About to head to your first mani pedi? If you’re feeling nervous, we get it. But there’s no need to be – nail technicians and manicurists see hundreds of clients every week, and for us, it’s just another day at work.
In this article, we’re going to explain exactly what happens at your first manicure and pedicure, so get ready to be excited about your upcoming appointment!
How do I pick the right manicure?
If you’ve never been for a mani-pedi before, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand so you can find the best manicure that suits your style. You can pick anything from a classic French manicure to a totally unique custom nail design – it all comes down to your personal preferences.
What happens when you arrive?
When you arrive at your appointment for your first manicure and pedicure, you’ll typically sign in with the receptionist and be asked to sit in the waiting area. Usually – if you’re on time – your manicurist will be finishing up with their latest client, before giving their nail bar a quick clean and preparing for their next appointment – you!
You’ll feel at ease right away
Anyone working in a nail salon knows how to make their clients feel at ease, so you don’t need to be worried about making small talk. Your manicurist will chat away and ask you about your day, before discussing any specifics regarding your manicure and pedicure.
You’ll feel incredibly pampered
Your manicurist will probably start with your hand manicure first, so you’ll sit down at the nail bar to begin. The manicurist will clean your nails, buff them, and remove any lingering nail polish. Depending on the type of manicure you’re getting, your nails will also be cut and shaped to a uniform style, and you’ll finish up with an indulgent hand massage.
Time for nail polish
Once your nails have been cleaned and buffed to perfection, you’ll be able to choose your preferred nail colour or design, whether it be a classic French manicure, your favourite bold colour, or a more creative, unique nail pattern. The best nail salons, like N.Bar, will be able to offer intricate nail art and custom styles, as well as different types of polish, including normal and gel polish by The Gel Bottle.
UV curing
Once the gel polish has been applied, your manicurist will “cure” the polish by placing your hands under a compact UV light machine. This helps prevent your polish from chipping or breaking when you leave the salon and go about your day-to-day activities.
Pedicure time
Once your nails have been cured, your mani is officially complete – and your nails are probably looking better than they ever have. So now, it’s time for your pedicure!
Foot spa
Before getting to work on your toes and feet, most pedicurists will indulge you with a relaxing foot spa. This involves soaking your feet in warm water, but most nail salons will use mini jacuzzi-like machines to get the job done. This part of your pedicure will feel incredibly pampering, but it also has a practical use too; softening the feet before a pedicure makes it easier to remove things like calluses, hard skin, and cracked heels.
Exfoliating
Once you’ve finished soaking your feet, the pedicurist will exfoliate your heels and the soles of your feet, removing any dead or hard skin. As we mentioned above, this is also the best time to remove any calluses or corns, as the skin is still supple from the foot soak.
Creams and oils
Once exfoliated, the pedicurist will treat your feet to a nourishing blend of creams or oils, which will leave your feet feeling silky smooth and soft. Depending on the type of pedicure you’re getting, this may also be the time for a foot massage, hot stone treatments, and any other add-ons, such as a reflexology treatment.
Preened and polished
The final step of your pedicure is going to be the application of a nail polish of your choice. While block colours for toenails are common, you don’t aren’t limited to just a single colour; you can get french pedicures, or even opt for gel polish. Once your nails have been cured, your pedicure is complete, and you’re now preened and polished from head to toe – or should we say head to toenail?
At-home pampering, made easy
If your current schedule doesn’t have the space for a mani-pedi, give yourself an at-home manicure or pedicure using industry-trusted products. You can find some of N.Bar’s favourite nail products over here at Beauty Tribe.
Looking for a men’s spa?
Want to treat your other half to a luxury men’s manicure? 1847 is the leading men’s grooming brand in the UAE, with men’s manicures, hand massages, and reflexology treatments available in all their distinguished grooming lounges.
