A heads up for those people who love to change their nail colour every fortnight: a fresh trend is bubbling up this summer, and it involves no nail varnish at all. The “no-polish” pedicure is simple, elegant and natural-looking, though it does require a little more preparation than the title might suggest. Rather than being a neglected detail, the no-polish pedicure is designed to highlight healthy, well cared for nails and nourished skin. Here’s your four-step routine to healthy, bare nails and glowing feet.
1. Clean and shape the nail
A good pedicure starts with well cared for nails. That means, cleaning and trimming the nails into a natural shape that doesn’t weaken them as they grow, ideally short or medium-length, and always filed in the same direction.
“In an ideal world, you’d combine cutting and filing,” Judith García, founder of Mani Cure, describes. “Cutting helps control the length, and filing helps to shape and smooth the edges.” Her preferred shape is a straight shape, as it reduces the risk of ingrown cuticles.
When it comes to cuticles, there’s no need to remove them completely, but it is best to keep them moisturised and gently push them back. “The cuticle acts as a natural barrier that protects the nail,” García explains. Keeping them healthy is key to general nail health, but to the look of the nail, too.
Navy Classic Manicure Kit
2. Exfoliate and moisturise
Your feet – like your hands, face, neck and the rest of your body – require consistent care. Gently exfoliating the skin on your feet once or twice a week will help to slough off any dead skin, smooth the rough skin on your heels and reveal the brighter, new skin beneath. A physical scrub can work wonders on tired feet, but chemical treatments work just as well at removing dead skin. Look for one that contains AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), as they break down the gluey water bonds that keep old skin stuck in place.
