How to Do a French Pedicure

Tap to Read ➤ Mamta Mule

A French pedicure can transform dull, blah toenails, into compliment-worthy toes. Let's take a look at how to perform a makeover for your toes, within minutes.

A French pedicure is a clean form of nail art that doesn't require elaborate texturing or patterning. It's a simple yet impactful technique that can be done in the comfort of your home.

Today, companies have caught on with the trend, providing helpful pedicure kits that come with nail guides to allow users to perform this technique, like a pro. The following steps provide an alternative to buying a French pedicure set, making it simple even for those who can't get their hands on one.

French Pedicure Steps

Things You'll Need

Nail Polish (Nude, clear, and white (you can choose another color if you'd like) Scisscors Paper tape Nail filer Nail buffer Tub of hot water Shower gel Bath salts Pumice stone/scrubber Cotton balls Nail polish remover (acetone) Soft cloth Cuticle cream Olive oil

Step 1

First, remove existing traces of old nail polish, thoroughly cleaning the surface of your toenails and the ridges along either side. If it doesn't come off easily, apply a clear coat of nail polish over it and immediately wipe it away with acetone.

Next, soak your feet in a shallow tub, using a soapy mixture of hot water and shower gel. Use bath salts to scrub (gentle, circular strokes) away dead skin between the toes and front of your foot, using the pumice stone or scrubber.

Step 2

After 10 minutes, dry your feet using a soft cloth, focusing on the areas between your toes. Use a coin-sized amount of olive oil to massage your feet; gliding over your toenails to soften the cuticles.

Use cuticle cream (leave it on for about 2 minutes before washing it off) right after, before cutting your nails to an appropriate length; don't cut it too short or you won't have enough area to work with.

Using a nail filer, shape your toenails using swift, angular moves to acquire a round or square shape. Buff the surface of your toenails to give it an even finish; nail polish looks better post buffing.

Step 3

Apply the nude color (peach-toned) as the base coat, followed by a clear one, to protect the underlying layer. Apply 2 coats of the base to help it last longer, followed by 2 coats of clear nail polish. Wait for it to dry before moving ahead.

You'll need a bottle of white nail polish to perform a class French pedicure, but with trends evolving as we speak, you can opt for any color you'd like besides white; use black for a demure, dramatic finish, or anything from a neon palette that can take you easily from boardroom to dance club.

Step 4

Cut a strip of the paper tape with the pair of scissors. Hold the strip of tape horizontally, angling the scissors from the bottom-left corner and snipping it upwards in an arch-like fashion, until you reach the bottom-right end; get rid of what's left.

You should be holding a semicircle piece of tape, that's been cut away from the strip. It should resemble the curved end of a fingernail.

Step 5

Place the arched piece of tape on your big toe, leaving the top of the nail exposed by a quarter of an inch. Stick it firmly into place before painting the exposed end of your toenail with the nail polish of your choice.

Do this for the rest of your shoes using the same piece of tape; the arch size doesn't matter as long as the curvy border is in place. If it loses its stickiness, cut another one out.