How to Give Yourself the Ultimate At-Home Pedicure
Everything you need to achieve salon-level results without leaving home. From soft, smooth skin to perfectly polished toes, this is your step-by-step guide to an elevated at-home pedicure.
If there is one thing that I have learned about myself, it’s that I really don’t take enough care of myself. As a beauty editor, this can be a hard thing to admit. You see, I do actually dedicate an hour every evening to a rather luxurious bathing session, and my twice-daily skincare routine is quite lengthy and excessive, but when it comes to just about anything else, I’m useless. Sadly, unless I have an appointment booked to remind me, everything from my brows to my nails gets totally neglected.
One area in particular that I have found myself turning a blind eye to recently is my feet. Sure, I give them a good slathering of foot cream after my nightly bath and keep my nails in check as best as I can, but am I really giving them the time and love they need? Absolutely not. Usually, at this stage, I’d book myself in for a thorough pedicure. However, sometimes getting to the salon isn't always possible, so I have had to take matters into my own hands. In a bid to get my tootsies ready for summer, I reached out to my all-round nail guru (and celebrity nail artist) Jenni Draper to take me through, step by step, how to carry out the perfect at-home pedicure.
A Step-by-Step Guide to an At-Home Pedicure
1. Remove Old Polish
Remove old polish with an acetone-soaked cotton pad. If polish has stained the toenails, gently buff over the nails with a buffer to remove stains and also smooth any ridges in the nail. Trim the nails down. Cut them straight across and not too short, and file them straight across to get rid of any rough edges.
2. Prep Skin
This is the part of a DIY pedi that I am always keen to forgo due to its fuss and length. The truth is, though, prepping the skin on your feet is crucial in making your pedicure last longer. During the colder months, when our feet are hidden away in socks, it’s easy to turn a blind eye to hard skin and calluses. Using a foot file, file away any calluses and hard skin. Concentrate on the heels and balls of the feet and any other pressure points from shoes. To remove more hard skin, do this dry.
3. Soak & Exfoliate
Now is the time to get in the shower or bath. If not, though, now is the time to do a foot soak in a bowl or foot spa. I like to use Epsom salts with warm water to help reduce inflammation/swelling. Don’t soak for too long. Ten minutes should do it. Use an exfoliator to scrub the feet and smooth any dry skin. This can also be done in the bath or shower. If you're doing it after a foot soak, dry the feet off, and then scrub, rinse and dry again.
4. Hydrate
If you have time, a foot mask can be done at this point. If you don’t have the time, then give your feet a massage with a rich moisturiser. Again, pay particular attention to dry areas like the heels.
5. Prep Cuticles
Quite possibly the most unenjoyable part of a pedicure, if you ask me, is preening the cuticles. Unlike the cuticles on our fingernails, the cuticles on our toenails can be hard and stubborn. Apply a cuticle oil to the toenails and massage it into the cuticles. Then, gently push back the cuticles with a metal cuticle tool. The cuticles need to be pushed back so that you can perfectly apply polish. If you need to, use a buffer again at this point to smooth over the nails and remove any rough bits of nail or cuticle.
6. Prep Nails
Wipe over the nails with nail varnish remover to remove any oils and dust left on the nail plate before polishing. Use a toe separator or rolled up tissue in between the toes to keep them apart while you're applying polish.
7. Apply Polish
Now for the fun part. Much like painting your fingernails, painting your toenails is much easier and results in a much neater finish if you know some simple application hacks.
Start by applying a base coat to help the polish last and prevent staining. Then, with your chosen colour, apply a line of polish across the cuticle area of the big toenail to give you a neat finish. Apply the rest of the colour up the nail, from the cuticle to the tip. Less is more when painting toenails, as it’s easy to flood the nail with colour. Paint all the other toes and repeat on the other foot. Apply a second coat of colour to all the toenails. Use an old, small makeup brush (concealer size) and dip it into nail polish remover to tidy up around the nails.
8. Finishing Products
Apply a topcoat to all of the nails. Seche Vite is the best for quick drying and making the colour last for a long time. Finish up by hydrating the cuticles with a drop of cuticle oil. To keep the nails looking their best, reapply your topcoat once a week. I also keep hard skin at bay by using a foot file one to two times a week on dry skin before getting in the shower.
The Best Products for An At-Home Pedicure
A precise, salon-quality tool that makes shaping and trimming nails feel effortless and controlled. The sharp stainless-steel blades glide cleanly without snagging, making them a staple for a neat at-home pedicure.
This clever buffer sponge smooths ridges and adds a natural-looking shine without the need for polish. It’s perfect for creating a clean, healthy nail finish in seconds.
A professional-grade callus softening system that works quickly to break down hard, dry skin. When paired with gentle buffing, it leaves feet noticeably smoother after just one use.
A classic Epsom salt soak designed to ease tired, aching feet while gently softening skin. The relaxing scent turns a simple foot bath into a proper self-care ritual.
A refreshing exfoliating scrub that combines physical buffing with an instantly cooling peppermint sensation. It’s especially good for reviving tired feet and removing dry, flaky skin.
These single-use booties deliver an intense hit of hydration to dry, neglected feet. After 15–20 minutes, skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and deeply nourished.
A lightweight yet highly effective foot cream that focuses on both hydration and hygiene. It absorbs quickly, helping to keep feet soft, smooth, and fresh without greasiness.
This deeply nourishing nail oil strengthens brittle nails while softening dry cuticles. With consistent use, it helps improve flexibility and overall nail health.
A dual-ended stainless steel tool designed for precise cuticle pushing and under-nail cleaning. It offers excellent control and makes prep work feel much more professional.
This fast-acting remover quickly dissolves polish without excessive rubbing or damage. It’s especially useful for glitter or darker shades that are usually harder to take off.
A smoothing base coat that helps polish adhere better while creating an even nail surface. It also helps protect nails from staining, especially with deeper polish shades.
A soft, creamy nude that gives nails a polished but understated finish. It’s one of those universally flattering shades that works for both everyday wear and occasions.
A muted, wearable pink that feels modern and slightly elevated compared to a bright neon. It’s the kind of shade that makes nails look “done” without drawing too much attention.
This richly pigmented polish has a breathable formula that feels more nail-friendly than traditional lacquers. The finish is glossy and sophisticated, with impressive staying power.
A cult-favourite top coat known for its ultra-glossy, gel-like finish and rapid drying time. It locks in colour beautifully while adding serious shine and extending wear time.
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