What to know before your next appointment.
You don’t have to soak your feet.
Celebrity manicurist and brand founder Deborah Lippmann is a firm believer in the “no-soak pedicure,” which is becoming more popular. “Water is very damaging and drying to the toenails, and can also make nail polish chip sooner,” she explains. “The nail plate is porous, and therefore absorbs water while soaking. If you apply polish to an expanded nail, the polish will not adhere as well and is more likely to chip when the nail dries and shrinks back.”
New York podiatrist Emily Splichal, DPM is a fan of this method as well because it’s more sanitary. “It is very hard to clean the filter in a pedicure bath, and if you recently waxed or shaved your legs and then soak them in a tub that isn’t clean, you can get an infection,” she says. “In most cases, salon-borne infections are quite severe. You can still get the same hydration and exfoliation without soaking your feet.”
The paraffin wax isn’t necessary.
Many people pay more for this extra step, but Dr. Splichal says it’s really just a luxury because the results don’t last. “It’s similar to removing calluses at the salon,” she adds. “This doesn’t mean they are forever removed. As soon as you walk and move around, they’re going to come back.”
Long nails aren’t the best choice.
“Be sure to never let the nail hang over the toe, and always shape it well with rounded edges,” Lippmann says. This will prevent damage to the nail and decrease the risk of infection.
Color Wheel
Three nail polish shades to make your toes stand out this summer.
Milky Nails
Lippmann says, “With more celebrities hopping on the Milky Nail trend, we’ll be seeing many people opt for sheer white shades.” We like OPI’s classic “Funny Bunny,” ($12) a soft, glossy white.
Bubblegum Pink
On the heels of the highly anticipated Barbie movie, Lippmann says fun and feminine, bright-pink “Barbie Core” looks will be big. “My shade ‘Pretty Fly’ ($20) is a bright bubblegum crème that is perfect for this trend.”
Orchid Purple
“For summer, I love this new bold shade of purple called ‘Soraya,’” ($8) says Zoya founder Rebecca Isa. “Think classic color and full, creamy coverage, but with the vibrance normally associated with a neon.”
