How Do All These Women Do Pedicure?

Updated on July 13, 2011
M.T. asks from Saint Paul, MN
77 answers

Hi, it seems like women MUST have their toes painted if they're wearing open toe shoes or sandals. It seems like that wasn't the case a few years ago, but now it's really hard (impossible) find feet without toes painted (when I can see the toes). Is this true?

So, how do all these women have time/money to go have pedicure done or skills to do it themselves so nicely? I've never done pedicure myself and I can't imagine being able to do it myself so neatly like others have it done. Also it'll be hard to find time with our son running around (too tired to concentrate and do well after he goes to bed). And how do all these women (including women with kids) find time and moeny to go in to have it done at a salon every couple of weeks to keep them looking good?

I'm sorry, I'm just flabbergasted - EVERYBODY's keeping their toe nails nicely colored. I didn't do pedicure last year - didn't care - I was too overwhelmed with a new baby. This year, I am still keeping my closed toe shoes becasue I can't show my toe nails - but it's starting to get hot.

I just find this hard to believe so had to write about it. Thank you for reading.

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So What Happened?

Hi, thank you soooo much for all your responses! Now I know that polish on toes last longer than on figer nails and that people don't look at toenails as close-ups than fingers - I feel much better about painting them myself. It's also good to know if I smudge and put polish on skin, it comes off easily after shower.

Since I've never painted toe nails myself and also since I haven't been taking care of my feet they're in bad shape, I think I'll have my first one at a salon. From there, I'll try to touch up and repaint them myself. Now I'm looking for a good salon (especially since some of you shared that you got infections from getting pedicure!).

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences, methods, and tips!

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S.B.

answers from St. Cloud on

Good Morning! I know there are a lot of responses to read through, but thought I'd throw mine in anyway. I buy OPI nail polish which stays on better thatn any other I have tried. And clip and polish them myself. It takes about two minutes, I can do it as I am walking out the door if I get to that point and want to! They have lots of colors to choose from and it cost me $8.50 a bottle. Pretty darn cheap to feel a little prettier, I think! I don't know anyone in my area that gets a regular pedi, but I do live in a small town... Hope you found something in these responses to help you out!!

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P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Everybody? You haven't seen my feet then. I've painted my toenails (myself), maybe 5 times in my whole life.

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B.O.

answers from Portland on

I clip my toes every once in awhile and also use glitter polish because it is more forgiving. If I ever felt like I needed a pedi then I would go down to the cosmetology school at the local community college...it costs about 3 bucks there for a full pedi:)

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I get pedi's AND I do my own nails. I keep them painted because I think it looks "finished" and "polished"! My feet look "odd" to me when my toenails are not "done".

I am admittedly a reverse-foot fetishist and when I see uncared for, gnarly looking feet on a woman (or a man) it really grosses me out!

It's not all that hard to "do" your own toenails. And if you go the pedi route..once every 6-8 weeks is enough. You can re-polish yourself in between.

If I were you, I'd start with a professional pedicure. Then you can "keep up" easily from there.

It's really not that unrealistic or impossible to find 15-20 minutes to do your own nails even with a little O. around.

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T.C.

answers from Des Moines on

I do my own, it takes practice. I usually pay for one or two a year and then can do the upkeep myself. It's not hard to put on polish. First off pay for a decent nail polish - the 99 cent stuff doesn't work. Here's my how to guide. Shake the polish, unscrew the lid and dip the brush a few times to be sure its got enough paint. When you pull the brush out of the jar drag it along the lip of the jar scraping the bottom half of the brush and half of the polish back into the jar. Now flip the brush over so that the painty side is down and lay the brush at the cuticle and sweep towards the nail tip. Cover the middle first, then do each side. It should only take you 3 swipes to cover each nail. And you should not need to re-dip the brush. do the same to all the nails. Let it set for about 5 minutes. Then repeat adding a second coat. 5 more minutes. Then apply a clear top coat to keep them from chipping. Keep some Q-tips handy soaked in nail polish remover. If you glob it on your skin, this will lift it right off. Once your done, comes the hard part, sit still for 30 minutes - I don't care how quick drying the polish says it is. 30 minutes. I do this at night or nap time, so I have time to let it dry.

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P.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

I can't believe how women DO NOT take care of their feet..it's not just for show (though ugly/uncared for feet make me think of unclealiness), it's for health! If you don't keep your feet (skin, not just nails) clean, soft and kept, pretty soon the skin will toughen, producing hard spots, toes will begin to twist, bones will poke out, making it hard, while aging, to reverse the process. You don't want to be an old lady and have problems walking around because of your feet. Taking care of yourself is an investment for your future, wether is teeth (also IMPORTANT), feet or other parts of your body. There's a happy medium between going to the salon every other week and, say, once every 3/4 months, for about on hour total. You can do it..come on!

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

I hate/loathe pedicures. I wear open toe shoes without my nails being painted. I don't inspect peoples toes & if they inspect mine & don't like them~oh well too bad. This is the 1st year that I actually have been painting them. I got some OPI & then put a clear top coat & it seems to last about 3 weeks & takes 5 minutes.

You posted this question when you could have been painting your toes, lol.

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J.W.

answers from Grand Rapids on

First, painted toes are just pretty and it makes me feel good to look down and see nicely done toe nails! Second, it really isn't that expensive, depending on where you go. If you can find a nice local salon that is clean and follows good hygiene procedures, you can get your nails done for about $25-30. My toes last at least a month or even 5-6 wks so it costs about $50 dollars a season to keep them done. It is a nice time to recharge and relax and get pampered. Leave the baby with hubby or grandma or trade with a friend and go sit in a nice comfy chair, put your piggies in a whirlpool bath, get them massaged and prettified! It only takes about 30-45 minutes and is Soooo worth every penny! If you can't afford to go somewhere, you could arrange a girl's night out with some friends where you paint eachother's toes because I agree that it is very difficult to do your own toes well. Just do it! You deserve some "me time" every now and then.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

k

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M..

answers from St. Louis on

I havent gotten pedicures lately just to save money. But I have 3 kids and girl, I FIND time to make my toes pretty. It doesnt take too long....
Get a GOOD polish and sally hanson clear coat. Piece of cake, and everyone asks when where I get them done. :)

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J.B.

answers from Rochester on

I don't think pedicures is the issue here. People get pedicures not just because it makes their toes look pretty in sandals it is wonderful "me" time. Find something that you enjoy and get yourself a little "me" time...then you won't be so focused on pedicures :).

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I keep my toes done and my 16 yr old daughter does as well. We have been to the salon and get a mani/pedi but for the most part, we do it ourselves. It is a mom/daughter thing here... we get the bowls, scrubs etc out and have a nice chat while doing our nails.

I am grossed out by seeing nasty feet and dirty fingernails. It is not that hard to clean yourself, use the scrubber in the shower while you have hair conditioner on or something.

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C.W.

answers from Santa Barbara on

If I couldn't find an hour for myself and $25 every two weeks I would be very sad!! I'm in California and wear strappy, open toe or peep toed shoes all year so you bet I'm going to do it!

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I don't get pedicures except for maybe once a year if I get a gift certificate. I do my own nails when I get the chance. The trick is getting a long-lasting polish. I've found the OPI ones last around three weeks, which is when I need to trim my nails again anyway.

Sometimes I go without polish. It's not a dealbreaker whether I wear sandals or not. I just have bigger priorities. If I have a few minutes to paint them, great; if not, that's fine, too.

I would wear your sandals and not give it a second thought.

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Before kids (BK) used to get pedicures twice a month.
Now I buy 99cent nail polish
and do them once in a great while when they start to look like the Sasquatch's (sp?) nasty ol' toes.
No time.
Other priorities.
Can't sit still in pedi chair w/list of 100 things to do.
I do them when baby in bed for night or taking nap. :)

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I can actually give myself a pretty good pedicure, but getting a professional one isn't very expensive. They last two or three weeks and you can get one for between $20 and $40 depending on where you live and go. I use them as one of my "me time" relaxing things! Leave the kuds with dad and go for an hour of sitting in a massage chair, looking at trashymagazines and getting your toes done! I get two a month during summer at $29 a piece plus tip. That's still a lot less than a massage or going shopping!

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

My husband takes care of the kids so I can go take care of me...

I get a pedicure at LEAST once a month. Usually every two weeks...

Also - when we were crunching a budget and money was tight - my husband would paint my nails for me...he's an engineer and REALLY anal so it's done nice!! :)

You NEED to make time for you...get a baby sitter or have your husband watch your son and GO! GO!! GO!!!!!

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S.M.

answers from Detroit on

Wow you're missing out boo boo.. pedicures are not that expensive and they make you feel soooo good and itsncompletely the norm for me at least... I know for me i have to get something done to feel good like maybe get my eyebrows arched every other month or pedicure every month, its necessary now because before marriaged and baby I used to get my feet eyebrows and hair done every two weeks so kinda have to keep up with that every now and then and my husband loves when i get my feet done... it doesn't hurt to take care of the pigly wiglies... it doesn't have to be polished either and you can do it yourself.. just get a nice foot bath and some foot scrub and other pedi utensils and go to work... you will feel really good!!!

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P.M.

answers from Dallas on

I'm 30 and have gone to have my nails done less than 5 times in my entire life. When I have the time and money there is always something else to be done. My nails are one of my lowest priorities, lol. I do see everyone with painted toes, but I wouldn't be surprised to see sandaled feet without paint! I walk around like that all the time! As long as your feet aren't funky then let those toes out without fear!

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Not me.
I wear sandals when ever I want and never paint my toenails.
It is expensive and time consuming.
I'm too busy and I have other things I'd rather spend my time/money on.
Maybe you notice painted toes more than non painted, but even if everyone near you is doing it - you can buck the trend, be unique and go without.
Additional:
Twisted toes/bones poking out because you don't paint your nails?
Balderdash and nonsense!
Then men must have some pretty disfigured feet (they don't).
How did the human race survive 10,000 years before nail polish was invented?
There are plenty of people all over the world who live just fine without it.
Flat shoes (with no arch support), and/or shoes with tight pointy toes will give you more foot problems whether you have a genetic disposition towards bunions or not.
Sure - keeping nails trimmed and buffing dry/dead skin is just maintenance (and people who live their lives barefoot wear it off just by walking/running on surfaces) but that has nothing to do with painting your nails.

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

I paint my own nails. If I am in a hurry, I use a base coat, 2 coats of a light color polish so you can't see my mistakes, and a top coat. The darker colors are harder for me to put on. You can see every little mishap so it takes me longer to put it on and clean up the mess around the edges afterwards. I am going to try what Faith said when I use the darker colors. As long as your toe nails are trimmed and neat, wear your sandals!!

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A.G.

answers from Norfolk on

I have gotten a few, usually social girl time when everyone else wants to do it. But really why not show your nails, natural is just fine unless you have some type of fungal infection that makes your nails gross. Be a rebel, just because the other gals have painted nails doesn't mean you have too. I personally like painted nails when I have time, but I hate to wear makeup and even more, my husband hates it when makeup migrates to him when we snuggle. I almost never wear anything more than moisurizer. Different probably yes, unkept or ugly no.

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J.R.

answers from Davenport on

Yep, like the last two said before me - I have only had 3 pedicures in my life - one riht beofre my wedding, one on a rare girls day out and one last year on our anniversary trip, my hubby paid for one for me while he got a back massage.

I do have pained toenails most of the time, but i just do it myself. It is not hard, and it lasts a long time for me, like only have to paint about once a month, and then once it starts to grow out, and show a strip of white nail at the bottom, then I remove it and re-do. It really only takes maybe a half hour, I usually do it right when the kids go down for naps, or right after they go to bed...usually paint them while my sandals or flip flops are ON, so I can still walk around while they dry, and I don't mess it up trying to put on shoes too early while it is still wet. Usually I use a neutral color, like a peachy-beige, but I also have some fun wild colors, but I just paint them a sold color, 2 coats, nothing fancy.

HOWEVER, there is nothing wrong with naked tonails at all, aslong as they are clean and trimmed, go au natural if you don't have time ot inclination for painting them - seriously - I doubt anyone is examining your toes!

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L.U.

answers from Seattle on

About 2 years ago my friend took me to get a pedicure for my birthday. I left the kids with my husband and off I went! I was excited to be pampered. A couple of weeks later I noticed something wrong with my big toe nails. They were getting soft and crumbly looking. So, I just kept throwing nail polish on them because I was embarassed! Finally, about a year ago I showed my husband my nails and asked what was wrong with them. He said I had a fungus! GROSS! I got it from this high end place!! EWWW! now, I wont go and get a pedicure because I am worried about #1. Them seeing my nasty toe and #2. Passing on my fungus to someone else. I am putting a gloss on my toenails that "may" help with the fungus, but probably not since I can not take the oral medication as a breasfeeder.
Why do I tell you all this!!?? While I certainly love a pedicure, you CAN get something nasty from it! I do my own feet now.
I have three kids, 9,6, and 6 months. I do them when they are outside playing or sleeping. BAG BALM is the bomb if you have some crusty feet, which I totally do. Lather all over your feet and put socks on when you go to bed. After a couple of days your feet will look soft and smooth. Then, just throw a coat of nail polish on. It takes 5-10 minutes and then 5 minutes to dry. You can find 15 minutes for yourself mama.
L.

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S.C.

answers from Milwaukee on

They do make polish that dries in 1 min. I'm betting if you really want some pretty toes you could do it.

I get a pedi every few months because it's a nice time to hang out w/ a friend of mine who turned me onto them. It also feels great. I work in a factory, standing on concrete for 8 yrs a day in steel toes. Having the massage portion of the pedi makes it all worthwhile.

I am a single mom. My kiddo goes by her dad once a week for 8 hrs. This just happens to be the day the salon we go to is closed. I either have my mom hang out w/ my daughter for a few hours or I bring her with me. This last time she came w/ me and wanted her toes done too. It cost me $8 to have her toes painted.

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J.L.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi M., I know you got a lot of responses, so sorry if I repeat. My toes are always painted, in fact, I can't remember the last time they weren't...maybe middle school! It's just something that I always liked to indulge in. Anyway, I think the secret to making your toes look like they've just had a fresh pedi, is one of those rectangular buffers. It just smoothes out the ridges in your nail so the polish lies flat and gives it that professional look. After I get out of the shower, I use the buffer (there are four sides, but I only do sides 1 and 2), paint one coat, let sit for maybe a minute, then go back over with a thicker second coat and then a thick cream on my feet. This takes me less than 10 minutes. I always get compliments on my pedi and asked where did I get them done even though I've done them myself. I used to love doing my nails myself, very relaxing, but now that I have kids, I just do a quick buff and polish and that is it. Also, I hate spending all that money when I can just do it myself.

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L.L.

answers from Rochester on

My husband doesn't like nail polish, so I guess I'm one of the few that feels perfectly beautiful with sandals and bare toes. However, I soak my feet, clip my nails, and keep my feet clean and nice looking.

Occasionally (if I am SUPER bored) I paint my toenails...never my fingernails. I find that glitter polish is the most forgiving, especially in lighter colors...you can't tell if it's smudged or not, for the glitter. It's pretty, fun, etc...and I eventually take it off, and go another year without it.

Personally, I think ultra done nails look fake and tacky. I HATE seeing french tips on toenails...it honestly makes me want to wretch, because it's like trying to make your toes look like fingers. I feel the same way about long toenails. This isn't meant to insult anyone...I just REALLY don't like the way it looks. I can't imagine people spending money on this stuff.

If I had fifty dollars (or whatever it costs, I am NOT the one to know!) I could sure think of some fabulous things to do with it! I could take my children out to eat and we could all order what we wanted plus desert, then I could go to a book store and we could each pick out a new book. What sounds more fun? That, or going to have your nails made to look fake? I don't know...

Yay, food and books!!! :)

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Be a trend setter. Naked toes.

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R.H.

answers from Boston on

I don't actually think its' a new thing. My friends and most women I know have been doing regular pedi's during the summer for a while. I don't have the desire or the time. I really don't care if other people are offended by my bare toenails! If we have a wedding or something like that I will paint them myself. THen again I'm a Birkenstock kind of gal, so I think most people are relieved just to see that I've shaved my legs & pits. :)
Don't worry about everyone else, wear your sandals! But just fyi I don't think pedicures are expensive. If it's really bothering you just make a monthly appointment on the weekend, or any other time when you can secure childcare. You can bring a magazine and just enjoy the time alone!

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R.S.

answers from San Antonio on

I just slop the color on my toes and walk around barefoot until it dries. I mean it when I say slop it on...it is everywhere on the nails, skin around the toes, etc.

Then when I take a shower all if it just comes right off the skin and leaves my toes painted and looking nice.

I also layer touch up color on top of color and even color on top of color for weeks at a time.

You know I have gotten so many compliments on my "pedicure". I just say thank you and laugh...they are the most low maintenance toes ever...but you are right I would never wear sandles with out polish on.

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I.G.

answers from Seattle on

I HATE the feeling of nail polish on my toe or fingernails, so I don't do it. Period. I don't care what everybody else does. I keep them clean and trim and that's it. So far no-one has complained about my unpainted nails and unpedicured feet.
Just go ahead and wear those sandals, who cares what anybody else does or thinks.
Good luck

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C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

I either go with unpainted toenails or I paint them myself. Honestly, out of all the women friends I have I don't know anyone who gets pedicures. I know some friends have done a rare "girls day out" and gotten a pedicure once or twice in their entire life. I'd say everyone I know who has painted toe nails just paints them all by themselves. It is not hard. There is NOTHING wrong with unpainted toe nails either! Wear your open toed shoes and don't worry about it so much!

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

I... do not get pedicures.
Yes, it costs money.
I am a SAHM and don't have extra disposable money.
Lots of my friends, go regularly to get pedicures at salons.
It looks nice.
But, I just do my own at home, IF I have the time.
Usually, my toes are not painted.
Right now, it is not.

And here in Hawaii, everyone wears open-toe shoes and flip-flops all the time.

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F.D.

answers from Milwaukee on

I won't go to a salon b/c my friend and I both got a nasty staph infection when we went for pedicures once. Here's my trick for a fast and neat pedi: I paint my toes quickly without worrying about staying in the lines. Then, after my next shower, I use my fingernails to scrape off the extra polish that landed on the skin rather than the toe.

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C.Z.

answers from Omaha on

I have pedicures year around. Usually every six weeks or so...$25 including tip. I am worth it!

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

i go once a month and sometimes just get polish done ($10), worth it

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

When my kids were little I went on the weekend when DH could watch them. I feel it is important to have well groomed toes if you are going to wear sandals. And pedicures last WAY longer than manis. I get mine every 3 or 4 weeks and am fine. You could also get one real pedi and then just go in for polish changes-they charge like $8 for that.

Faith's advice is good though if you can't afford the time or $$-just slap the polish on and after your shower it comes right off the skin around your toes. I will do that in the winter sometimes.

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C.W.

answers from Lynchburg on

Hi M.-

Funny you should ask this...I just got done giving myself a pedicure!

Used to be I only 'did' my toes when I was preggers...lol...wanted to have pretty toes to see while feet were in the air!

Right after my divorce was final...a friend gave me the gift of a 'mani/pedi'...it was SOOO relaxing and indulgent...not something I can squeeze on MY budget...BUT...if I were wealthy...I would add it to my list regularly for sure!

Now my girls are older...and periodically we give each other a 'treatment'...it is inexpensive...and great to help each other with a 'girlie' activity...

Give it a whirl!
Naked toes are great too!

Michele/cat

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A.G.

answers from Houston on

i do my own, takes practice but its like keeping the hair dyed, the eyebrows waxed and the body shaved...........all in a day

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A.C.

answers from Wichita on

.

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A.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I get a pedicure at the beginning of summer and then maintain it on my own the rest of the summer. Just make sure to bring your own polish so you can repair nail chips.

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S.D.

answers from Phoenix on

I paint my own toes.... had pedi s a long time ago and got a bad one and infection so kinda stopped the salon deal. I would rather invest in massages. :0)

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K.U.

answers from Detroit on

A nice pedi costs me about $30 where I have it done, and during the summer I try to get it done every 4 to 6 weeks. DD is either home with my husband or I get it done if she happens to be doing a morning of day camp (she's almost 4 and day camp is not every day). I work hard, so I figure I deserve something like this as a little treat to myself. My heels also tend to get pretty dry and cracked and it's nice have them buffed smooth and soft again.

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

I live in sandals all year long. So I have always done my own pedicures, that is until I injured my back.. Now I cannot get in a position to care for them properly..

Totally worth my time. I do paperwork, pay my bills, and read some trash magazines..while they work on them.

My nails are super hard and they grow extremely fast, so it is easier for me to go and have them done. It only takes 45 min and the one in the hood is about $15. + tip. I have never had an infection from a pedicure. (knock on wood).

Sometimes, I do not have them painted, I just have them trim them, buff them and care for my heels.

My business partner has Cancer and a pedicure just to clean up her toes is one of the things on her "wish list". She normally does her own, but is in too much pain to bend over and is too weak. I found a woman who will go to my friend home and work on her feet. So we have set it up for about every 3 weeks.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I used to do my own toes before I tried a pedicure. My husband would laugh at me and ask if I just dipped the tips of my toes in the polish because I was such a bad polisher! I knew that after about a day the excess polish would come off so it was no big deal.

Fast forward to after having kids...a pedicure is a treat (almost a necessity) where I get to get out of the house for 1-2 hours, sit in the massage chair, have someone rub exfoliating scrub on my feet and legs, wrap them in a warm towel, do a divine 10 minute massage on my feet and legs, and then slap some polish on there (I don't care so much about the color - I love all the other stuff even more!). To me, it is worth every penny for the serenity, pampering, peace and quiet, and time to myself!

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

It's only $25 for a pedicure, and while I don't do them often (one or two per summer), I consider it a little treat for myself. I leave my kids with my husband and go relax for an hour. If you've never done one, and you can afford it, I highly recommend getting at least one. For me it's not so much that I can't wear sandals without one, I just really look forward to the "me" time.

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B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I always have my toes painted ,even in the winter. Its not hard to paint them myself, and they always look nice. Probably every couple weeks I take the old polish off, give my feet a good pumice scrub, soak, and then clip my toenails and repaint. Takes me maybe 15 minutes.

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M.M.

answers from Lake Charles on

Its a 20 dollar every couple of weeks luxury, affordable compared to other things and you can get them even cheaper..

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A.H.

answers from Tulsa on

I have never gotten a pedicure, but I do paint my toes myself. I always have trouble getting the polish on neatly as my outer toes are crooked and I can't make my legs turn inside out to get to them. So I just slap on a dark colored polish and don't worry about it getting on my skin. It really looks horrible before I'm finished. I let that coat dry and then put on a clear coat. Once that is dry, I go take a shower. By the time I wash my feet at the end, the polish on my skin just rubs off and my toes look great! Takes me about 10 minutes, plus the drying and showering time. My nails don't grow that fast, so this lasts about 2-3 months before I really need to do any touchups. I leave my toes naked in late fall/winter, even though I still wear a ton of flip flops those months.

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B.K.

answers from Chicago on

You're focusing too much on other people's toes. Trust me, people aren't focusing on your toes like that. So you should just wear your sandals!

I hate pedicures! I don't like people touching my feet. It gives me the willies. I do have a friend who is a nail tech, and I let her give me a pedicure about 3 times a year. The polish seems to last a long time. And if it doesn't, I either take it off and go natural or re-polish them myself.

When my kids were little, I never got pedicures. Like you, I had no time. But I never cared what people thought about my toes. Now get your sandals on and enjoy summer!

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have asked myself the same question. As for me, I go to the dollar store, buy some polish and voila, do it myself.One toe at a time.

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E.W.

answers from New York on

Before my kids I had them done ALL the time. Every other week- sometimes more. Now maybe once a month. I have a place that for a mani/pedi its $30. My husband watches our son and I go. I'm pregnant right now, so its very nice to have done. My nails I get done a little more often, but thats only $10 and I can take my son with me for that. Or I get them done 1 week, then paint them myself the next. It makes them pretty easy to maintain that way. Speaking of pedi- I need to get one really soon. Maybe I'll go today ;)

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L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

I just started getting pedicures. Frankly, I love it. I get french tip on my toes and it last up to 4 weeks. So I spend, what, $15 a month for a polish change. I take my lunch to work instead of eating out so I can afford it.

I have always painted my toy nails. If you use a ridge filler and undercoat, then a good polish, like OPI, and a top coat, you can so it at home.

Or just toss a quick coat of clear over your toes - that works also.

Now in the winter, I probably will not bother. :)

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A.K.

answers from Iowa City on

I've never had a manicure or a pedicure but I keep my toes painted all summer. You can find cute stick on designs at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. that you put a clear coat on top of, and I've got a ton of polish colors. My girls and I (6 &9) have a fun time playing salon at home and I do their nails and my own.

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D.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

I usually get pedicures in the summer only about every 6 weeks. I buy the same color polish they use and touch up as needed. If you do an express pedi they are not quite as pricey. You just don't get quite as much pampering, but you still get the basics and the paint part done...

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M.F.

answers from Youngstown on

I paint my own nails. I love a pedicure but really hate spending money on mysef. To get rid of rough heels I just use one of those big files you buy from walmart or a drug store. I paint my toes when the baby is either alseep or in the bath tub(sitting right next to the tub on the floor). Just trim them and paint them.

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G.S.

answers from New York on

I will admit, i wear the same clothes over & over again, but do break down and splurge for at least one or two pedicures each spring & summer because they are to die for. They are the best things in the world that money can by and the time is well spent! I rarely spend any money on myself, but this is one expense that my husband does not ever have a problem w/me splurging on, as a matter a fact I usually get a gift certificate for Mother's Day, Christmas or my birthday from him and my girls.

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J.R.

answers from San Diego on

I only just started painting my toes. I never used to, and I walked around with open-toed shoes all the time. Maybe I was appalling everyone with my naked toenails and maybe I'm appalling them now with my homemade job, but no one has ever said anything either way. I personally rarely notice other people's feet.

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P.L.

answers from Chicago on

Never had one and never will have one.

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L.N.

answers from New York on

a pedicure to most moms means pretty feet, and me time. i do mine every week. i change color, it's my time. i bring my girls with me most of the time, but if you have a very young child, then leave the child with your husband and go if you can afford it. i go to cheap places, 15 for a pedi plus tip. totally worth it.i don't do it year round but come springtime yes i do it every week.

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R.Y.

answers from New York on

The one time I got a salon pedicure I got a nail fungus. Luckily it was easy to get rid of. But in the summer I like to keep my toes painted. It is pretty easy and lasts about 2 weeks (unlike hands that chip in a few days). I paint them at night and do lotion. In the morning after a shower I can gently scrape off any polish that got on my skin (very easy when skin is wet). So it is pretty easy to find a few minutes. I didn't always get to it with a new baby though--it is just a crazy adjustment time. Now that both kids are over 2 it is better for finding a little time for myself.

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A.D.

answers from Bismarck on

I do my own pedicures. As with anything it's something you find the time to do if it's a priority, for some it's not. I do it twice a month and with having 3 kids, it's not always quick and easy. I like having my toes painted so I make the time. And I usually end up painting other toes (and fingers) in the process. :-)

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have always polished my own toenails. Always. It takes less than five minutes, and it's not hard to do at all. Once in a great while, like maybe before a vacation, or before my wedding, I will get an actual "pedicure" at a salon, but keeping my toes polished during the summer is something I do myself. I suspect many others do too.

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M.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

I do my toes myself, I got the foot bath, scented bath salts and I soak, cut nails paint them and try new things. I just started going and getting my nails done again (things coming up where I want to have nice nails) and I took my twins with me and they got their nails painted and have really cute flowers and watched how she did it and I will do it until I have it down and do their nails and my toe nails (I am not anywhere near talented enough to paint my own fingernails...)

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

It isn't very hard to paint your nails while you are watching TV or something. We practically live in sandals year round here so we tend to take care of our feet. On occasion I will go to a salon but tend to do it myself. My girls love theirs done as well. I just don't get why you think its a big deal or something wrong with it? If you don't think you have time or don't want to take the time then don't do it.

E.S.

answers from Dayton on

I have only had one pedicure-the day before my wedding.
I do not like strangers touching me. ;)

1st of all if your toes are nicely groomed there is no reason you cannot wear open toed shoes w/ unpainted nails.

2nd-my tip for making painted toes look decent...I paint my toes before I get in the shower. Then I don't stress too much if I get a little on my skin. Stand in the shower till I am a little pruney and rub the smudges off my skin.
Voila! It works!

I also have these cute summer shoes: http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-keen-coronado-mary-jane...

I have seen plenty of toes that should never see the light of day... ;)

S.J.

answers from St. Louis on

Depending on where you live, summer may only last a few months. That means only a few pedicures if you are really tight on money and time. Don't go out to eat once that month and use the $30 to get a pedi instead. SO worth it.

I only get peds during the summer. And since my toes show from about June to about Sept, that means about 10 pedis at most. I budget for it because I cannot stand to have non painted toes showing!

In college, I remember many male friends of mine telling me that they assume if a woman takes care of the little details such as her toes, it means they know she is taking care of things in, ahem, other places on her body, too. A lot of truth to that!!

Get yourself a pedi. Have someone watch your little one for 40 min and spend that time on yourself. You will feel like a million bucks.

M.P.

answers from Provo on

Sally Hansens. It's the best at staying on my toes so I give myself a self manicure once a month. It's been great! I haven't had a pedi since before my son was born. . . so 3 years ago. Wow, I need to go for my birthday (next week !!!!! Boo Ya!)
As for time for me to do it, I pick one night a month where it is a pamper me night. One night I'll concentrate on my hair, one my nails, the next my skin, or do a combo of all of them, just not as in depth of a pampering. This way it makes me feel better about myself, I'm not putting my needs aside, and I look good. Win, win situation :D

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C.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

I know you've already gotten a TON of answers but I just wanted to throw in a tip - go to a cosmetology school for a spa pedicure! They are supervised students so the MUST follow very strict rules about cleaning sinks/tools, etc. so you know it's very clean and safe. Also, it's super cheap! At Minnesota School of Cosmetology in Woodbury (http://www.msccollege.edu/) you can get a full spa pedicure for $29 and it includes a bottle of Opi nail polish! Just plan to spend a little extra time there - since they are learning they go a little slower (which just means I get more "me time" :-)

J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

Well after my divorce I didn't have the money to get them done all the time so I went to Sally's Beauty and got all the stuff to do them. I am not as fast as those girls in the store but just as good. :)

It is also fun to get the stuff out and give Troy a pedicure. He is one of those guys that loves it but doesn't want to be found in a store getting one.

Oh all the stuff to do it is under 20 dollars.

D.M.

answers from Sioux City on

I've only had a pedi once and didn't care for it. I'd much rather do it myself if I feel it needs to be done and it's way cheaper. I don't have to have polish on to have sandals or whatnot on. I'd get looks now for sure then, My toenail polish is chipped and a lot of it gone and haven't taken rest off and repainted! lol!
I will eventually paint them but it's not a big concern to me and I may be able to only do it once or twice since pregnant and may get too big to do it over the summer....and know what....I don't care! :)

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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

Never had a professional pedicure in my life. I always do my own nails. I wait until after I have soaked in the bath because I think my toe nails are part rhino
( tee hee) All I do is trim them and file them a bit, slap a cheap coat of whatever brand, kiss my nails or even wet n wild, although my favorites are Rimmel, Sally Hanson's and OPI. The fact is nail polish only wears so long for me no matter what the brand, I do use an expensive clear top coat. Toes usually last a week before they need touch ups and my finger nails usually last 3 days.
I do them myself either after kids are in bed or early in the AM, I do it for me because it makes me feel good about myself. It took practice and anyone can do it.
Start simple, but you can work up to more detailed and its not really that hard to do a french manicure or even the cute zebra stripes. There are lots of How to's on Youtube.

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B..

answers from Dallas on

I don't care if people don't like unpainted toenails. I have never painted my toenails. My toenails look fine, a healthy pinkish. They are nicely shaped. Perhaps, they are healthy...because, I've never put the harsh chemicals on them. Who knows!! I have known several people get nasty infections from pedicures. (at even the most high end salons) There are SO many other things I"d rather do with my time and money, also.

I know I never notice people's toenails. I have more important things to do with my time!!

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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

If I go, it's during school hours (so never during the summer - too many kids at home to deal with). But recently, I've been trying to save money, so I've been doing it myself at home. It's not too difficult, actually. And once the polish is on properly with a good base coat and top coat, it stays on my toes for AGES and AGES. Seriously, I did a pedi in the middle of April...and had to FINALLY do another one last week - THAT'S how long it lasted. Toenails aren't like fingernails where they get chipped if you just look at them. I'll do them at night while I'm bumming around watching TV. I use those toe spacer thingies and just take my time with it. And, of course, practice makes perfect! But, even nicely clipped toenails with a clear coat of polish will also look nice with open toed shoes - no need for fancy colors. If your feet and nails look clean and healthy, just wear those cute sandals!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

I usually don't notice people's feet, however, when someone has pretty painted toes they do stand out and you just seem to take notice. However, I would believe about 50% of the women in this area paint their toes.

I got my first pedicure a few years ago. I loved it! I consider it a luxury, and since I'm in a financial situation where I can treat myself once in awhile, I do.

Most of the time, I just paint my toes myself, or have my daughter do it. Since no one sees it upclose, if you make a mistake, it isn't really noticed.

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E.T.

answers from Rochester on

I don't do anything to my toes except to keep my nails cut. I wear sandals all summer and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. To be honest, I rarely even notice toes on anyone else. I used to paint my own toes, but now I can think of much better things to do with my time and money than to spend it on my feet. A lot of my friends get regular pedicures and keep telling me I'm missing out. But, it just doesn't appeal to me. I'd say wear sandals if that is what you want to wear and don't worry what anyone thinks.

K.L.

answers from Redding on

Ive never had a pedicure or polished my toesnails. My daughter does her own. Just reaches down and does them, and then does her fingernails while she waits for the toes to dry. No big deal, and cheap.

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