Pedicure experts, will it be a mistake the day before our trip?

[Jillpie]

I booked an entire day at the spa for my husband and I, for the day before our big 12 day (park and cruise) trip in a few weeks. This will be our very first massage, manicure and pedicure. And yes, he's looking forward to it! Anyway, having never received a pedicure before, I hear they scrape the bottoms of your feet (yuck) as part of the process. Will this in any way hurt or be tender for all the walking we're going to do at the parks?? Thanks. Should I tell them not to do that, or does that defeat (sorry, no pun intended) the purpose of the whole thing?

 

[pearlieq]

I always get a pedicure before trips--I just tell the tech that I'm going on vacation and will be doing a lot of walking so please don't remove calluses. They usually just do a little smoothing so they're not raggedy and move on to the massage and polish. I've never had trouble with tender feet on vacation and not one nail tech ever looked at all surprised at the request.

Hope you have fun!

 

[goudaman40]

When you get a pedicure - some places will take a razor like instrument and "shave" off your callous (sp?). In some states it is illegal to use this instrument, so they will use a pumice stone & "sand" them off. It may be a little uncomfortable the first time - but believe me - a two hour pedicure is heaven.

There is a place that I go to that has a wonderful pedicurist (he is of an alternate lifestyle and foriegn) and believe me, he gives the best pedicure. I just love the calf massage he gives and the cooling leg cream with the hot towels, makes your legs feel like heaven :thewave: . Keep in mind the leg cream will keep your legs cool for about 4 hours after the pedicure.

Enjoy it! If you have a problem with the scrapping or sanding, let them know, they will not get offended. They are your feet!

 

[poohandwendy]

They should never do anything more than smooth the callouses. If they are using a tool that scrapes/shaves the callous off, it is very likely they are doing it illegally. (they should be using a big flat file, not an actual metal tool that shaves) If they have removed enough callous that your feet are uncomfortable afterwards, they are removing TOO much! Callous is there for a reason. The point is only to remove the roughness, not perform surgery, LOL.

Yes, a pedicure the day before your trip should be perfect!

I hope you have a great time, sounds wonderful!

 

[bengalbelle]

I've never had a pedicure that hurt. In fact, they've all been at the opposite end of the spectrum. Very relaxing.

Do not allow them to use a blade to shave callouses or rough spots (they shouldn't be doing this anyway) because they may take too much off and cut you. That would be very painful for your trip. They should only take down a little of the rough or calloused areas at a time, not try to get everything in one trip. If you don't really have callouses or rough spots, then you should be fine. Also, don't let them cut your toenails too short.

If I were you, I would let them know you'll be doing lots of walking over the next week or so and for this pedicure less is more. Once you've had one you will want to go again and they can take more off the next time.

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks everyone, you all seem to be in agreement. I thought I read a post about a month ago warning to not get one right before the trip and it made me very nervous. It sounds like its going to be awesome (they say it will be a one hour pedicure, niiiiiice ).

 

[Caradana]

Definitely not, my feet always feel better/more comfortable after that callous shaver thing (which they do seem to use in NYC ... not sure if it's legal or not, but it does a very good job)

Plus your toes will look gorgeous in their flip flops, in the sunny Florida weather!

D

 

[snoopy]

If I EVER see them pull out that shaver thing I stop them dead in their tracks. My girlfriend's mother had a huge chunk of her heel taken off once when we were getting pedicures, not something I like remembering.

So my advice is to tell them NOT to use that, and you'll be in heaven. There is nothing more relaxing than a pedicure, when its done correctly. Enjoy!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Definitely not, my feet always feel better/more comfortable after that callous shaver thing (which they do seem to use in NYC ... not sure if it's legal or not, but it does a very good job)

Plus your toes will look gorgeous in their flip flops, in the sunny Florida weather!

D

Yeah - guilty of getting her feet "shaved" (hehe) at one of those "mall nail shops" here in CT. They use a clean razor...I've never been cut...and my feet feel soooooo much better afterwards. Less tight/dry I guess. I normally get a pre-trip pedicure the day before (or day of) we leave. Never had a problem with walking.

 

[bengalbelle]

I just wanted to add:
I bought this thing (sorry, don't know what it's called) at Walmart that looks like a little cheese grater on one side and a smoother on the other. It's small and has a handle on it. I use it in the shower every few days to take off the rough spots. It's not sharp or a blade, it just takes it off when the rough areas are softened. If you have callouses and you're concerned about them hurting while you're walking, get one of these and smooth them down yourself. Then when you're getting your pedicure, the technician can focus on pampering rather than filing.