At the Foot & Hand Spa, pedicurist/reflexologist Taylor Manuel (left) demonstrates a pedicure with Kendal Hollis, who works in the office. (Photo by: Ash Daniel)
One beauty objective, five options. This issue: how to get your toes in shape for all those strappy summer shoes. We’ve hunted down some specialty pedicures that are far beyond basic.
Good Medicine
For a serious, medical-grade pedicure, The Foot & Hand Spa is your best destination. All technicians undergo extensive training in foot anatomy, skin and nails, and they’re prepared to serve clients who have diabetes, arthritis or other conditions that make feet more sensitive. Plus, as part of a podiatry office, they can always call in a quick expert consult if needed. This doesn’t mean the services aren’t luxurious, though. The Pamper Me Massage Pedicure ($80) features a whirlpool foot soak, sugar crystal scrub, foot and leg massage, paraffin dip and polish. You even get a bottle of polish to take home for touch-ups. 320-3668 or footandhandspa.com
Fruit Infusion
To soak in the scents of summer while savoring some pampering, try the Watermelon Basiltini Pedicure ($80) at Red Door Spa. Feet are exfoliated using a watermelon-basil sugar scrub infused with organic vodka, then massaged with vanilla buttercream shea and cocoa butter. After a paraffin dip, your toes are polished and you’re ready to roll — if only a cocktail came with this one! reddoorspas.com
Callus Healing
Perception Organic Spa’s Natural Callus Orange Peel pedicure ($45) is designed to quickly soften hard calluses so they can be scraped away, leaving smooth, pretty feet. At the end of the treatment, you also get natural foot cream to take home with you that is “loaded with callus healing agents for the underlying skin layer,” says spa owner Hang Pham. 855-1989 or
Customized Treatment
Three different types of pedicures at Salon Vivace (with prices starting at $43) allow you to choose the one that fits your needs. The Rejuvenation Pedicure focuses on pumice exfoliation, a foot mask and a massage to make tired feet feel revived. The Hydrating Pedicure is all about adding moisture. And the Wellness Pedicure boosts the massage with a focus on relieving muscle fatigue and tension, as well as removing calluses so your feet look extra summer-ready. Plus, the services take place in a small room within the Carytown spa, so if you and a friend book together, it’s almost like you’re getting a private spa experience. 565-9000 or salonvivace.com
The Works
For a same-day call or even a walk-in pedicure, stop by Escape Nails and Spa across West Broad Street from Short Pump Town Center. A menu of more than 20 pedicure services includes your choice of scents. On a recent visit, I chose Peppermint Hope for $90, and the service included a hot stone massage, paraffin dip, a regular leg and foot massage, foot scrub, mask, polish, free wine and snacks. Plus, once my foot service was finished, I was whisked to a private room in the back of the spa for an upgraded foot and neck massage. Note: Tips here are only accepted in cash. 364-1972, or look up Escape Nails and Spa on Facebook.