Pedicure question

[englishteacha]

I did my toenails all pretty before our 2006 vacation and after one trip to the pool/hot tub at our condo, it was wrecked. Would a professional pedi last longer? Is there some trick I didn't know about? Should I just skip painting my toenails altogether?

 

[biotechie]

Yap professional pedicure last longer than the ordinary one for the materials they are of good quality

 

[Gigi22]

I don't have this problem. I get professional pedis, and they seem to last forever. I always have to scrub at my toenails with nail polish remover to get the polish off. And, I only stay in a hot tub/whirlpool for a maximum of 20 min.

 

[travelbel]

Professional pedi all the way! Mine last longer than any vacation I've taken!

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

pro here too! i got mine done april 14th before we left...aside from the growth of my nails, only this weekend after my sons bday pool party did half a toe nails worth of polish chip off. the rest are there for a good long while and still look awesome.

 

[LovesTimone]

Pro toes is the only way to go..

I get mine done the day before we leave. It puts me in that vacation state of mind.

 

[taylorcpa]

My pros use OPI nail polish. I get pedis just to be pampered but I know you can buy that polish at Target and other places. If I wanted to do it myself and have it last, I'd use OPI polish.

 

[diswiththree]

Just don't swim in the BC SAB pool! We love it but that sand bottom will destroy any pedi (pro or not) in a matter of minutes....

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

i agree with the opi polishes. the spa and salon i visit both use these and those pedis always last.

 

[TinkerBrie]

As a professional manicurist, I can assure you there is more to it then just a "good" polish! Treat yourself, you'll love it! If budget is an issue, most salons will provide a "polish only" service that will most probably hold up just as nicely! Enjoy!!!

 

[englishteacha]

I love to swim, and the bottom of the pool and hot tub at our condo are both rough. If I can't work a professional pedi into the budget (I've never had one and it's the one "girly" think my DH really is against. He thinks they're only for vain women), maybe I'll have one done. Otherwise, I guess I'll just go with naked toenails (Horrors!) or bring my polish.

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

Do it yourself but invest in a base coat, polish and top coat. I can get the "mini" bottles of OPI in 4 pack on clearance at Beauty Brands for under $5 and I have them for a long time. If you use a more neutral color it won't be as obvious if your polish chips. Have a great time!

 

[tinacaplan]

Have to agree...pro is the way to go! Also, you might want to re-apply top coat every few days. that's what I've been told anyway...I've never done it and find thta my pedicures stay looking pretty good for at least six weeks, no matter where I am.

 

[kimis]

Yes they last longer however be careful. I saw years ago on the travel channel things you should and shouldn't do before a vacation. They stated if you are going somewhere like WDW with a lot of walking get a pedicure two weeks out. Your feet need the callous feeling to them. I started doing this and it helps a lot. I used to get my pedi the day before we left but not anymore. Enjoy.

 

[diswiththree]

Yes they last longer however be careful. I saw years ago on the travel channel things you should and shouldn't do before a vacation. They stated if you are going somewhere like WDW with a lot of walking get a pedicure two weeks out. Your feet need the callous feeling to them. I started doing this and it helps a lot. I used to get my pedi the day before we left but not anymore. Enjoy.

Thanks for the tip!!!

 

[jad215]

I highly recommend Maybelline's Express Finish Top/Base Coat (I think this is what it's called). Based on my experience this made my polish last longer even better than the ones used at the pro salons and it's inexpensive. I use OPI polish at home as well, so it was a good test. I guess it all depends on what your salon is using.

 

[dopeynme]

kimis, I was going to say the same thing.....I get the pedi AFTER WDW because I really need all those callouses! You can get polish or do your own polish, as others mentioned, but save the full professional pedi, with massage and pumice until you get home!

 

[englishteacha]

I keep looking at my feet in shock...My toenails are naked. They've been painted almost continuously for months. I was home sick yesterday and figured giving myself a pedi would perk me up a bit. Took off the nail polish, soaked, massaged, pumiced...and didn't repaint them. My nails were a bit stained from polish, so I buffed them and used some lemon juice on them and they are much better. They actually don't look too bad! Now if I can just protect them from trampling 7th grade feet, or stub and break a toe (again), I might be able to keep them looking nice till vacation and be satisfied without polish! (though my hot pink polish was calling my name today...)

 

[delaneyc52]

Do it yourself. If you have a ton of money to waste, go pro and enjoy!! Seriously, my analogy is like buying a Starbucks each morning....it's like throwing money out the window (and I looooveee Starbucks coffee). I've done my own toes for years with base coat, 2 polish coats and top coat. Then I bring the color with me for touch up if it chips. This year I've bought the Sally Hansen all in one polish. http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=385 I started using it in April and with bare toes and yard work etc....holds up beautifully without all those top and bottom coats. In this economy, I'm of the frugal mindset! I'm sure all the pros out there will boo hoo me...but seriously, nails and toes are not rocket science.

 

[markbarbf]

thanks to helen and troy for the recent info.