October 5 2008 - Features
Try a Soak-Free Foot Fix
Leslyn Zak had a problem. Her salon, Wild Ivy Day Spa in Rockport, Mass., was hosting a bridal party for facials and pedicures. She'd finished her client's facial, but all the pedicure stations were still in use. So Zak got creative, performing a one-hour luxury foot treatment right on the massage table. Lo and behold, the "Pillow Pedicure" was born.
Here's Zak's step-by-step instructions for this popular new service.
1. Have the client lay on a massage table with a pillow supporting her head and neck and a bolster under her knees to take any strain off the back. Place a lavender-scented mask over her eyes using a tissue as a sanitary barrier.
2. Sanitize the feet with an antiseptic hand wash and remove polish from the first foot.
3. Wash the foot using a damp washcloth and a dollop of sudsy body wash. Next use a granular exfoliant.
4. Before rinsing the foot, use a foot file to smooth calluses and a pumice stone to remove the pterygium.
5. Use a washcloth to rinse off the foot. Whisk away any grains of exfoliant (don't foreget the areas between the toes).
6. Clip and file the toenails and remove excess cuticle. Apply cuticle oil to the toenails and buff until smooth.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 on the other foot.
8. Dip disposable cotton strips in paraffin and wrap around the feet, then cover them with tin foil.
9. While the client rests for 5-10 minutes in the paraffin, massage her hands and arms.
10. Remove the paraffin and massage the foot and lower leg.
11. Clean and dehydrate the nail plate and apply toe separators. While the client has her knees bent and feet flat on the table, apply a base coat, polish, and top coat.