Try These At-Home Pedicure Tips for a Professional Look (2024)

Dry Nails Completely

Soaking your feet is a good way to soften dry skin and cuticles, but be sure to allow enough time between that step and the polishing portion of the pedi. When water seeps into the nail bed, it expands, explains Rachel Glass of GLOSSLAB.

If you paint the nail while it's still too wet, once it contracts (as the water evaporates), the polish is more apt to chip and ultimately won't last as long, Glass adds. If you are going to get your feet wet, give it at least 30 minutes for everything to dry before moving on to polishing.

Try a Foot Peel

Per the previous point, if you don't want to or don't have time to soak and slough your heels, a foot peel makes for a great substitute with minimal elbow grease required. Celebrity manicurist Mar y Sol Inzerillo recommends using one that takes a few days to yield results, like Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure Intensive Foot Peel Treatment (ulta.com).

How it works: You wear the sock-like mask for about an hour to allow a combination of acids to break down dead skin, which then gradually sloughs off over the next few days. Once feet are smooth enough, all you have to do is the painting portion, Inzerillo says.

Remove Oils or Moisturizers

In addition to removing old nail polish, you'll want to ensure your nails are free of oils and moisturizers. A quick swab of nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or even just a dry paper towel can help remove any excess cuticle oil. This helps the nail polish cling to your nails better.

Start With the Big Toe

Starting with the big toe allows enough time for it to dry while you paint the other toes, minimizing the risk of smudging or smearing when you apply the next coat of polish or top coat, Inzerillo points out. "Since it has more surface area, [the big toe] needs more time to dry before you apply a second coat," explains Inzerillo.

Complete One Foot at a Time

On the flip side, you also don't want the polish to get too dry in between coats, as that can lead to a streaky, clumpy finish. Rather than alternating between your feet, do one foot at a time, applying a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat, before moving on to the next one. This allows each layer to dry just enough, but not get as dry as it can if you're doing both feet simultaneously, explains Inzerillo.

Use Thinner Layers of Polish

According to Glass, using very thin coats of polish is the secret to avoiding clumps. "A few thin coats are better than one thick one," Glass notes. Your polish brush should be coated, not drenched; wipe it off on the inside of the bottle to remove any excess, Glass suggests.

Apply a Base Coat

It's a good idea to apply a base coat before painting the nails to help the polish last longer. A base coat encourages polish to stick to your nail and prevents chipping or peeling. It also acts as a barrier to protect your natural nail from potential damage.

Remember a Top Coat

A clear top coat will help reduce the chances that your at-home pedicure starts chipping. You can reapply the top coat every few days for added durability and help your pedicure look beach-ready for much longer. Plus, a nice top coat gives nails a glossy sheen.

Make Pedicures a Nighttime Treat

Putting on socks and shoes or even just walking around too soon after you polish your nails can be a recipe for immediate smudges and smears. That's why Glass recommends doing at-home pedicures in the early evening. Do your pedicure while you're winding down and watching TV before bed, as you're already going to be staying put and won't be tempted to walk around, Glass says.

Finish With Cuticle Oil

If you do need to put on socks and shoes before your toes are completely dry, slather them up with cuticle oil (try Nailtopia Renewing Kiwi Oil, ulta.com) and cover them with a piece of plastic wrap. The cuticle oil offers a layer of protection between the polish and the plastic, helping to ward off smears.

Even if toes are fully dry, this is still a good finishing step that will help keep the skin around the nail nice and moisturized, notes Inzerillo. It's also the perfect thing to reach for if you don't have time to polish your toenails. Swipe it on to hydrate dry skin and cuticles and give nails a pretty, healthy-looking sheen in seconds.

Remove Excess Nail Polish

Try this trick for easily removing excess polish that landed outside the nail or on cuticles. Wait until your polish is completely dry, slather your feet in lotion, and wear a pair of heavy socks. The excess polish will simply slough off, thanks to the socks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should you get a pedicure?

  You should do an at-home pedicure about every four to six weeks. This is enough time for nails to grow and prevents over-manipulating nails and feet, which can lead to infection or nail damage. If you work or live in an area with lots of dirt, consider a pedicure every two weeks.
  

• What are some of the best pedicure nail colors?

  There's a wide array of hues to choose from if you're seeking the best pedicure nail colors—from barely-there soft pinks and whites to pretty pastels like mint green and baby blue, to bright bubblegum Barbie pink or bold reds. You can also go with a classic French pedicure or a non-traditional pedicure idea. Try seeing what's currently trending for the season.

• What is the best thing to soak your feet in for a pedicure?

  Epsom salts have been a dermatologist favorite for foot (and whole body!) soaks, as the magnesium can help reduce inflammation and soothe soreness. Add a few tablespoons to warm water, soak and enjoy. You can also add Epsom salt to a full-body bath.

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