When you’ve spent your hard-earned money on a pedicure in your local nail salon, it’s only natural to want it to last as long as possible, but how much time do you actually have to flaunt your newly polished toenails? If you’re curious about how long pedicures last, then here’s everything you need to know!
What is a Pedicure?
A pedicure is a beauty treatment that focuses on improving the health and appearance of your feet and nails. This is often done with different steps that include cutting and shaping the nail, trimming off and removing excess cuticles, moisturizing and massaging the feet, as well as exfoliating and buffing off any trouble areas like calluses and rough spots.
How Long Does a Pedicure Last?
How long your pedicure lasts will largely depend on what type of pedicure treatment you get, as each one uses different nail polishes:
- Regular Pedicure: A regular pedicure will last around one to two weeks, mainly due to the fact that the nail polish used is not as strong and is often applied in thin layers.
- Gel Pedicure: Compared to regular pedicures, a gel pedicure will last much longer—around three to four weeks—for a few different reasons. Gel nail polish is formulated to be thicker and more resilient against damage. It’s also cured underneath a UV lamp, which creates a much stronger bond between the polish and the nail.
- Acrylic Pedicure: If you don’t want to visit the nail salon once a month, then your best bet is to get an acrylic pedicure, which can last anywhere from six to eight weeks, not including salon touch-ups needed to compensate for nail growth. To create acrylic nails, acrylic powder and liquids are combined to create an incredibly hard and strong base that’s impressively resistant to damage, such as those caused by chemicals and environmental factors.
Why Do Pedicures Last Longer Than Manicures?
While different nail polishes have an average lifespan, there’s a much greater chance of your pedicure exceeding these estimates compared to your manicure. Here are a few reasons why this may be the case:
- Daily Wear and Tear: If you take the time to think about your daily routine, you’ll realize that your hands are exposed to so much more than your feet. While your feet are protected by footwear, your hands are exposed and constantly help you with most of your daily tasks, such as cooking meals or cleaning your home. This can definitely take its toll on your nail polish and reduce its longevity.
- Washing Habits: How many times do you wash your hands in a day? If it’s a good amount, such as every time you go to the bathroom, then the bad news is that this may be the reason why your pedicures outlast your manicures. Nail polish isn’t all that compatible with water. Hence, every water exposure incident on your hands compromises the longevity of the nail polish, and that’s without even considering the wiping and scrubbing motions that you may do.
- Sun Exposure: The sun is another culprit to blame for your pedicures outliving your manicures. While your feet often get inadvertently protected by your shoes, your hands are more likely to be exposed to the sun’s harsh rays, which can cause nail polish to lose its shine and break down more quickly.
How to Make a Pedicure Last Longer?
While pedicures generally last longer than manicures, there are a few other things you can do to push this a bit further:
- Moisturize and Exfoliate Your Feet: Remember that pedicures aren’t all about your toenails; they include the skin of your feet as well. If you want to preserve your pedicure as much as possible, then make sure that you regularly exfoliate and moisturize your feet to keep them feeling soft and smooth.
- Apply a Topcoat: A topcoat adds an extra layer of protection to keep your nail polish intact, but it can slowly wear out. Fortunately, you can easily deal with this by having a topcoat on hand and applying a thin layer around once a week.
- Care for Your Cuticles: During pedicures, nail technicians push back and trim your cuticles to keep them looking neat. After a while, you may notice that they grow back and make your pedicure look much less appealing, so make sure that you have the right tools on hand to look after your cuticles.
- Keep Your Nails Moisturized: To prevent your nails from drying out or becoming dehydrated, which can cause your polish to split and break, apply a cuticle oil or nail treatment regularly. This will not only keep your nails healthy, but it will also help you tame your cuticles more easily.
- Protect Your Pedicure: Your lifestyle can drastically reduce the longevity of your pedicure, but there are a few little changes you can make. Firstly, rather than walking around your home barefoot, protect your feet and toenails by wearing some socks or slippers. It’s also best to limit the direct sunlight exposure on your feet. Also, make sure that you keep your toes from soaking in chlorine water, which can ruin the shine and finish of your nails.
The Takeaway
Depending on the type of pedicure you get, your feet and toenails can look amazing for a long time. While this may not last forever, there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your pedicure for as long as possible, such as making smarter choices on what pedicure you’re going to get, as well as a few lifestyle changes here and there.
Another great way to keep your toenails looking as good as possible is to stay on top of your pedicures. This can be difficult, especially with your unpredictable schedule and the limited appointment slots in salons, but a much more convenient alternative is to book an at-home pedicure service instead. With Luce’s affordable pedicures and customizable services, you’ll be able to keep your feet and nails healthy and beautiful without having to leave your house!
