How to Do a Pedicure at Home

Co-authored by Marta Nagorska and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 24, 2022 References Approved

Who says you have to go to the salon to get a flawless-looking pedicure? With the right tools and tips, you can make your feet look fabulous at home! In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about soaking, caring for, and painting those toes. So, grab your favorite nail polish and turn on your favorite music because it’s time to give your toes (and yourself) a little TLC!

Things You Should Know

Soak your feet in a foot bath with Epsom salt to soften the skin and remove dead skin cells.
Trim your toenails with a nail clipper, then use a nail file to shape your nails.
Paint your toenails with at least 2 coats of nail polish for a bold and opaque color.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Soaking and Scrubbing Your Feet

1
Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt for at least 10 minutes. Fill a foot spa or basin with warm water and about 1 cup (236.6 g) of Epsom salt. Soaking your feet is an important part of a pedicure as the warm water can help soften your skin and get rid of dead skin cells. Try not to soak them for longer than 20 minutes (you don’t want to be working with wrinkly feet).^{[1]
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- Test the water’s temperature by dipping a toe in before putting your entire foot in the bath.
- Epsom salt is an excellent addition to your foot bath because it helps reduce inflammation and soothe aching muscles.
- Try adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath for a spa-like touch. Peppermint, lemon, or tea tree oils are great choices.
- If you don’t have Epsom salt, no worries! A bubble bath or moisturizing soap can soften and clean your feet just as well.
- Don’t have a foot bath or large basin? Fill your bathtub with enough water to cover your feet.
2
Use a pumice stone to scrub your feet while they’re wet. A pumice stone is a light, porous volcanic rock used to remove dead skin cells and calluses. Simply hold the stone up to your foot and quickly move it back and forth. Work in 1 in (2.5 cm) large areas at a time for the best results. Apply steady pressure, but don’t push so hard that it hurts.^{[2]
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- If you don’t have a pumice stone, try using a foot file to get the same benefits.
- Most foot files have 2 sides, coarse and fine. Use the coarse side to loosen dead skin, and then use the fine side to smooth over the filed area.
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3
Apply a foot scrub to the top and bottom of your feet. Squeeze or scoop a quarter-size amount of foot scrub into your palm, press it between both hands, and then rub your hands over your feet. Use small, circular motions to exfoliate and remove any leftover dead skin cells.^{[3]
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- Foot scrubs come in all types of fragrances, so pick one that helps you relax the most.
- If you don’t have a foot scrub, try making your own out of ingredients in your pantry.
4
Rinse and wipe the scrub off your feet, and then dry them. After you’ve massaged and scrubbed your feet, dunk them back into your basin. Use a washcloth to wipe off the scrub. When the scrub is completely gone, dry your feet with a towel and wash your hands with soap and water.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Trimming and Filing Your Nails

1
Cut and shape your toenails with nail clippers and a nail file. Snip your toenails straight across using the clippers and try not to cut them too short, as this helps prevents hangnails and ingrown toenails. Angle the nail file at the corners of your nail to round them, or file them straight across for a squarer look.^{[5]
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2
Apply a cuticle oil and push your cuticles back with a cuticle tool. Cuticle oil helps soften the skin around your nail, so it’s easier to press back. Rub the oil around the base of your nail, and then press your cuticles back gently, following the angle of the tool.^{[6]
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- Read the instructions on your cuticle oil to see how much product to use on each nail. Typically, it’s about 1 drop.
- If you don’t have cuticle oil or balm, try using honey as an alternative.
3
Apply foot cream to soften and moisturize your feet. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of cream into your hands. Then, rub the lotion into each foot until it’s gone. This will help nourish your feet, leaving them smooth and soft.^{[7]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Painting Your Nails

1
Place your toes in toe separators so it’s easier to paint them. Toe separators are pieces of plastic or foam that space out your toes. Wearing them isn’t necessary, but it can help you get a clean and even coat of nail polish on each toe. It’s also especially helpful if your toes naturally curl in.^{[8]
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2
Paint your nails with a clear base coat to protect your natural nail. A base coat can help your polish last longer and prevents your nail from staining. Apply a thin layer of polish to each nail. Start at the cuticle, and work your way up the nail with even, vertical brush strokes. Let dry for about 2 minutes.^{[9]
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3
Paint your nails with at least 2 coats of nail polish. Pick out your favorite color or something that matches what you’re wearing. Paint your toes as you did with the base coat using thin layers, but wait at least 15 minutes for each coat to dry.^{[10]
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- The more coats of nail polish you have, the more saturated the color will be.
- If you don’t let the polish dry between coats, your pedicure could become clumpy or streaky.
- Try painting each nail a different bright color for a bold, playful look.
- Consider only painting the tips of your toenails to do a classic French pedicure.
- Opt for a natural shade of pink or brown if you don’t want to draw attention to your feet.
4
Apply a top coat for a beautiful shine. Once your base color is completely dry (wait at least 30 minutes after the final coat), finish off your pedicure with a top coat. This final layer locks in your hard work and protects the polish from chipping. Use the same technique as before, and wait around 15 minutes for it to dry.^{[11]
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- Fast drying top coats are great when you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to wait for your pedicure to dry.
- Holographic top coats add a layer of sparkle to your polish and look best over solid colors.
- Matte top coats cancel out a nail polish’s shine for a more natural look.
5
Remove the toe separators and rock your awesome pedi! Check to make sure the polish is completely dry by tapping the edge of a nail with the tip of your finger. You're good to go if it feels firm, cool, and dry. Now, grab your sandals and show off your amazing work!^{[12]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can you use acrylic for a pedicure? Or only gel?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You can certainly use acrylic nails for your pedicure! Consider getting your toenails done with acrylics at a salon for a professional look, or opt for buying your own fake press-on toenails to achieve an acrylic look at home.
Question

What is the average cost of a pedicure?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Pedicures can cost between $35 and $130 at a salon, depending on where you go. Doing an at home pedicure can cost a fraction of the cost. Plus, after your initial purchases, you'll have the products to do multiple pedicures.
Question

How long does a pedicure usually take at a salon?

Community Answer

Usually about 40 to 45 minutes.