By Alana Larsen
Thank you for your wonderful comments on my last article, Color Gels. It is such a pleasure to share the information I have gathered in my 28 years of being in the beauty business.
This month I want to talk about pedicures. The other day I couldn’t help overhearing Beth say to Lynn, her nail technician, “Please do not put a dark color on my toes because I do not want to draw attention to my ugly feet.”
If I have heard this statement once, I have heard it a thousand times. First of all, most feet I have seen are not ugly, they are just in need of a pedicure. Our pedicures involve the following: Nails are filed, calluses are buffed, cuticles are trimmed, dead skin is exfoliated and – just before polish is applied – your feet and legs are soothed by hot towels and a wonderful relaxing massage. How could your feet look ugly after all that?
OK, so you have a bunion or two, big deal. Visualize this: You are walking into a room, you have a great outfit on and your pedicured feet are sporting these pretty “strappy” sandals. All that anyone will notice when they are looking at your feet are 10 perfectly manicured toes in a great pair of shoes! Your toes – not your feet – will be the focus. Be daring with your toe color, let your fun side show and save the demure colors for your hands.
Let’s not forget about the men. Men, do you think your feet are not an important part of your upkeep? If you do, just ask your significant other if she likes feeling your chapped, calloused feet and sharp nails under the sheets? I think you already know the answer to that question. You need a pedicure too! If you think of pedicures as being feminine, think again. They are just part of good grooming. When you read the paragraph above and see all that is involved in our pedicures, you will understand that men, as well as women, need them. And don’t worry guys; we won’t put polish on your toes, just a nice oil buff.
Now that I have told you all the good things involved in a pedicure, it would be irresponsible of me not to warn you of the dangers in getting one.
It is very important that the salon you are going to only hires licensed nail technicians or you may be getting more than a pedicure. A licensed nail technician is trained and tested in proper sanitation procedures and knowledge of contagious diseases. They know it is against the state Board of Cosmetology regulations to work on any person carrying a communicable disease.
Also, beware of whirlpool pipes in the pedicure bath, these pipes harbor bacteria and can spread dangerous bacteria from person to person. Therefore, pedicure tubs should be disinfected after each client. We use bleach as our disinfectant in our pipe-free tubs. Communication with your nail technician is therefore very important and your questions and concerns should always be answered. If the technician cannot do that, then that should be a good indication that something is not right.
Now kick off your shoes and experience a refreshing, relaxing pedicure – and great looking feet!
Alana Larsen is the owner of Alana’s Salon, 731 River Road, Fair Haven.
