasions caused by shaving, greatly reducing the chance of infection.
Debunking Myths: Why You Shouldn’t Shave Your Legs Before a Pedicure
Contrary to popular belief, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t shave your legs before a pedicure.
Rachel Meest, assistant professor of dermatology at the Mayo Clinic, said (in an interview with USA Today), “It’s not always clear how bacteria and fungi can wreak havoc, and it’s not always clear how bacteria and fungi can wreak havoc on a clean-shaven leg or a cut in a nail fold. But it can seriously increase the risk of infection.” Note: Serious infections associated with nail salon services are rare but do occur. ”
Understand the main purpose of a pedicure
A cosmetic pedicure should make you look and feel good. Pampering your feet or trimming your toenails can be a relaxing experience. Finish with a gorgeous nail polish or gel polish and you’re ready to go.
Remember that if you are polishing your nails, you need to remove the nail polish in time.
Nail polishes and manicures have a limited lifespan, and depending on the brand your salon uses, after about 7 to 14 days the product begins to degrade and develop small cracks. These small cracks can allow water to get under the cracked nail polish while showering or bathing, causing a superficial fungal infection called white superficial onychomycosis. The same applies to gel polish. Gel polishes also have a life cycle, usually around 3 weeks. Then signs of cracking appear and water gets under the gel polish when you take a shower or bath.
However, if you’re too lazy to remove gel polish or nail polish, ask your salon to apply a permanent nail product to your nail plate before applying gel polish or nail polish. A thin layer of liquid & powder acrylic makes a world of difference and allows you to enjoy your toenail color for longer.
Hair removal on the legs: not the norm for pedicure procedures
This should not be combined with cosmetic, medical, or regular pedicures, as removing leg hair is not a standard part of this process.
Potential risks of shaving before a pedicure
Shaving right before a pedicure can cause small cuts and irritated abrasions on your legs. You can’t always see it, but it’s there.
During a pedicure, the salon may use some type of exfoliating product to remove dead skin from your legs. If you happen to be around bacteria, there is a risk that this bacteria will rub into microscopic scratches and cause some kind of infection.
Open hair follicles and salon tools: infection risk
All salon tools must be new or sanitized before touching your feet. This means the technician has to open the package or remove the tool from a sanitary solution (usually a blue liquid). New nail files and buffers must be used between each customer and then disposed of as there is no way to fully disinfect them. Only non-porous tools can be properly disinfected.
Prioritize salon hygiene: essential for a safe pedicure
Before you put your feet in, take a look at the basin in your pedicure spa. Salons must disinfect between each use or use disposable liners that are discarded after each service. If you don’t know how to clean your salon, it doesn’t hurt to ask your salon.
There is no benefit to removing the skin around the nails, but for some reason it is routinely done in most cosmetic pedicures. The only possible benefit is that once this skin is removed, more nails can be polished. But this process makes no sense. The proximal and lateral nail folds (the skin around the nail) are created for a reason. They protect the nails and nail units from infection. Trouble arises when the skin is cut or mechanically removed.
Removing the cuticle from the nail plate is always a good idea, but it must be done passively, as nail polish and gel polish cannot adhere to this single cell layer.
Freshly Shaved Skin and UV Exposure: Understanding Sun Sensitivity
Many people experience a burning sensation after shaving. There may be small red bumps. You may also encounter ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Avoid direct sunlight immediately after shaving to avoid adding additional stress to your skin on top of the stress caused by the razor.
Shaved skin is also generally lighter in color and therefore more sensitive to sunlight. Dealing with this is easy. By using a moisturizer or balm that contains an SPF factor after shaving, he will be applying the extra protection that the skin lacks while the skin begins its natural recovery process.
Tips for preparing legs for pedicure
If you’re planning on getting a pedicure this week, make a note to yourself to take a bath or shave your legs if you’re taking a shower a few days before. On the day of your pedicure, don’t forget to give your feet a quick wash.
If you are suffering from something like a fungal infection or athlete’s foot, instead of booking a cosmetic pedicure, go see a podiatrist and have the problem resolved. Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious fungal infection, and you don’t want to bring it into your cosmetic pedicure salon. If your cosmetic pedicure is properly trained, she will refuse your services. You’re putting the rest of your clients and customers at risk of further infection, when in fact you’re just there to be pampered.
Unraveling the benefits: Clean, exfoliated skin
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, exfoliation brightens the skin and improves the effectiveness of topical skin care products by increasing absorption. Regular exfoliation also helps prevent pores from becoming clogged.
Enhancing the effectiveness of your pedicure: The role of moisturized skin
Moisturizing your skin increases elasticity and reduces skin problems. It can also reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness and oiliness. Both extremes are harmful to the skin and can cause common skin diseases such as acne. Cold or hot weather, air conditioning and indoor heat, all of these environmental factors can strip moisture from your skin. Moisturizing minimizes signs of aging, protects you from the sun, and soothes sensitive skin.
Dress for Success: Choose loose-fitting clothes after your pedicure.
Think about your shoes when you go for a pedicure. Shoes that are easy to put on and take off will help prevent nail polish damage. Loose clothing improves the relaxing experience. Please do not forget. During your cosmetic pedicure, roll up your pants and enjoy a relaxing massage.
Build trust: Speak openly with your pedicurist
Before making an appointment with a cosmetic pedicurist, make sure that the cosmetic pedicurist understands exactly what you need. If you would like to continue your nail care for more than a few weeks, please let us know if you have any major issues such as calluses or excessive skin hardness. She/he should reserve additional time to properly care for your toenails and feet.
If you are suffering from a medical condition that may affect how your legs and feet are treated, it is very important to communicate with him/her.
Diabetics and people with immune problems must inform the salon that they have diabetes or are undergoing chemotherapy/immunotherapy to avoid complications during the service.
Beyond the razor: Rethinking hair removal before a pedicure
In the field of beauty and personal care, shaving is not the only way to achieve smooth legs. Alternatives such as wax and hair removal creams have longer-lasting results, but have different advantages and disadvantages. It can be helpful to consider these alternatives before a pedicure, especially if you want to prolong hair removal or avoid the risks associated with freshly shaved skin. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions based on your skin type, pedicure schedule, and personal preferences.
conclusion
A cosmetic pedicure should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Achieving this requires good communication. No one wants to leave a salon infected with others, and I don’t think any salon wants their customers to do that either. Always stop by the salon before making an appointment to see how seriously the salon takes customer and personal hygiene.
It is wise not to shave your legs in the morning before going to the cosmetic podiatrist. Why take the risk?
Join the conversation: Share your pedicure tips and stories
There are some really great places to get a cosmetic pedicure. When a client is satisfied, they will tell their friends. People like to share positive experiences. But maybe you’re a salon owner and you had a great time with one of your clients. Once you’re done, ask your client if you can take photos, perhaps before and after, and share them on social media. In that case, thank you. Clients who have given us permission to do so. The seats fill up quickly.
Don’t forget – cosmetic pedicures aren’t just for summer. Think about holidays like Christmas and New Years. Under a nice gala dress, you need gorgeous feet and beautiful sandals. And in the busy days leading up to Christmas, New Year, and summer. Don’t forget to take time to pamper yourself.
resource:
https://www.davidpassarettimd.com/blog/2018/09/25/Should-you-shave-before-last-193681/
https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/preventing-pedicure-foot-spa-infections
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/recommended-cleaning-and-disinfection-procedures-foot-spa-basins-salons
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/recommended-cleaning-and-disinfection-procedures-foot-spa-basins-salons#label
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/11/4/04-0936_article
EID Vugia DJ, Jang Y, Zizek C, Ely J, Winthrop KL, Desmond E. Mycobacteria in a California Nail Salon Whirlpool Footbath. Emerg Infect Dis. 2005;11(4):616-618. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1104.040936
AMA Vugaa DJ, Jang Y, Zizek C, et al. California Nail Salon Whirlpool Foot Bath Mycobacteria. Emerging infectious diseases. 2005;11(4):616-618. doi:10.3201/eid1104.040936.
APA Vagia, DJ, Jang, Y., Zizek, C., Ely, J., Winthrop, K. L., & Desmond, E. (2005). Mycobacteria in California Nail Salon Whirlpool Foot Bath. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 11(4), 616-618. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1104.040936.
