10 Steps to Give Yourself a Perfect Pedicure at Home

As winter fades and spring arrives, familiar rituals return: planting fresh blooms, updating wardrobes, and spending more time outside. One cherished tradition is the summer pedicure, where women everywhere prepare their feet for sandal season by soaking, scrubbing, and polishing.

While relaxing at a salon with a magazine in hand is delightful, the cost and time commitment of professional pedicures can be impractical. Years ago, I discovered that frequent salon visits were too expensive. Opting for a budget-friendly alternative led to an unfortunate foot issue, teaching me the importance of proper care. After all, nothing ruins summer sandal season faster than a foot infection.

So, what’s the solution? As The Home Depot once said, "You can do it. We can help." A DIY pedicure not only saves money and time but also offers flexibility—you can pamper yourself even at 11 PM. It’s also a fantastic activity for a girls' night, a bonding moment with your mom or daughter, or even a romantic evening if your partner is up for some fun.

To give yourself a pedicure at home, gather the following essentials:

Ready to begin? Follow these 10 simple steps to achieve a salon-quality pedicure at home.

1: Remove Old Polish

The first step is straightforward, yet many women skip it, hoping old polish will fade on its own. However, stubborn remnants often remain, and over time, leftover polish can lead to nail discoloration. Always start your pedicure by thoroughly removing any old nail polish.

When shopping for nail polish remover, you’ll find both acetone and non-acetone options. Acetone is more effective at removing polish but can dry out your skin. Non-acetone removers are milder, originally designed for synthetic nails, though they’re less efficient at stripping color. For the best results, opt for acetone but apply it carefully, especially around the cuticles, to avoid excessive dryness.

2: Soak your Tootsies

This is where the fun begins! Fill a tub, bowl, or basin with warm water, and add bubble bath or Epsom salts for a relaxing soak. The warm water softens your skin, making it easier to exfoliate and trim, while the salts help soothe aching feet. For an extra touch of luxury, try scented oils that moisturize and create a spa-like atmosphere. Alternatively, you can use store-bought foot soaks infused with peppermint or eucalyptus. To elevate the experience, consider investing in an electric foot spa for bubbling relaxation.

A 10-minute soak is ideal—it softens your skin without over-saturating it and gives you a chance to unwind without taking up too much time. Keep a magazine or book nearby to enjoy while you soak.

3: Take Care of Your Cuticles

Alright, it’s time to get moving again. Remove one foot from the water, dry it gently, and apply a drop of cuticle oil around the nail bed. Massage the oil in, then use a cuticle stick (wooden or plastic) to push back the dead skin gently. Work the oil around the toenail to soften any rough areas or snags. Once done, place your foot back in the water and repeat the process on the other foot.

While a spa pedicurist might trim your cuticles, most dermatologists advise against it, especially at home. Cutting or clipping can increase the risk of infection. Instead, focus on keeping your feet and cuticles well-moisturized, and use a cuticle stick to tidy up any uneven edges.

4: Exfoliate

Next, it’s time to exfoliate your feet and legs, removing dry, dead skin. This step is crucial for softening calluses, smoothing rough patches, and revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath.

You can purchase exfoliating foot scrubs at any drugstore, or create your own using kosher salt and olive oil. Some people prefer to use exfoliating gloves along with the scrub for added effectiveness.

Remove one foot from the water and gently massage the scrub into your foot and leg using upward motions for two to three minutes. Repeat the process on the other foot and leg. This not only feels amazing but also boosts circulation and helps melt away daily stress with every stroke.

Before proceeding, rinse your feet in the tub or basin to remove any leftover scrub. For a spa-like touch, warm a damp towel in the microwave for 15 seconds and use it to wipe your feet clean. It’s so relaxing, you might feel like tipping yourself!

5: Buff

Calluses are thickened areas of skin, typically found on the heel, ball of the foot, or the side of the big toe, caused by constant pressure and friction. Athletes like runners or dancers often develop calluses due to repetitive activity. Similarly, wearing high heels or tight shoes can lead to the same issue.

To address calluses, you have several options. Pumice or callus stones work well on damp skin to soften and smooth rough patches. Some prefer a foot file, which offers more abrasion for effective exfoliation. (These tools are also great for removing dead skin from heels.) However, stop immediately if you feel pain or notice broken skin.

The goal is to smooth the callused area, not eliminate it entirely. Calluses, while unsightly, serve as a protective layer for your feet. Removing them leaves your skin vulnerable, much like exposing a baby’s skin to the sun without sunscreen. I learned this the hard way after having my calluses shaved before a tennis match. I don’t recall the match outcome, but I’ll never forget the blisters that followed.

6: Moisturize

This step is simple yet essential and incredibly soothing. Apply a rich foot cream or lotion to your feet and legs, using upward motions. For an extra treat, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the lotion for a refreshing tingle. You can also opt for heel creams enriched with shea butter for added hydration.

For deeper hydration, consider using a foot mask, which works like a facial mask but with a twist—after applying it, wrap your feet in plastic wrap or bags while the mask sets. This step is unique to foot care and not something you’d do for your face!

You can purchase foot masks at drugstores or beauty shops. Alternatively, create a DIY mask by blending cucumbers, lemon juice, and olive oil. Divide the mixture into two plastic bags, slip your feet in, and relax.

After about 10 minutes, remove the bags, rinse your feet, apply moisturizer, and proceed to Step 7.

7: Trim

It’s time to shape your toenails, preparing them for polish. How short should they be? A good rule of thumb is to clip them so that when you run your finger across the top of your foot, your toenails just barely touch your fingertip.

Using a clean, curved-edge nail clipper, trim straight across, being careful not to cut too close to the skin. While it sounds straightforward, cutting too much can lead to painful hangnails or ingrown nails. To avoid this, clip the edges at a 45-degree angle. This won’t give you perfectly smooth nails, but that’s where the next step comes in. Let’s move forward.

8: File

You’ve likely seen the classic TV image of a secretary filing her nails back and forth while chatting on the phone. In reality, this back-and-forth motion weakens nails, whether on your fingers or toes. Avoid this technique for stronger, healthier nails.

Starting from the outer edge where you’ve clipped at a 45-degree angle, gently file toward the center of the nail. Repeat this motion several times to create a smooth edge. Then, work from the opposite side, filing toward the center with the same light strokes.

A square or "soft square" shape is ideal for toenails, as creating an oval shape can bring the nail too close to the skin, increasing the risk of ingrown nails. File until the nails have a uniform appearance, and then you’re ready to apply polish!

9: Polish and Dry

Now it’s time to add some color. Start by wiping each toenail with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover to eliminate any moisturizer or oils. While these are great for your skin, they can prevent polish from adhering properly.

A toe separator is a handy tool for DIY pedicures (see photo at left). It allows you to move around while your nails dry instead of staying still. In a pinch, tissues or toilet paper can work, but they’re not as tidy.

Once you’ve selected your nail polish color, roll the bottle between your palms to mix it. This method is just as effective as shaking but avoids creating air bubbles. Apply the polish in the following steps:

All the effort and care put into a pedicure, whether at home or in a salon, can be ruined if you rush the drying process. Avoid using a hair dryer, as it can make the polish sticky. Quick-dry polishes or top coats often contain alcohol, which can cause chipping. For faster drying, opt for an oil or spray. Alternatively, take the traditional approach and wait patiently for 15-20 minutes. After all, you’ve invested too much time to let impatience spoil the results.

10: Clean Up

One advantage of a DIY pedicure is knowing your tools are clean—but only if you clean them properly. Your final step is to sanitize your supplies so they’re ready for next time.

Now, relax, prop up your beautifully polished feet, and take a moment to admire your handiwork.