Sandal Season Is Here: How To Pedicure Like a Pro at Home

It’s official, it’s time to ditch your socks and get your feet out, as we say goodbye boots and hello sandal season. Whether we get a heatwave or spend the next three months battling with the best of British weather, you might be feeling it’s time to get your toes in tip-top condition after months of hiding them away. There are lots of different types of pedicures you can try in a salon, from waterless to medical. There’s nothing better than indulging in a bit of self-care by giving your soles a good seeing too. However, if like me you find an in-salon treatment can send you into a fit of giggles (curse ticklish feet) then worry not, we have spoken to some of the very best nail technicians in the UK to give you all the tips you need to pull off a DIY pedicure like a pro.

From picking the right summer shade to enhance your feet to ensuring you keep dry skin and cracked heels at bay, our experts are on hand to give you all the answers you need to perfect a DIY pedicure, so you can put your best foot forward and embrace open-toed shoes with pride.

Read on to find out why celebrity nail technician Michelle Class believes it’s so important to get your tools ready before you start and why nail care expert Lynn Mason believes this summer we will all be opting for glazed toes.

Related: We Spoke to Celebrity Manicurists About the Hottest Nail Trends for Spring 2024

What Do You Need For an At-Home Pedicure?

To ensure you minimise smudging and to achieve a truly polished finish, Class – an ambassador for Sally Hansen with client list which reads like a who’s who of the red carpet – tells PS UK you need to get everything ready, “Gather your tools,” she stresses. “You’ll need a basin or tub for soaking your feet, nail clippers, a nail file, a cuticle pusher, a foot scrub or pumice stone, foot moisturiser, nail polish remover, a base coat, nail polish, and a top coat.”

Always start your at-home pedicure by removing any old polish, even if you haven’t got any nail polish on your toes it is also worth giving each nail a quick swipe of remover as this will ensure you have a clean canvas to start with.

How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Your Feet?

There’s nothing better than having a good foot scrub in a salon, but there’s no need to miss out on this step at home. If you don’t have a fancy foot spa don’t worry a basic or bucket will do, “Fill a basin with warm water and add Epsom salts or your favourite essential oils,” recommends Class. “Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin and relax your muscles.”

Once your skin has softened give yourself a good scrub. “Use a foot scrub or pumice stone to gently exfoliate your feet, paying extra attention to rough areas like heels and the balls of your feet,” says Class. If you don’t have a separate foot scrub then you can use your body product too as this will work just as well. Another tip to keep the skin looking and feeling soft throughout the summer is to make sure you give your feet a scrub at least once a week in the shower. Sandals and walking barefoot can make the skin toughen, so this just ensures you promote natural shedding and stops any build up.

How to Cut Your Toenails Correctly

If you’ve ever had an ingrown toe nail you will know it’s something you want to avoid in the future. To prevent red, inflamed, and painful nail beds, Class has this advice: “Trim your nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails,” she explains. “Then use a nail file to shape them. Be gentle and avoid cutting the corners too short.”

It is also important to look after the cuticles on your toes to ensure you have optimum toes health, “Apply Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover (£8) to each toe and then gently use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to push back your cuticles gently,” she explains. “If you need to, at this stage, you can use cuticle nippers to remove any hanging cuticles and keep them tidy.” Once you have finished trimming the cuticles it’s important to rinse off the cuticle remover before applying any other products.

If you are really struggling with dry, cracked heels it may be worth investing in an intense overnight treatment like Elim Mediheel Intense Cream (£25), this super-hydrating cream can be applied at night and worn with the gel socks to intensify the treatment. I have used this and can confirm it really makes a massive difference to the condition of your skin.

Which Nail Polish Colours Will Enhance Your Toes?

You’ve prepped and primed your feet, but now the big question is what colour to paint your toes to make your feet look their best? Before you consider colour, Class stresses the importance of a base coat, “Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and help the polish adhere better,” she says. “My must-have for a pedi is Sally Hansen Complete Care 7 in 1 base coat (£11) to keep your nails in good condition.”

Now it’s times to pick your polish, “Choosing colours for your toes can be fun and depends on your style and the occasion. Bright colours like coral or turquoise can add a pop of fun, while classic shades like red or nude can be elegant,” says Class. “However, ultimately, it’s about what makes you feel confident and fabulous!”

What Are the Key Nail Trends For Summer?

According to Class cherry reds and balletcore shades will still be big for summer 2024, however as far as Mason, an expert at Mavala, is concerned, the glazed trend is going to get another revival, and this time it will be on our toes. “The ‘Glazed Pedi’ trend is incredibly flattering on toes because it adds a subtle yet striking shine, akin to wearing the perfect pair of glossy patent heels,” she explains. “It also elongates the appearance of the toes and complements any sandal or open-toe shoe effortlessly. Plus, the glossy finish reflects light beautifully, making the entire foot appear more polished and elegant.”

So whether you’re into bold brights, clean-girl hues or going for glow with a glaze with a textured top coat your feet will be sandal-ready with this ultimate guide to creating the perfect pedicure at home.

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.