Conducting a gel pedicure is almost identical to a gel manicure, except, of course, it is completed on the toenails. The primary differences in the conduct of a pedicure over a manicure are how to position yourself and your client to work on the feet.
In the below video tutorial, we will demonstrate how to provide a gel pedicure service.
Application process
Let’s recap the steps involved in providing a gel pedicure:
Natural nail prep
Soak your client’s feet in warm, soapy (antibacterial) water for 10 minutes to both sanitise the feet and soften the cuticles.
Dry your client’s feet with a clean towel and examine the nails for any contraindications that will prevent treatment. If present, discontinue your service and refer them to a medical professional.
Apply some acetone to a lint free nail wipe and thoroughly wide down each nail to remove any nail polish or natural oils. If removing nail polish, you will need multiple wipes with acetone applied.
Using the curved end of your cuticle pusher, gently push back the cuticle from the nail plate. Examine each cuticle as you go to be sure there is no broken skin, as these areas will need to be treated with added caution.
Turn your cuticle pusher around and use the blade to gently scrape away any remaining cuticle.
Using your cuticle nippers, trim any loose cuticle that has lifted from the nail plate.
If required, trim away excess nail length with your nail clippers.
Using your 180 grit nail file, scuff the surface of each nail ready for product application before shaping the nails to the desired shape.
Brush away any nail dust created from filing with your nail brush.
Using toe separators or a rolled up tissue, separate the toes ready for product application.
Apply dehydrator to a lint free nail wipe and wipe down each nail.
Gel pedicure
Apply a thin coat of acid-free bonder to the nails on both feet.
Apply an even coat of gel base coat to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Apply first coat of coloured gel polish to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Apply second coat of coloured gel polish to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Apply gel top coat to all nails, avoiding the cuticles by 1-2mm. Once applied, cure under your UV light for 60 seconds.
Remove toe separators and using your 180 grit nail file, give the underside of the free edge, and the side walls, a gentle file in order to remove any cured gel product from these areas.
Apply nail cleanser to a lint free nail wipe and wipe down each nail to remove any dust.
Place a single drop of cuticle oil at the base of each nail and massage into the cuticles.
Practical Exercise
Please do not attempt to complete the below Practical Exercise until you have thoroughly reviewed the above video tutorial multiple times and feel confident in your techniques.
In preparation for your next assignment, you are to conduct a gel pedicure on 2-3 friends or family. Be sure to carry out all of the steps covered in the above video tutorial.