Dry vs. wet pedicure: is a no-water pedi the way to go?

You know when your feet really need a sprucing up. Like your own heels inflict pain if you catch ‘em against your other shin? We’ve all been there after a little while of sandal wearing, and given the soaring temps in London lately, I’ve been there for the last two months. I need a pedi, and I’m thinking of going dry. Yep, you’re no doubt used to dunking your tootsies in a bubbling bowl of warm, soapy water, but maybe not for long. Depending on your foot type – more on that later – a dry pedicure might be better for you. Let’s weigh it up.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 It’s tougher on dry skin

  A dry pedicure really gets to work on super dry skin and calluses, which are more visible to your technician than when the skin is saturated. Also, dipping your feet in heated water can cause cuticles to expand, meaning more skin may be removed than necessary (and we need our cuticles to defend against infection). In short, if your feet need a real good talking to (or, you know, filing), a dry pedi is probably best.
• 2 Your nail polish could last longer

  Dry nails could mean longer-lasting lacquer. How’s that? Soaking in water expands the nails, meaning that once they’ve shrunk back to size, cracks might occur (though a gel pedi is pretty tough stuff). A waterless approach could prolong polish power, but if you’re going varnish-free, you could stick to the comforting, bubbles option (wet pedicure, not beverage choice).
• 3 You can do it on your lunch break

  Yep, time really is of the essence when you’re afternoon is rife with meetings and there’s a reduced M&S salad waiting at your desk. On those days where pedicure is ‘maintenance’ vs. luxury (though we all deserve some down time, and you should definitely embrace a lunch break every.single.day), a dry pedicure is the swifter pick. Without the need for ‘soaking’, drying, and all round bubbly-goodness, you’ll be in and out the salon more quickly.
• 4 The bubbles bit feels really nice

  So maybe a dry pedi is more time-convenient, and less water is wasted in the process, but for an indulgent period of ‘zen’ little else beats the traditional wet pedicure. Warm, bubble-infused water, a comfy chair and soon-to-be supple feet. We know pedicures are good for our skin, turns out, they’re pretty darn good for the soul too. In fact, you should probably give both a try, you know, just to be sure.

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