2009 has been the year that I’ve reconnected with my femininity. The first step is to get my monthly mani/pedi. The manicure is an extra, but for sure, my toes have to look fabulous. So with the warm weather already here (depending on where you are) and with one of my pet peeves being tore up feet I thought this article from the “Brooklyn Foot Doc” might be useful for you.

At the first sign of warm weather, people begin phasing out their winter wardrobe in favor of spring and summer fashions – a transition that would be incomplete without sandals in every shape, size and color. However, after months hidden inside of shoes, most toes aren’t ready for to make an appearance without a tune up in the form of a pedicure.

While the economy continues its tailspin, few people can part with the roughly $20 many pedicures cost but the good news is that with some easy tips, at-home pedicures can easily rival those offered at even the chicest nail salon.

Pedi-prep
If you just clip the nails and swipe some nail polish on, the results are sure to look amateur. It’s vital to take caution when cleaning and preparing the skin and nails on the feet to avoid the spread of infections and fungus. Dr. Michael Perlstein, a board certified Brooklyn-based podiatrist says that safely performing a spa-level pedicure is simple, with just a few steps.

• Toeing the line between long and short

Keep toenails cut to a manageable level. According to Dr. Perlstein, toenails should never be permitted to grow longer than the tip of the toe – if they do grow too long, the pressure from shoes (even sandals with straps that lay on the toes) can cause ingrown toenails. “It’s imperative that women keep toenails short and that they file them or cut them straight across, lessening the chance that pressure will force the nail to grow into the skin,” warns Dr. Perlstein.

• Take a dip

This is the step that’s most often forgotten about in at-home pedicures because women don’t want to go through the hassle of filling a footbath and then cleaning it out or they want to save time. Bad move, says Dr. Perlstein, not only is a foot soak relaxing, it also softens things up. “A five to 10 minute soak softens skin, most importantly any calloused skin, as well as the cuticles,” explains Dr. Perlstein. “A way to get around it is by doing the pedicure immediately after showering.” Whichever route you choose, follow up by cleaning the toenails with a toenail brush and applying moisturizer.