Did You Know...?

The history of pedicures dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. Pedicures and manicures were common parts of being a pharaoh or god.
As apparel and personal beauty were major parts of the ancient Egyptian life, manicures and pedicures were given to both male and female pharaohs and gods.

A pedicure is essentially a way to improve the appearance of the feet.

A manicure is a way to improve the condition and appearance of a person's nails. The word "pedicure" comes form the Latin words "pes," which means "foot," and "cura," which means "care." In addition, it also means the care of toenails and feet.

A pedicure can be useful in other ways apart from personal beauty and desire. Nail infections and disorders can both be prevented by having a monthly pedicure.

When undergoing a pedicure, you (or your pedicurist) should remember specific tools and beauty cosmetics. According to Ebay Reviews and Guides, such examples are:

-Towels (for covering and for drying the feet)

-Cotton balls (distribution of lotion, cream, or other. They can also be used for massaging.)

-Toenail clippers (For the clipping of the nails.)

-Lotion (Used for relaxing prevention of future dandruff/hardened skin.)

-Cuticle cream (For reducing the harshness of the hard skin at the base of the fingernails or toenails.)

-Cuticle pusher (Used for gently pushing back cuticles.)

-Orangewood sticks (Also used for pushing back the cuticle)

-Acetone (Fancy term for nail polish.)

-Antibacterial soap (For disinfecting and cleaning the hands and/or feet before and after pedicure/manicure.)

-Foot bath (For the washing of the feet. Also used as a foot-rest.)

-White block buffer (Used for reducing yellow build-up in and on feet.)

Things You Need To Know

-Structure of the nail

-Composition of cosmetics used in a pedicure

-Give effective pedicure

-Care for clients' problems or concerns

-Distinguish nail disorders that can or can't be treated

-Sanitation and disinfectant procedures

-The difference between nail diseases and nail disorders

Nail Cosmetics

-Base coat

-Cuticle creams

-Cuticle oil

-Cuticle remover

-Dry nail polish

-Liquid nail polish

-Nail bleach

-Nail conditioner

-Nail dryer

-Polish thinner

-Polish remover

Parts (Procedure) of Pedicure

-Filing

-Cuticle nipping - clipping excess cuticle around nail.

-Cleansing the nails - wash nails in finger bath with warm, soapy water.

-Buffing - shaping of the nails.

-Polishing the nails

Safety Rules

-Always sanitize

your hands before you start

-Keep all containers covered and labeled

-Keep hands dry when handling containers

-Avoid dropping sharp implements

-Dull sharp edges with emery board

-Do not file nails too deeply

-Avoid excessive friction when nail is buffing

-Apply antiseptic if skin is broken

Pedicures were much less complicated back in ancient Egypt, and consisted mostly of cleaning of the nails, painting, and drying.

Antibacterial soap was not used, whereas scented water (which was water with the smell of plants such as roses or bamboo in it) or papyrus (unusual as it sounds) were used to clean the nails.

Overall, the history of pedicures has evolved over the years, as new foot creams and different soap formulas have become more and more pervasive over the years. Although pedicure history is scarce and has not been recorded in detail over the decades, pedicures are without a doubt a necessity for feet everywhere.

References:

1. Nail stylists local areas.

2. Microsoft
Encarta Reference Library. 2004. Copyright 2004.

3. Encarta
Dictionary Tools. 2004. Copyright 2004.

4. Ebay
Guides. Nail Art Pedicure Introduction. allatgreatprice2000