A Gentleman’s Guide To Pedicures.

There’s a common misconception that manicures and pedicures are reserved for women and coming from the Caribbean where it would be considered feminine, it did take some convincing to go get my first pedicure. Don’t get me wrong, personal hygiene is something I don’t mess around with, so you’ll never see me with disgusting feet or hands. It just felt strange to have a woman I didn’t know mess around with my feet, plus paying for such a thing felt like a waste of money. Keep in mind that I dislike being touched.

My very first pedicure was somewhat comedic as the young ladies at the shop where I went, spoke little English. Besides being genuinely friendly, they tried to engage me in conversation.. maybe a ploy to get a better tip at the end or simply a way of killing time at a job I could never do. I really struggled to understand the many questions (well they seemed like questions) they tossed at me, so I would shake my head in agreement and say “yea”. For all I know I could have agreed to a rainbow of painted toenails at the end.

Besides the health benefits of a pedicure I must say that it’s very relaxing and it’s a great stress-reliever for me. The big comfy massage chairs possess the ability to put me to sleep as well.

• if you’re not overly picky you can usually find deals on less busy days at most salons. The shop I go to does a $19 special Mon-Thur
• don’t be intimidated if it’s your first time
• don’t trim your toenails before going as it will make shaping the nails more difficult for the technician
• if you’re ticklish, try to focus on something else and enjoy the experience
• I was apprehensive the first time I saw the technician go in with her tool to trim my cuticles as I read that some “experts” prefer you didn’t, plus I feared it would be painful. You can relay your choice to the technician
• don’t try to cut your ingrown toenails yourself… allow the expert who’s well equipped to handle it for you
• I would recommend that you read reviews on the salon you choose and while there, verify that they sanitize the equipment after each session
• regular pedicures will allow your technician to detect early signs of corns, bunions and fungal infections
• while I love the exfoliation, I usually ask them to not use the razor on my feet. The sort of ‘cheese grater’ thing does a wonderful job
• clipping, cutting and cleaning of your toenails prevents them from growing inward and causing infection

A pedicure will not only moisturize and exfoliate your feet, it also relieves stress and can be very therapeutic. Massaging helps promotes circulation and helps relieve tension in the calves and feet. Increase in blood circulation can reduce pain and help distribute heat throughout your body.

Fellas!! you have NO reason now why you shouldn’t work a pedicure into your monthly routine. Don’t be close-minded. Coming from someone like me who was very apprehensive at first, it’s the best $20 I spend on myself. I still have a hard time communicating with the ladies at the salon I visit and I’m still dealing with my “hate being touched” thing.

What are your thoughts on men getting pedicures? Please share your comments below.