You don’t have to go to an expensive salon to have pretty feet. With a little time and effort—and a few supplies you can find at your local drugstore—you can give yourself a fabulous foot makeover at home.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
What You Will NeedNon-acetone polish removerAromatherapy oilEmollient moisturizerToenail scrub brushPumice stone, callus file, or emery boardStainless steel nail nipperA cuticle pusher or orange stickFour pounds of food-gradeparaffin waxDouble boiler or portableparaffin wax bathReliable candy thermometerPair of socksBox of plastic cling wrapTowels
What You Will Need
Non-acetone polish removerAromatherapy oilEmollient moisturizerToenail scrub brushPumice stone, callus file, or emery boardStainless steel nail nipperA cuticle pusher or orange stickFour pounds of food-gradeparaffin waxDouble boiler or portableparaffin wax bathReliable candy thermometerPair of socksBox of plastic cling wrapTowels
Step 1: Remove Your Toenail Polish
Stripping nail polish allows you to inspect your toenails and look for any problems, such asonychomycosis(nail fungus) or hangnails. It’s best to use a non-acetonepolish remover. Polish removers containingacetoneare very harsh on the nails and may cause the thinning of the nail plate and the formation of unsightly ridges.
Every now and then, you should give your toenails a break from nail polish. Keeping your toenails constantly painted may cause them to become discolored, usually with a reddish or yellowish hue. If your nails do turn colors, leave them bare for a couple of weeks. They should soon return to their normal color.
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Step 2: Soak Your Feet
A relaxing foot soak for 15 to 20 minutes will do wonders for your feet, whether or not they’re aching. You can add aromatherapy oils to the tub of water if you choose, but it’s not necessary. Soaking your feet will loosen dry scales and soften the thick, hardened layers of skin on your heels, toes, and balls of your feet.
Do not use water that is too hot. It can cause the skin to become dry and crack as the water quickly evaporates and draws moisture from the outermost protective layer of the skin.Use a toenail brush to gently scrub your toenails at the end of the soak.
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Step 3: Trim Your Calluses and Corns
After the soak, use a pumice stone, emery board, or callus file to gently reducecorns and calluses. It may take a few trimmings before you can remove all of the hardened skin. Take care not to cut or file your skin too deeply.
Removing callusescan help prevent cracks from forming, but trimming too much can cause the skin to split if pressure is applied to overly thin tissues. This not only causes pain and bleeding but also can increase therisk of infection. Remember that your goal is to remove dead skin cells, not healthy tissue.
Take It SlowIf it has been a long time between pedicures, don’t try to remove calluses and corns in one sitting. (You may not be able to do so anyway.) Instead, break up the task over the course of two or three treatments every four to six weeks.
Take It Slow
If it has been a long time between pedicures, don’t try to remove calluses and corns in one sitting. (You may not be able to do so anyway.) Instead, break up the task over the course of two or three treatments every four to six weeks.
Step 4: Trim Your Toenails
Use a stainless steel nail nipper to trim your toenails. To prevent over-trimming, cut the toenails straight across. Then gently round the corners with an emery board.
You can push your cuticles back, but make every effort to avoid cutting them. Mostdermatologistswill tell you that there is no good reason to cut your cuticles (also known as theeponychium). Cutting cuticles not only increases the risk of splitting and bleeding but also provides bacteria and fungus easier access to the nail bed.
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Step 5: Give Yourself a Wax Treatment
A paraffin wax treatment will make your feet feel incredibly soft. The warmth of the wax helps increase blood flow and opens up the pores in the skin. When your pores are open, they are able to absorb more moisture.
You can purchase a portable paraffin wax bath online or at certain brick-and-mortar retailers. The devices can ensure the wax temperature never exceeds 125 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also pre-packaged paraffin wax kits that can save you the hassle of having to break down a large block of wax and melt it in a double boiler.
Once the wax bath has begun to cool, wrap your feet in a towel to retain the therapeutic heat for a while longer.
Use Food-Grade ParaffinUse only food-grade paraffin for foot wax treatments. Additives like stearic acid, coloring, and perfumes can increase the wax’s melting point and cause skin irritation.
Use Food-Grade Paraffin
Use only food-grade paraffin for foot wax treatments. Additives like stearic acid, coloring, and perfumes can increase the wax’s melting point and cause skin irritation.
Step 6: Moisturize and Massage Your Feet
To finish your foot spa treatment, apply an emollient moisturizer to your feet. The softened tissues will better absorb the emollients in the lotion and ensure softer, well-hydrated feet.
Gently massage your feet as you apply the lotion, stretching tendons in the toe joints and the arch of your feet. This is especially useful if you haveplantar fasciitis, a disorder of the tissue that supports the arch.
After applying lotion, put on a pair of socks or wrap your feet in plastic wrap for an hour or two. Known asocclusive therapy, this step ensures better absorption of the lotion—a big plus if you have dry, flaky feet.
Other Foot Care Tips
Pretty feet are healthy feet. To ensure that your feet feel as good as they look, make every effort to treat foot conditions appropriately or contact apodiatristif you have structural foot problems or pain. Some common foot concerns include:
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Summary
Having pretty feet doesn’t have to cost you an arm—or a leg. You can have pretty feet if you’re willing to invest in the right products and take the time to give yourself a six-step pedicure. Start with removing your nail polish and then soak your feet, trim calluses and corns, cut your nails, give your feet a wax treatment, and moisturize and massage your feet.
In the end, pretty feet are about more than aesthetics. Treatments like this one are not meant to cover up problems. So if you have a foot problem that you can no longer ignore, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a dermatologist (if the problem is skin-related) or a podiatrist (if the problem is with the structure or function of your foot). Then get ready to put your dancing shoes on.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsSoaking your feet has many benefits, but there are no rules as to how often you should do it. You can soak your feet every day if you enjoy it—especially if your feet are sore from being on them a lot.If you are concerned about calluses, try soaking your feet for 30 minutes two or three times a week to soften them.Corns and calluses are a build-up of hard, thick areas of skin that develop over time from friction, rubbing, or pressure on the skin. You can remove corns and calluses at home, but it can be a slow process.Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. Use a wet pumice stone or emery board to gently scrape off dead tissue. Scrub in one direction and take care to not remove too much skin in one sitting. Then apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your feet.Repeat two or three times a week until your feet are smooth. Keep in mind that it takes time for corns and calluses to form, and it will also take time to work them off.Paraffin wax is a soft colorless wax that is solid at room temperature but softens when heated above 100 degrees F. It is used as a spa treatment to soften the skin on hands and feet. The warmth of the wax also increases blood flow and eases aches and pains.The treatment involves dipping your hand or foot into a paraffin wax bath multiple times, covering it with a plastic bag or plastic wrap, then waiting 15 to 20 minutes to remove the wax.The wax is a natural emollient that helps to soften and moisturize skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking your feet has many benefits, but there are no rules as to how often you should do it. You can soak your feet every day if you enjoy it—especially if your feet are sore from being on them a lot.If you are concerned about calluses, try soaking your feet for 30 minutes two or three times a week to soften them.
Soaking your feet has many benefits, but there are no rules as to how often you should do it. You can soak your feet every day if you enjoy it—especially if your feet are sore from being on them a lot.
If you are concerned about calluses, try soaking your feet for 30 minutes two or three times a week to soften them.
Corns and calluses are a build-up of hard, thick areas of skin that develop over time from friction, rubbing, or pressure on the skin. You can remove corns and calluses at home, but it can be a slow process.Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. Use a wet pumice stone or emery board to gently scrape off dead tissue. Scrub in one direction and take care to not remove too much skin in one sitting. Then apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your feet.Repeat two or three times a week until your feet are smooth. Keep in mind that it takes time for corns and calluses to form, and it will also take time to work them off.
Corns and calluses are a build-up of hard, thick areas of skin that develop over time from friction, rubbing, or pressure on the skin. You can remove corns and calluses at home, but it can be a slow process.
Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. Use a wet pumice stone or emery board to gently scrape off dead tissue. Scrub in one direction and take care to not remove too much skin in one sitting. Then apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your feet.
Repeat two or three times a week until your feet are smooth. Keep in mind that it takes time for corns and calluses to form, and it will also take time to work them off.
Paraffin wax is a soft colorless wax that is solid at room temperature but softens when heated above 100 degrees F. It is used as a spa treatment to soften the skin on hands and feet. The warmth of the wax also increases blood flow and eases aches and pains.The treatment involves dipping your hand or foot into a paraffin wax bath multiple times, covering it with a plastic bag or plastic wrap, then waiting 15 to 20 minutes to remove the wax.The wax is a natural emollient that helps to soften and moisturize skin.
Paraffin wax is a soft colorless wax that is solid at room temperature but softens when heated above 100 degrees F. It is used as a spa treatment to soften the skin on hands and feet. The warmth of the wax also increases blood flow and eases aches and pains.
The treatment involves dipping your hand or foot into a paraffin wax bath multiple times, covering it with a plastic bag or plastic wrap, then waiting 15 to 20 minutes to remove the wax.
The wax is a natural emollient that helps to soften and moisturize skin.
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10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chen AF, Chimento SM, Hu S, Sanchez M, Zaiac M, Tosti A.Nail damage from gel polish manicure.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(1):27-9. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00595.x.Rieder EA, Tosti A.Cosmetically induced disorders of the nail with update on contemporary nail manicures.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2016;9(4):39-44.Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.xAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.Bharathi RR, Bajantri B.Nail bed injuries and deformities of nail.Indian J Plast Surg.2011;44(2):197-202. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.85340.Rashid S, Salick K, Kashif M, Ahmad A, Sarwar K.To evaluate the efficacy of mobilization techniques in post-traumatic stiff ankle with and without paraffin wax bath.Pak J Med Sci.2013;29(6):1406-9. doi:10.12669/pjms.296.4127.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099.Christenson JK, Peterson GM, Naunton M, et al.Challenges and opportunities in the management of onychomycosis.J Fungi (Basel). 2018;4(3):87. doi:10.3390/jof4030087.Doft MA, Hardy KL, Ascherman JA.Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.Aesthet Surg J.2012;32(2):238-44. doi:10.1177/1090820X11434506.Miikkola M, Lantta T, Suhonen R, Stolt M.Challenges of foot self-care in older people: A qualitative focus-group study.J Foot Ankle Res. 2019;12:5. doi:10.1186/s13047-019-0315-4.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chen AF, Chimento SM, Hu S, Sanchez M, Zaiac M, Tosti A.Nail damage from gel polish manicure.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(1):27-9. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00595.x.Rieder EA, Tosti A.Cosmetically induced disorders of the nail with update on contemporary nail manicures.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2016;9(4):39-44.Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.xAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.Bharathi RR, Bajantri B.Nail bed injuries and deformities of nail.Indian J Plast Surg.2011;44(2):197-202. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.85340.Rashid S, Salick K, Kashif M, Ahmad A, Sarwar K.To evaluate the efficacy of mobilization techniques in post-traumatic stiff ankle with and without paraffin wax bath.Pak J Med Sci.2013;29(6):1406-9. doi:10.12669/pjms.296.4127.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099.Christenson JK, Peterson GM, Naunton M, et al.Challenges and opportunities in the management of onychomycosis.J Fungi (Basel). 2018;4(3):87. doi:10.3390/jof4030087.Doft MA, Hardy KL, Ascherman JA.Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.Aesthet Surg J.2012;32(2):238-44. doi:10.1177/1090820X11434506.Miikkola M, Lantta T, Suhonen R, Stolt M.Challenges of foot self-care in older people: A qualitative focus-group study.J Foot Ankle Res. 2019;12:5. doi:10.1186/s13047-019-0315-4.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chen AF, Chimento SM, Hu S, Sanchez M, Zaiac M, Tosti A.Nail damage from gel polish manicure.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(1):27-9. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00595.x.Rieder EA, Tosti A.Cosmetically induced disorders of the nail with update on contemporary nail manicures.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2016;9(4):39-44.Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.xAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.Bharathi RR, Bajantri B.Nail bed injuries and deformities of nail.Indian J Plast Surg.2011;44(2):197-202. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.85340.Rashid S, Salick K, Kashif M, Ahmad A, Sarwar K.To evaluate the efficacy of mobilization techniques in post-traumatic stiff ankle with and without paraffin wax bath.Pak J Med Sci.2013;29(6):1406-9. doi:10.12669/pjms.296.4127.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099.Christenson JK, Peterson GM, Naunton M, et al.Challenges and opportunities in the management of onychomycosis.J Fungi (Basel). 2018;4(3):87. doi:10.3390/jof4030087.Doft MA, Hardy KL, Ascherman JA.Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.Aesthet Surg J.2012;32(2):238-44. doi:10.1177/1090820X11434506.Miikkola M, Lantta T, Suhonen R, Stolt M.Challenges of foot self-care in older people: A qualitative focus-group study.J Foot Ankle Res. 2019;12:5. doi:10.1186/s13047-019-0315-4.
Chen AF, Chimento SM, Hu S, Sanchez M, Zaiac M, Tosti A.Nail damage from gel polish manicure.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(1):27-9. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2011.00595.x.
Rieder EA, Tosti A.Cosmetically induced disorders of the nail with update on contemporary nail manicures.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2016;9(4):39-44.
Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.
Bharathi RR, Bajantri B.Nail bed injuries and deformities of nail.Indian J Plast Surg.2011;44(2):197-202. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.85340.
Rashid S, Salick K, Kashif M, Ahmad A, Sarwar K.To evaluate the efficacy of mobilization techniques in post-traumatic stiff ankle with and without paraffin wax bath.Pak J Med Sci.2013;29(6):1406-9. doi:10.12669/pjms.296.4127.
Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099.
Christenson JK, Peterson GM, Naunton M, et al.Challenges and opportunities in the management of onychomycosis.J Fungi (Basel). 2018;4(3):87. doi:10.3390/jof4030087.
Doft MA, Hardy KL, Ascherman JA.Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.Aesthet Surg J.2012;32(2):238-44. doi:10.1177/1090820X11434506.
Miikkola M, Lantta T, Suhonen R, Stolt M.Challenges of foot self-care in older people: A qualitative focus-group study.J Foot Ankle Res. 2019;12:5. doi:10.1186/s13047-019-0315-4.
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