How To Do A Pedicure for Guys

This Is The One Male Grooming Habit Women Appreciate The Most

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

As evidenced by all the fashion, fitness, and grooming advice we dole out on this website, you guys are very concerned about keeping up appearances. (And we think that’s a very good thing.) Whether it’s loading up on a high protein diet, ramping up weight training, or enlisting the latest and greatest grooming products, there’s little you won’t do in the name of looking and equally important, feeling good.

Why then, do so many of you neglect your feet? I’m being serious here. While you’re more than eager to read up on current trends and drop some serious coin for sharp-looking shoes and stylish socks, why won’t you spend money and time to care for your actual feet?

Just think about this: they’re among the hardest working parts of your body. On an average day, you’ll countless hours on them. Then add even more time if you’re remotely active. And instead of grooming them (as you would your face or hair) at the end of the day, you barely wash them with soap and water. (I’m speaking the truth for a lot of you out there, right?)

Which is exactly why Tracy Brown opened LUXSF in San Francisco. The hip nail boutique not only specializes in high-end, toxic-free nail services, but makes focusing on guys a priority. Four years ago, Brown realized that there was a real need and demand for quality, healthy nail services for everyone (not just women), and decided to fill that niche. Today, business is so brisk that appointments are a must.

RELATED: Trust Us: Your Girlfriend Wants You To Pick Up One Of These Nail Clippers

While Brown admits that it takes a lot more convincing — typically with a nudge from a girlfriend or partner — for guys to get into one of his chairs, once they’re there — end of story. “They’re easy to convert,” says Brown. “After just one experience, eight out of ten guys will rebook right away.” He fondly recalls how one of his favorite (and now regular) male customers — “a Google tech guy” says Brown — first dropped in because he wanted to make a good impression of his then girlfriend. Despite being currently single now, he continues to frequent LUXSF — on his own and with potential girlfriends.

As for why most men are so reluctant to try pedicures, despite all the wear and tear they put on their feet? Brown has a simple explanation: fear and embarrassment. But more than vanity, there’s a health component to why you should care for your feet. “Most men don’t moisturize them,” Brown explains. “And over time, callouses will build, which eventually will get dry and start cracking. They can even become infected. Also, your feet take the weight of your whole body, so foot problems can lead to discomfort and the way you walk. Either can cause knee, hip, and back pain.”

Now that we’ve explained all the reasons why pedicures are essential for both good looks and health, it’s time to your learn how to do one yourself. (No worries, it’s a lot easier thank you might think.) Brown says the key thing is to “chill out and imagine it as a great mini escape. Plus, it’s an easy way to treat yourself.” I couldn’t agree more.)

Step 1

Before you hop into the shower, use Tweezerman G.E.A.R. Precision Grip Toenail Clippers and trim your toenails straight across (Cutting them in a curved shape can lead to painful ingrowns.) Nails should be trimmed short, but should be long enough so you can see a few millimeters of skin just beyond the nail edge. They should never hang over the edge of the toe, because frequent impact can cause the nail to eventually fall out. (There’s a reason why toenail loss is a common complaint of long-distance runners.)

We Recommend: Tweezerman G.E.A.R. Precision Grip Toenail Clippers, $14.00 at Amazon.com

Step 2

With your emery board, gently run the board along the edge of the nail (in one direction only) to smooth the edge, and prevent the sharp edges from catching on your socks.

Step 3

Get into your shower, and stay put for approximately ten minutes. The combination of time, steam, and heat will help gradually soften the skin and nails, making it easier and safer to remove dead skin (which creates calluses) and overgrown cuticles.

Step 4

With your Ped Egg Pedicure Foot File, remove all calluses, which typically develop on the heel, ball of the foot, and around and on top of the toes. Gently rub the callus until the thickened, hard skin is removed, and skin feels comfortable and soft.

We Recommend: Ped Egg Pedicure Foot File, $11.69 at Amazon.com

Step 5

Rub a few drops of Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover onto your cuticles, and let the product sit for a few minutes to work. Then, use a towel or rag to remove the product (and with it, dead skin) away.

We Recommend: Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover, $20.00 at Amazon.com

Step 6

Massage a generous amount of AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream onto your feet and nails. Brown recommends taking extra time to rub your feet in long, strong, downward strokes. “In addition to moisturizing the foot, it feels great and relieves tension,” says Brown. “Reflexologists believe that points on the foot correspond to other body parts; therefore, many ailments can be relieved through reflexology. For example: they believe the ball of the foot has a connection to the lungs; the heel to the lower back; and the great toe to the head. And did I mention, it just feels great.”

We Recommend: AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream, $23.00 at Amazon.com

...And Repeat

Repeat all of these steps every four to six weeks for the best results, and to maintain your work, exfoliate your feet regularly with Brooklyn Botany Charcoal Scrub between pedicures.

We Recommend: Brooklyn Botany Charcoal Scrub, $14.50 at Amazon.com

Related Reading

Keep Her Coming Closer - Pick Up These Body Lotions For Perfectly Smooth Skin

Are You Washing Your Face Right? Soap And Water Is NOT The Answer

AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.