Stop Letting Nail Techs Do this During Your Pedicure

When it comes to pedicures, we all want soft, smooth feet polished to represent our style—but some common salon practices may be doing your feet more harm than good. Two of the biggest practices that nail salons have incorporated into the pedicure process is cuticle cutting around the toenails and using the metal grater tool on the heels. These techniques may seem they’re enhancing your pedicure experience and even make your pedicure last longer, but the truth is, they can lead to long-term damage and even painful infections.

Here’s why you should avoid these methods—and what to ask for instead.

Don’t Let Nail Techs Cut Your Cuticles

Your cuticles are there as a protective barrier between the skin on your toes and the nail matrix—the area where new nail cells are generated. When cuticles are trimmed or removed, it opens the door for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens to enter the body. This can lead to infections, redness, swelling, and long-term nail damage.

Instead of allowing the nail techs to cut cuticles, kindly decline when you see them grab the cuticle trimmer. Trust, this process is unnecessary and avoiding it could be saving you from possible exposure to infection.

Say No to the Metal Grater on Your Feet

That metal cheese-grater-looking tool might feel satisfying at first—but it can cause more harm than good. These aggressive callus removers can strip away too much skin, including healthy skin that you need for protection. Over time, this can lead to:

• Over-dryness

• Cracked heels

• Increased sensitivity

• Even more callus buildup as the body tries to protect itself

I remember when I would visit the nail salon and they would use the metal grater on my heels. I remember the instant feeling post leaving the nail spa of my feet would feeling fine, but days or a week later my feet would start to feel tender. Also, I noticed my heels stayed cracked all the time. It wasn’t until my husband started caring for my feet at home with a pumice stone that my heels begin to heal and my feet remained smooth between pedicure visits. But this did take some time before my feet completely healed.

A Better Alternative: The Pumice Stone

If you’re looking for smooth heels and soft soles, opt for a pumice stone when you are getting your pedicure. This gentle, natural stone buffs away dead skin without removing healthy layers, it keeps the skin even. It’s also a safe way to maintain your feet in between pedicures.

When used consistently (especially after a shower or foot soak), a pumice stone can help you maintain:

• Smooth, crack-free heels

• Healthy callus control

• Naturally soft feet without trauma

Your feet do a lot of work for you—take care of them the right way. The next time you’re at the nail salon, don’t let the nail techs cut your cuticles or cut your heels using that metal grater. Be sure to opt out of those techniques during your service.