How to Master a Pedicure at Home (2024)

Have you ever noticed how a pedicure seems to last for a really long time—until one day you look down at your feet and notice that your perfect polish is suddenly chipped and in need of a major refresh?! The good news is that you can easily create a relaxing day for yourself with a pedicure at home. Whether you're trying to save money or just can’t make it to the nail salon, it's never a bad idea to take a little time and pay some attention to your toes.

Creating the perfect spa day with an at-home pedicure isn’t that hard. It all comes down to knowing the steps and having the right tools. Just make sure not to sweat the small stuff. You’re doing this for yourself, so have fun with it.

Niye Aniekan-Attang, founder of the beauty brand Ace Beaute, says that it’s best to go slow and not rush through each step of your pedi. You'll get the results you want with a DIY pedicure when you take your time. The most important thing, she says, is that you're performing self-care. Don't worry about how perfect your toenails turn out. That said, they'll look pretty great if you follow our step-by-step-guide below! (And if you want to treat yourself further, try a manicure at home too.)

Tools of the Trade

Before getting started on your pedicure at home, you have to get the right set of tools.

For a true spa-like experience, you will need nail polish remover, nail clippers, an emery board, a nail buffer, a cuticle pusher, cotton pads, a foot file, a pumice stone, a basin, foot cream, toe separators, a base coat, nail polish, and a clear topcoat. Whew!

Step-by-Step Pedicure Instructions

Now that you have your tools, here’s how to prep your toenails for the ultimate pedicure at home.

1. Remove your polish.

The best pedicures start with a clean slate. Use nail polish remover and a cotton pad to remove any existing nail polish and residue from all of your toenails. Applying nail polish on a completely clean slate will ensure you get a smooth, even finish.

2. Soak your feet.

Soaking your feet is probably going to be the most relaxing part of a pedicure at home. The part when you actually get to take a moment to sit back, close your eyes, and unwind—that's what we're really here for! Consider elevating the moment by lighting some candles, playing your favorite music, or pouring yourself a glass of bubbly. It’s quite a treat! Then fill up your basin with warm water, and if you want, add some of your favorite bath salts (Kosher salt works too). Not only will this step make you want to say ahhh, but it also helps soften cuticles and tough skin on your feet.

3. Remove dead skin.

Now that you’re relaxed and your skin has softened, it’s time to remove all the dead layers. Remove your feet from the basin and pat them dry. Get out your foot file or pumice stone and start gently scrubbing away at any dead skin or hard areas on your sole. Scrub until your feet are smooth—but be careful not to rub them raw!

4. Clip your toenails.

Take your nail clippers and cut your toenails straight across. Don’t worry about getting them to be curved like the shape of your toe. You can take care of that later. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, cutting your toenails too short or not straight across is actually a cause of ingrown toenails.

5. Shape and buff them.

Take this step to file the corners and blunt edges of your freshly cut nails into your desired shape. You can also use a buffing block here to add evenness and shine to your toenails.

6. Take care of your cuticles.

Put some oil on your fingertips and gently massage your toe cuticles. Then use the cuticle pusher to gently push them back. Avoid cutting your cuticles, even if that's what they do at your salon. The Mayo Clinic actually recommends not removing cuticles because they act as a barrier to seal the skin to the nail plate, and removing them can actually cause nail infections.

7. Massage your feet.

Back to the relaxing part: It’s time for a much-deserved foot massage! Grab your favorite foot cream or lotion and massage away. Once you're done (take as long as you need, no judgement here!), clean any lotion from your nails. You can do this with nail polish remover and a cotton pad. Be thorough: Lotion residue can prevent the polish from adhering to the nail.

How to Paint Your Toenails

Now it's time to actually paint your toenails! First, apply your base coat; once it’s dry you can start applying your nail polish. Make sure to apply a thin layer each time and wait for each layer to dry before going in for the next. If you end up getting polish on your skin, you can dip a cotton swab in some polish remover and slowly rub it over the excess.

Once you’ve applied your layers of nail polish, finish off with a clear topcoat. This step not only gives you a shiny finish, but it helps seal in your color so your at-home pedicure lasts longer. Finish with a little extra pampering: “For my feet, I like to apply some moisturizer or oil just before bed and then put on thick cotton socks to seal in the moisture,” Niye says.