The French pedicure, a trend that’s making a comeback, is a stylish way to keep your feet looking chic and polished. Similar to the classic French manicure, the French pedicure features a pale, nude, or clear polish with a contrasting white band at the tip of the toenail.
This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial and tips for achieving the perfect French pedicure at home.
What is a French Pedicure?
The French pedicure, or French pedicure, is a pedicure similar to the classic French manicure, but on the toenails. It is characterized by a pale, nude, or clear polish, with a white band that creates a contrast on the tip of the nail.
The French manicure has modernized in recent years with a shorter white band, and it is now worn on shorter nails. The French pedicure can be adopted in the summer, with sandals, or in winter in closed shoes.
How to Do a French Pedicure at Home
If you’ve never done a French manicure, you might think that this pedicure is difficult to achieve. Indeed, with a French manicure, every mistake is visible.
Therefore, you need to master the technique of the French manicure quite well for a harmonious result. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Feet: Start by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 15 minutes. Once the skin is softened, you can scrape off the dead skin (focusing on the heels) with a foot file or pumice stone. This will give you smooth and soft feet. You can do a foot bath once a week to prevent calluses from forming. After the bath, moisturize your feet with a specialized foot cream. If your feet are very dry, you can even let it act overnight by applying a thick layer and putting on a sock.
- Prepare Your Nails: Your nails should be perfectly filed and cut to facilitate the pedicure and get a clean and neat result every time. Be careful not to cut them too short to have space to draw the white band characteristic of the French manicure! Also, remember to push back the cuticles. If your nails are ridged, smooth them with a buffing block. In addition to beautifying your nails, this will help the varnish adhere. The last step before applying the varnish: degrease your nail with a cleaner, which will also help improve the adhesion of the varnish.
- Apply the Polish: Once your nails are ready, you can apply the French pedicure. Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply a base coat (a transparent varnish that will protect your nails from the pigments of the varnish, strengthen them, and make the pedicure last longer).
- Apply a double layer of clear varnish (beige, rose milk, cream white…) and let it dry.
- Apply the white band using stickers or adhesive tapes so that the result is homogeneous and the lines are straight.
- Once everything is dry, apply the top coat.
Tips for a Successful French Pedicure
To succeed in your French pedicure, sit in a comfortable position and stabilize your foot. The foot should be flat and not inbalance. If you ever exceed during the pedicure, you can correct it with a correction pen or a cotton swab soaked in remover.
If you want to give an original touch to your French pedicure, you can stick pearls, crystals, 3D flowers, stickers, etc., on your nails. You can also create a more colorful French pedicure. Don’t hesitate to look for inspiration on social networks!
French Pedicure: DIY or in a Salon?
To create your French pedicure, you have several options: buy a kit in a supermarket or beauty salon, or go to a salon. The first option is more economical and very practical for those who are used to it. French pedicure kits contain stickers to help you draw the white bands correctly.
Should You Match Your French Pedicure and French Manicure?
Is it a bit too much to have a French manicure and a French pedicure? The answer is no! You can match your manicure and pedicure, but it’s not an obligation either.
If you want to give an original touch to your manicure and pedicure, also consider the reverse French manicure! A nail technician will know how to do your foot beauty to be beautiful down to the nails.
The French pedicure is not so complicated once you have got the hang of it, and on well-cared feet, it gives a stunning result! It’s up to you to play with trends to vary the pedicures: reverse French manicure, colored French pedicure, French pedicure with diamonds or pearls…
So, are you ready to embrace the French pedicure trend?
