If you’re in the mood for a spa treatment that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day, then a pedicure is a good bet. There are many different pedicure treatments you can choose from, so we’ve outlined some of the options available.

Types of Pedicures

1. Spa pedicure

Cost: R250 to R300 for a 45-minute session.

What’s included: Cuticle work, nail shape, foot soak, foot filing exfoliation and massage with nail varnish.

This is a really worthwhile experience if you’ve never had a pedicure before or if it’s been a while since the last one. The technician will clean and remove all dead skin cells from the feet and toenails while also massaging the feet to relax your muscles. There will also be dedicated cuticle treatment which is important for people who often get infections or have trouble with this area. Certain spas will include other treatments alongside the pedicure, such as a hydrating mask or hot towel wrap.

2. Paraffin pedicure

Cost: R350 to R400 for a 75-minute session.

What’s included: Classic spa pedicure with paraffin wax max, nail re-paint.

If you suffer from dry feet, then you might want to go for the paraffin pedicure whereby paraffin wax is applied to your feet to provide deep moisturisation. This is best done if you have tough, calloused or cracked feet, often experienced in cool, dry areas during the winter months. Your feet will be washed and buffed, your toenails cleaned and shaped before the liquid paraffin is applied, left to cool and removed. This pedicure will also generally include a foot massage and toenail painting once the treatment is done.

3. Pedi peel

Cost: R400 to R450 for a 75-minute session.

What’s included: Classic spa pedicure with a medi foot peel and massage.

Rather than a mere cosmetic procedure, the pedi peel is a more medically-focused pedicure used to treat people with foot conditions such as thick skin and nails, weakened nails, blisters, callouses, corns, ingrown toenails, cracked heels and athlete’s foot. This will include the traditional pedicure treatments with more focus on the affected area as well as suggestions for ongoing care.

Other leg and foot treatments

Outside of the traditional pedicure, salons and spas might also provide you with other foot and leg treatments for relaxation or to address any areas of concern you might have. Some of these include:

· Lightened leg treatment: This costs around R400 for a 75-minute session and includes a detoxification leg drainage for swollen and tired legs, ankles and feet.

· Foot massage: This costs around R300 for a 30-minute treatment.

· Keratin nail strengthening: This costs around R100 per session.

· Gel paint: This costs around R250 per session.

Benefits of a pedicure

More than a mere cosmetic procedure, pedicures have many long-term health benefits and are particularly valuable for those who suffer from ongoing foot complaints. Some of the benefits include:

- Skin care

You are constantly putting pressure on your feet and, too often, we wear shoes that are more aesthetically appealing than beneficial for foot health. This leads to the formation of callouses, corns, blisters and other skin conditions. A professional pedicure will exfoliate the dead skin cells, remove any entrenched grime and eliminate these skin conditions.

- Improved circulation

During a pedicure, a professional technician will also massage the feet, targeting various pressure points. This is not only an incredibly relaxing experience, but will also enhance the blood flow to your extremities. For diabetes sufferers and those with poor circulation, pedicures are very beneficial.

- Tackle fungal infections

Because feet are trapped in closed shoes, they are constantly exposed to heat and moisture which allows for fungi to grow on the toenails. This is not always immediately evident to the individual, but a professional is able to quickly identify a fungal infection and treat it through pedicures.

- Mental and physical health

Caring for one’s feet is an important part of maintaining one’s physical health, but the calm and relaxation brought about through pedicures is incredibly beneficial to one’s mental health as well. The accumulated stress and anxiety of the past year needs to be addressed, and one way to start is with a bit of pampering.

Read More: Types of Manicures

With their highly-trained technicians and wonderful setting, Evolve Day Spa is the ideal place to enjoy some rest and relaxation with a professional pedicure. Book an appointment and enjoy all the benefits of this luxurious and health-enhancing treatment.

Everything you need to know about a pedicure