A gel pedicure is very similar—if not identical—to a gel manicure. “The basic outline is cutting the nails, lightly soaking the feet, cutting the cuticles, thorough cleaning, a callus treatment, a scrub and massage, followed by one base coat layer, two layers of color, and a top coat layer,” Amy Ling Lin, the founder of Sunday’s Nail Studio, says. After every layer of gel polish on the toenails, the feet are placed under a LED light for 30 seconds, or 60 to 90 seconds after the topcoat, she explains.
Just like any pedicure, your feet are treated before polish is painted on the nails. However, thanks to the LED light, you don’t have to worry about waiting for your nails to dry.
Pedicures are usually a little more pricey than a manicure. At Sunday’s Nail Studio, a 60-minute gel pedicure costs $70. The price of a pedicure really depends on your location, what’s included, and your technician’s skill level, but you can expect the treatment to fall in the $40 to $80 range.
“There’s just less wear and tear on your toes, even if you’re on your feet all day.”
Gretha Suns
Professionals often cover the nails in an acetone-soaked cotton ball and aluminum foil. After the foil is removed, the gel should then slide off. Any remaining polish is usually gently filed off the nail bed.
