Pedicure is not only about shaping the nails, but also about treating the feet, so pedicure kits must provide all the necessary operations.
In the modern beauty industry, hardware pedicure devices are becoming increasingly popular, in which all bulky instruments are replaced with miniature cutters and discs.
Pedicure and its specifics
Pedicure is a hygienic and aesthetic procedure that ensures healthy feet. Includes treatment of the skin of the feet and nails . If you do it once a month, you will get a beautiful shape of your nails, soft heels, no cracks on your feet, prevention of fungal diseases and unpleasant odor.
The procedure is suitable for almost any woman. Requires a pedicure kit, warm water, nail polish remover and polish (if necessary).
The pedicure procedure includes
- softening rough skin of the feet,
- removal of the top layer of epithelium,
- reducing calluses,
- massage,
- work with cuticle,
- nail treatment and correction.
Unedged method
Due to the spread of various diseases transmitted through pedicure tools, another method of treating feet has begun to gain popularity. The unedged method involves performing the procedure without the use of cutting tools. This type of pedicure is done in SPA centers, paying great attention to the use of special creams and scrubs based on fruit beta-hydroxy acids. They soften and loosen skin cells, allowing you to remove all excess with the help of files and graters.
To shorten nails, use files with an abrasiveness of 120/180 grit. Using the rough side will quickly remove excess length, and correct their shape with the 180 grit side.
Graters are used starting from 80 grit. Gradually replacing them with smaller ones, they reach 240 grit. There are also pedicure polishers that allow you to achieve a silky skin surface after the procedure.
If your feet are very neglected, have cracked heels, calluses and corns, this type of pedicure will not be able to solve all problems. Some operations will have to be performed in hardware. However, regular use of pedicure floats can keep your feet in good condition.
When carrying out a procedure, disposable instruments are often needed that can be used to perform various operations. These include orange sticks, toothpicks, cotton buds and finger separators. There are disposable abrasive attachments for hardware cutters. They are disposed of after each client.
What is a pedicure set
A set of tools for tidying up your feet and toenails can be purchased at any cosmetic store. All elements are made of stainless steel, the blades are sharpened as sharp as possible. The latter allows you to carry out skin, nail and cuticle care work in a short time. Different brands offer 5 tools and more.
There are three options for sets: small, classic, mixed . In the first case, the package contains only the most necessary items for foot care. Classical ones have from 8 instruments. Mixed products include products that are suitable for pedicure and manicure. They are often supplemented with special items that help perform SPA treatments.
Basic mechanical pedicure tools
| Tool | What is it needed for |
| Wire cutters | Useful for reducing the length of nails. They do a good job of cutting corners and removing burrs. Suitable for working with keratinized nails. |
| Scissors | The set may be straight and/or rounded. They are needed to trim layers of skin and cuticle. |
| Nail files | Usually there are two nail files in a set. The first is suitable for rough processing. It is distinguished by coarse-grained coating. The second performs the grinding function. |
| Pumice, grater | It is a heel grater. These two types differ in that pumice is made from a special hard rock. A grater has small blades or a rubbing surface. Often made of steel. |
| Machine | Used to safely remove dead or dry skin. Made from stainless steel. |
| Pusher | Tool for removing cuticles. It happens two-sided. Using a spatula, the cuticle is lifted and removed using a hatchet. |
Advice from professionals
Some pedicure tools require a training course. This is due to the fact that a layperson has little experience in removing excess skin. He may not understand the location of the main vessels and capillaries, finds it difficult to determine the thickness of the skin in different places of the foot, distinguish the color of living and exfoliated tissue, and does not know many other features.
Experts warn against removing corns yourself using a pedicure knife. They work in conditions of good lighting and full visibility. When doing a pedicure yourself, these requirements are difficult to fulfill, so it is very easy to inflict a wound on yourself that will take a long time to heal.
Nail clippers are not intended for cutting nails. They can become unbalanced and become unusable. Thin blades are easily deformed, and then all that remains is to throw away the tool. They should not be dropped on the floor as the blades may become bent or stop closing tightly. The same applies to manicure scissors.
Pedicurists work only with sharp instruments. How do you know when it’s time to sharpen your tweezers or scraper? When the working blades become dull, the work progresses slowly, burrs remain on the proximal (posterior) nail fold after cutting the cuticle, and the scraper injures the skin due to the fact that it has to be pressed harder. In this case, they should be sent to a sharpening workshop.
Types of pedicure sets
Pedicure apparatus
There are three types:
- classical,
- hardware
- SPA.
The classic look is used in trim pedicure. Modern manufacturing technologies make it possible to obtain a product designed for intensive use. Some kits include a trimmer.
The hardware pedicure set may differ in its power. Special foot care techniques have many advantages:
- you don't have to worry about damage,
- reduce work time,
- perform work at a professional level at home.
Treatment of feet and nails occurs using cutters that rotate at different speeds . They are powered by a motor.
Diamond bits are the most durable, but they are best used by people with experience. Ceramic ones are safer, so they are preferred by beginners.
SPA pedicure is recognized as non-invasive. With its help, the integrity of the cover is not compromised . For treatment, special products are used that “dissolve” corns and calluses. This process does not cause discomfort. To carry it out, you will need antiseptics, means for relaxing the legs, peeling, and compositions for restoring the dermis.
What is the difference between professional manicure tools?
Many girls and women buy professional tools without thinking about whether they are needed and whether they will be used to their full potential. So how will a professional set of tools differ from those options offered to amateurs?
- Higher cost. Such a set will not cost little, since most often it is manufactured by a well-known company that has been specializing in this industry for many years.
- Life time. The parts of such a set will be ready to serve its owner for many years, taking into account the fact that they will be used on different clients several times a day.
- Quality of material and alloys. Typically, such tools are made from high-quality material that require virtually no sharpening or repair. Tools can be damaged if they fall to a great height or if a heavy object is placed on them. Then it is possible that the file may bend, and the ends of the nippers will not meet and the tracks will not be cut well. But with proper care, they can be useful for many years.
- Some of the items in this set can be used to create nail designs. If you initially do not know how to draw on the nail plate and do not set this goal, then there is no point in spending a lot of money on buying such a set.
- Cosmetic bag and case. Professional sets are almost always sold in a design that speaks volumes about their quality. Leather cases are used here, or those made from high-quality materials. For a long time they will not lose their appearance and will not dry out.
Mechanical and electrical: which one to choose?
These two types differ in their operating principle. Many professionals prefer to work mechanically They allow you to carry out all the procedures yourself. Often sold in special cases. Thanks to the large assortment, you can easily choose the optimal set according to your individual parameters.
How to choose tools for pedicure and manicure, a professional advises:
Unlike mechanical ones, electric ones are a portable machine that runs on batteries, a rechargeable battery, or an outlet. It includes blades, cone-shaped and cylindrical cutters, discs for filing, nail shaping, polishing, and removing rough layers of skin.
Choosing a mechanical set
- Pay attention to the plastic handles. There should be no chips or cracks on them.
- Metal parts must not fall out.
- It is better to give preference to professional options. They are made of durable steel, so they are suitable for repeated disinfection.
- The kit should contain all basic tools. If these are not enough, choose advanced models that allow you to perform the work better.
Small sets are produced under the brands Nail Care Set, Credo Solingen. Professionals will appreciate the products of ZINGER and Credo Solingen.
Features of choosing an electric model
- Choose a device that allows you to change the speed.
- If you are going to take it on the road, give preference to battery-powered types.
- Many people prefer types that include foot baths.
- The lower the power, the simpler the level of tasks that can be performed.
- In any case, you need to carefully study the instructions and understand how to use each attachment.
Products under the brands Vitek, Beurer, Scarlett are in demand. Their equipment is suitable for work at home and in the salon.
Professional tools
Masters who have been doing manicures and pedicures for a long time already have a huge number of devices in their arsenal. After all, different clients come to them, and they must be prepared for anything. What professional pedicure tools do they use in the salon?
Nippers, scissors and nippers
Spiral instruments are used to trim the length of nails and to trim the cuticle around the nail. Tweezers save nails from splitting by making the correct cut
It is important to ensure that the scissors and wire cutters are well sharpened
And when working with them you need to be as careful as possible. The nippers have a pointed end and are suitable for trimming cuticles or ingrown toenails
They can cope with even the thickest and most deformed nail plates.
The nippers have a pointed end and are suitable for trimming cuticles or ingrown toenails. They are able to cope with even the thickest and most deformed nail plate.
Files
Don't skimp on nail files. If you have the opportunity, you can purchase a complete set, which includes:
- coarse file with 100 grit abrasiveness for rough areas of the foot;
- delicate 240 grit file for filing the free edge;
- soft buffer with abrasiveness 320-1500 grit;
- double-sided file with different types of spraying.
If your toenails are very delicate, then you should take a closer look at a file with a paper or rubber base. And for extended nails, get tools made of metal or ceramics.
Pusher
A pusher (scraper) is a spatula that is used in both manicure and pedicure. It comes in different sizes and shapes and has two sides. Using one side, the cuticle near the nails is easily moved back, and using the other, it is removed. This procedure accelerates the growth of the nail plate.
Removing rough skin
What pedicure tools are needed to remove old and rough skin on the nails? Floats, pumice stones, brushes, scrapers and an electric razor are suitable. The porous and rough texture of pumice helps to easily remove excess skin on the feet. But before doing this, you need to steam your heels and feet well in hot water.
Fraser
A manicure cutter with a large number of different attachments has a wide range of capabilities. The tool runs on electricity, perfectly corrects the nail shape, removes dead skin on the fingers, removes cuticles, grinds and polishes the nail. With a router, you can forget about a large number of files and softening agents. This unique tool can easily replace all of the above devices.
Tripod
This is a special stand for pedicure, which allows you to place the clients’ feet for their convenience and the comfortable work of the master. You can rest your feet on the tripod. It will speed up the entire procedure several times, because with this position of the legs it is easy to reach the most inaccessible areas.
Pedicure bath
A hydromassage bath for a pedicure not only takes care of your nails, but also relaxes you, bringing indescribable pleasure. In the bath, clients usually steam their skin to make it easier to treat their feet, and also remove dead tissue. It is recommended to add fragrant herbs, a few drops of aromatic oils and other useful ingredients to a special device. After just a few minutes, your feet will be smooth, supple and fragrant.
Auxiliary Tools
Additional professional nail care tools include:
- Scrapers are presented in the form of a plate, at one end of which there is a so-called hatchet, and at the other - a spatula. With their help, specialists push back the cuticle and remove impurities. Professional scrapers are made from the same medical steel and contain special notches, which prevent the tool from slipping during work.
- Knipsers are a special type of nippers that are distinguished by their miniature size. Used when it is necessary to carefully trim the edges of the nail plates. Professional clippers are made from carbon, chromium or silicon, which allows you to process the thickest, hardest materials.
How to use: step-by-step instructions
At first, owners of the new device are perplexed by the number of devices, attachments and cutters, but after performing the treatment of the legs just once, everything will become clear and easy. The hardware pedicure procedure includes several stages:
- disinfection of all devices included with the machine;
- antiseptic treatment of the master’s hands and visitor’s feet;
- applying a smart skin softener to the problem parts, which should be on the feet for 10-20 minutes - the period of time depends on the degree of neglect of the feet;
- removal of softened hard areas using massive grinding elements;
- cleansing the skin with a milling cutter from calluses and corns;
- nail treatment - removing the cuticle, polishing the surface of the nail plate, filing and creating the required shape;
- final grinding, smoothing of the skin;
- massage with cream;
- coating with varnish or protective base.
Try your first hardware pedicure with a specialist:
How the device works
Milling pen for pedicure
The pedicure machine looks like a milling handle with a whole set of attachments . First, the most difficult and outdated areas on the heels are removed with the most abrasive and large cutters, and then they are replaced with more gentle ones. The set includes attachments for treating cuticles, nails and periungual skin. Also included are devices for getting rid of cracks, calluses and polishing wheels.
Conical pumice nozzle
The process of action of the complex itself proceeds by analogy with a dental drill, so only a person who has completed special courses or a physician can perform a professional pedicure. The kit includes devices capable of collecting dust from cutters, and devices for drying nail plates after applying varnish. Often, along with the device, in addition to the annotation, training videos are also included.
Most pedicure devices consist of the following components:
- a huge cone-shaped nozzle is used for hardened skin on the heels, performing the functions of a pumice stone or nail file ;
- cuticle lifter ;
- a cone-shaped nozzle for working with fingers helps get rid of ingrown nail plates ;
- a cylinder-shaped cutter cuts down the free edge of the plate ;
- discs with different levels of abrasiveness are used to create the shape of the nail plate ;
- a polishing attachment for grinding gives the nail surface a shine and a healthy appearance, used at the final stage;
- discs for the roughest skin on the feet remove old calluses and dead skin .
A professional will help you choose the right cutters:
