If you’re looking for the good old fashioned scrub, clip, massage and polish, a traditional — or regular — pedicure is for you. A basic pedicure includes standard, or the most simple, processes: it’s the minimum in foot care. For example, going into your local nail salon and asking for the basic treatment garners you a cleansing — in the form of a warm, bubbly soaking — grooming or trimming your nails, filing the nails into a stylish shape and clipping any cuticles. After your feet are cleansed, smoothed and groomed, the finishing touch is a brief leg massage followed by an application of a single color of polish. Although numerous multi-toned or embellished methods to polish are available, these techniques go beyond the scope of a basic process and include extra time, work and cost.

Going a step above the traditional or regular pedicure means that you will find spa-type services that take the basic clean and polish and add something extra. Whether you have callouses, dry feet or simply want a type of pampering that goes above and beyond a basic pedicure, foot and nail treatments fit the bill. For example, a paraffin pedicure starts out similar to a traditional pedicure, but also includes a coating of soothing wax that, when removed, moisturises and smooths your feet. After removing the wax, your technician then shapes and paints your nails. Another treatment option is to have a stone pedicure. Unlike a regular pedicure, the stone version uses warm, rounded rocks to massage your feet. Your nail technician may couple the warm stones with an essential oil massage to further relax and moisturise your feet, toes and calves.

While pedicures sooth, treat and smooth your feet, they also include an aesthetic element of painting or polishing. As the final process in your pedicure procedure, going beyond a basic service and selecting nail art or embellishments will put you in a new, and sometimes more pricey, category. Just like you can pick and choose artistic and embellished styles of polishing for your fingers, a talented tech can transform your toe nails into a fashion-forward canvas, taking your pedicure up a notch. Try a runway inspired trend, such as a swirl of Picasso-like polish or a French manicure with a metallic on the top, or go for a pattern such as polka dots.

Pedicure, French Extra, Polish Change
Kid’s Pedicure with Design, Kid’s Polish Change
Shellac Pedicure, Only Shellac Colour, French Extra
Bio Gel: Full Set, Bio Gel Maintenance: Fill, Bio Gel Maintenance: Overlay
Artificial Polish Change, French Extra, Remove, Nail Fix