Probably not used as interchangeably as rugs are used for carpets, there’s still a lot of confusion about how a luxury pedicure differs from a mini pedicure. I’ll tell you what; there is a serious difference. Yes, both clean and remove dead cells from the feet, help prevent diseases and rejuvenate the skin, however, in this instance, quality is what matters.
The main overall and perhaps biggest difference between a luxury pedicure and a mini pedicure is the cost of the two. Just consider how much high-end salons charge for a luxury pedicure then compare that to what you pay for a mini pedicure. I bet you can already see the difference.
Mini pedicure vs luxury pedicure
Essentially, a mini pedicure is what you likely learned in school. File the nails, do some cuticle work, slough the feet, massage them and finish with an invigorating lotion.
A luxury-type pedicure goes further with aromatic exfoliation and pampering.
It will be a longer service with more steps. A hydrating masque, hot towel wrap, paraffin dips and jelly pedicures are just but a tip of the things on the menu.
And if you’re the adventurous type, a fish pedicure will not be entirely out of the picture. A fish pedicure is where you dip your feet inside a tank with tiny fish that nibble away the hard calluses on your feet.
Let’s start from the ground up; firstly, you’re paying extra for a more beautiful, luxurious atmosphere where you enter and leave feeling like a million bucks. Instead of fluorescent lights and repulsive sprays, you have lovely chandeliers and, attractive design and a quiet, peaceful corner all to yourself.
The pedicure water, on the other hand, is not stagnant or recirculated water. It is continuously running fresh water that leaves your feet smiling for a close-up magazine photo. You won’t jostle for space with someone eating fries out of a plastic container while loudly laughing at seemingly run-of-the-mill jokes.
Additionally, you can rest assured that the therapists are highly qualified and ready to give you a one-of-a-kind experience. They will ensure you have nicely shaped nails and a polish colour to compliment your skin. All this is done with the highest level of expertise with customer satisfaction and sanitation topping the list of essentials.
Again, depending on the treatment, you may or may not get access to a full robe, slippers and other luxuries if you’re only doing nail care. If this is something that’s near and dear to your list of luxury expectations, then you should ask beforehand.
A lowdown of all the steps of a luxury pedicure
- Sanitation of feet: Your feet will go into a foot spa with lukewarm water that has soothing fragrances and sterilisers to kill germs.
- Filing and shaping of cuticles: Toenails will be filed across, rounding them slightly at the corners to assume the shape of the toe.
- Cuticle work: An orangewood stick will be used to push back evident cuticle and clean beneath the free edge. If there is any loose cuticle, it may be removed by nipping (not yanking) with cuticle nippers.
- Hard skin removal: If you have a build-up of hard skin, it will be filed with a foot file paddle. Remember not all hard skin can be removed in one session.
- Mineral soak: You will place both feet into a foot spa or pedicure bowl. If the machine has a massage feature, your feet will be gently massaged while they soak for five minutes.
- Scrubbing of soles of feet: Your feet and toenails will then be scrubbed with a nail brush to clean the lateral nail fold as well as underneath the free edge.
- Leg and foot massage: Your lower legs and toes will be massaged thoroughly (possibly using an electric foot massager) to help you relax and feel rejuvenated.
- Polish application: Application of base coat, two coats of colour and a thin topcoat will finish the process, and you’ll be set to go.
In case you want to enjoy a luxury pedicure but still want to save, you can develop a habit of indulging in luxury pedicures only on special occasions. For the rest of the time, you can do regular maintenance at home or a nearby local salon. Just keep in mind that cheaper is not always supreme. And make sure that they don’t compromise on sanitation.
Most lavish salons offer mini pedicure vs luxury pedicure, so you don’t have to go downtown to get what you want. Irrespective of the price point, a luxury pedicure will always be that luxurious. Whereas mini pedicures will always focus on filing, trimming and painting of your nails.
At the end of the day, your feet are a vital part of the body and deserve to be treated and pampered as often as possible. So remember to love your feet this summer. After all, there’s no better way to offset overall rejuvenation of the body than to have your feet primped and pampered.
