It seems like everywhere you look, there are services and shops advertising excellent pedicures. But how do you distinguish a good pedicure from a bad one? 

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A good pedicure is about more than how good your toes look afterward. There are steps that should be taken and definite things to watch out for to ensure you’re getting the real deal. Here are five ways to know you’ve gotten a good pedicure: 

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Rule 1: It should never hurt. 
While your foot may tickle a bit, pain should not be part of your pedicure. If you feel pain, it can be a sign that the nail technician is working too quickly. Overly clipped cuticles, over-filing the skin, and using illegal callus shavers all cause pain, which is the opposite of what you should experience during a pampering pedicure. 

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Rule 2: It should be clean.
A good pedicure is set up for success with sanitization. Nail salons have a lot of equipment available to help ensure cleanliness, including pipeless pedicure tubs and UV light sanitizers. It’s a good idea to ask how items are cleaned before you let the technician work on your feet. Tubs should be sanitized with special cleaners for at least ten minutes between clients. Tools should be wiped down with alcohol or put under a UV light. Lack of sanitizing can result in infections and disease from the previous customer, so ask about the process before you begin.

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Rule 3: A good pedicure takes time. 
The pedicure isn’t just about applying the polish. Nails should be shaped and filed, cuticles gently trimmed, feet exfoliated to rid them of dead skin, moisturizer applied evenly, and finally, your beautiful color perfectly painted on each toe in two coats. The entire process should be a relaxing hour of making your feet look gorgeous! If any of these steps are skipped, you didn’t get a real pedicure.

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Rule 4: Product is key.
A good pedicurist has a selection of high-quality products to use, especially the polishes themselves. High-quality products for moisturizing, exfoliating, and coloring should not irritate the skin or nails. Steer clear of any pedicurist who seems to be using products they bought at the local drug store! 

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Rule 5: It should cost more and it should last!
A good pedicure makes your feet look beautiful for weeks afterward! The standard is four to six weeks of perfectly beautified toes. This takes a bit of an investment on your part, but it’s well worth it. A $20 pedicure could start chipping within a few days. If you spend a bit extra, you’ll get the beautiful feet you deserve. 

Since you use your feet all day, every day, they deserve a little love! When you go to get a pedicure, make sure it is safe and relaxing, feels great, and leaves you with gorgeous feet!