Buying guide for Best pedicure sets
We often neglect our feet because they’re usually covered up with socks or shoes. But in the summertime, it’s a whole other story. The skin and nails on our feet deserve to be pampered and soft, and there’s no need to shell out for expensive beauty salon sessions to give them the V.I.P. treatment.
A pedicure set includes all the tools needed to maintain trimmed, healthy, clean feet. And when you care for your feet with instruments you know have been sanitized and adequately cleaned, you avoid potential contamination concerns. Whether you want to give yourself a full mani-pedi at home or just want to care for your feet so they’re ready for sandal season, a pedicure set allows you to give your feet a spa-like treatment right at home.
Key considerations
Your intended beauty routine
Do you want to primp and prep your nails, or are you more concerned about getting rid of dead, dry skin on the heels and balls of your feet? If you have time on your hands and want to treat yourself to a full pedicure, splurge on a multi-tool set with foot care products. Just looking for a kit to help you with everyday hygiene? Choose a simple set with a few essential nail care tools.
Types of pedicure sets
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Basic sets include simple tools suitable for a manicure or pedicure. These sets are the least expensive and are available in regular or travel sizes. The number of tools included varies from kit to kit.
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Product sets don’t include any tools. Instead, they’re filled with foot care products, like lotions and exfoliants.
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Electric sets are ideal for feet that need a helping hand to soften and remove hard, callused skin. These sets include electric buffers and other powered tools for foot and nail care.
- Spa sets are harder to find but typically include foot care accessories and a foot bath for an authentic spa-like experience. Some sets also include foot care products.
Pedicure tools
Here are some of the tools commonly found in pedicure sets:
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Clippers: To trim nails with.
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Cuticle pusher: To push back cuticles before applying polish.
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Scissors: For trimming hangnails and cuticles.
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Nail files: To file down nails to prevent snagging.
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Pumice stone or foot file: For scraping off dead skin and filing down calluses.
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Electric buff attachments: A more powerful option for getting rid of hard callused skin.
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Foot spa/bath: Used for relaxation purposes and to soak feet to soften hardened skin.
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Toe separator: For separating toes while applying polish.
- Nail brush: For cleaning nails.
Features
Materials
Stainless steel is the most common material used for pedicure set tools. It’s a material that’s both durable and hygienic. Some pedicure tools are also coated in sapphire or diamond for extra durability and strength when tackling stubborn, nasty calluses.
Carrying case
Pedicure sets are often packaged inside a carrying or storage case. Need a nail care set for your next vacation? Opt for a travel-sized kit.
Duo set
Most tools used for pedicures are also perfect for manicures. Duo sets may include multiple nail files and different-sized nail clippers. Be sure to thoroughly clean tools used on your feet before using them on your hands to prevent the potential transfer of fungal infections.
Light
Sets with a bright LED are ideal for administering pedicures in low-light or for precision work, like applying nail art.
Products
Certain sets may include foot scrubs, soaks, salts, and lotions for applying during and after a pedicure.
Pedicure set prices
Inexpensive
For under $25, you can find basic pedicure sets as well as travel kits.
Mid-range
If you want your pedicure set to include extras, such as foot care products and electronic tools, expect to pay somewhere between $25 and $40.
Expensive
For $40 or more, you can find pedicure sets that include luxurious foot baths or spas.
How to give yourself a pedicure
Just opened your new pedicure set and not sure how to go about taking care of your rough, dry feet? Here are the basic steps for the perfect at-home pedicure.
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First, remove any nail polish still on your toes from a previous application.
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Buff foot with a file or pumice stone to remove flaky, dead skin. Focus on the heels, ball of foot, and toe pads.
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Next, soak your feet. This helps to soften the skin. Some pedicure kits include a foot bath for soaking. You may also soak your feet in your bathtub. Feel free to add Epsom salts or essential oils to the warm water.
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Once the skin has softened, use an absorbent towel to dry your feet.
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Some professionals prefer to file down calluses when the skin is completely dry before soaking. Others find it easier to do so after the skin has softened. If you have very prominent calluses, you may find it easier to file them down once the skin is soft.
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Use your favorite foot scrub product to exfoliate your feet thoroughly, then rinse.
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Push back your cuticles, then trim and buff your toenails.
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Apply nail color if desired, and finish with a soothing foot lotion.
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Wear socks to prevent lotion from getting everywhere.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to remove calluses?
A. Even with powerful electric implements included in some pedicure sets, calluses may be tough to remove. Presoaking is suggested to help soften the skin. It may require several sessions of filing to reduce or remove thickened skin.
Q. Should I remove my calluses altogether?
A. Calluses are the body’s response to repeated friction. The hardened skin offers protection against impact and everyday contact against surfaces. At face value, calluses are definitely not a bad thing. Calluses, however, can become very thick. If the skin on your feet is very dry, calluses may crack and lead to infection.
If you’re often barefoot or you’re a runner, avoid removing them completely. They do, after all, afford some protection. It’s okay to file them down, but don’t file until your skin is raw. The sensitive skin is likely to get irritated and blister. Keep that protective layer of skin around, but be sure to moisturize and prevent dryness that may lead to cracking.
Q. Is it safe to perform an at-home pedicure?
A. Absolutely. In fact, giving yourself a pedicure at home may be safer than heading to a salon. At a spa, there’s a higher risk for transmission of foot fungus and infection. At home, you know precisely how your instruments have been treated, and you can be sure that they’ve been thoroughly cleaned between each use. Avoid giving yourself a pedicure if you have an open wound on your foot. If you’re a diabetic, speak to your doctor before administering at-home pedicures. Never attempt to cut away calluses.
Q. How often should I give myself an at-home pedicure?
A. Treat yourself to a full spa-like treatment once a month. But feel free to use your pedicure tools to file down calluses and keep feet looking fresh and clean in between longer sessions. If you’re applying nail color to your toes, you may need to reapply. Gel nail polish should last for several weeks, however.
