What I Learned After My First Pedicure
I recently stepped outside of my comfort zone. I tried something that, until recently, had never crossed my mind. I’m talking about getting my first pedicure.
A pedicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment dedicated to the care and grooming of one’s feet and toenails. I had heard about pedicures before, yet in my mind, they were always firmly reserved for women and girls. Growing up, I would hear about pedicures in the context of makeup, hair appointments, and other activities typically deemed off-limits for men and boys.
However, in an effort to break free from the confines of traditional masculinity and try new experiences in life, I decided to explore activities that I had previously dismissed for guys like me.
A pedicure seemed like an interesting activity to begin with. Admittedly, I didn’t know much about the process, but I was eager to give it a shot. I also felt nervous about the possibility of being the only man in the salon, but reminded myself that did not matter.
With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, I headed toward the salon, enlisting my good friend Janice to accompany me. With both of us new to the pedicure world, we were both venturing into uncharted territory together.
Once we arrived at the salon, our heads were spinning with options. Foot massages, scrubs, washes, lotions, callus removals – the list seemed endless. We settled on the basic pedicure, reasoning that if we enjoyed the experience, we could always return for a more comprehensive treatment later.
The pedicure began with our feet being soaked in warm water, which was a relaxing experience. Once our skin and nails were softened, the pedicurist used a foot scrub to remove dead skin cells, leaving our feet feeling refreshed. Next, our toenails were carefully trimmed and shaped, leaving them neat and well-maintained. Cuticles – the layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of your toes – were pushed back and tidied up. The pedicurist then took a foot scraper to remove excess dead skin cells. We could see the dead skin fall from our feet during this process. It was comparable to how a cheese grater is used to grate cheese, except it was not painful. If we opted for an advanced pedicure, we could have received a foot and calf massage next. Finally, the pedicurist asked if we wanted our toenails painted before our feet dried.
As I watched the skilled pedicurist at work, I couldn’t help but realize how I have neglected my feet over the years. We use our feet every day of our lives. They carry us from place to place and tirelessly perform their duties, yet I rarely give them any attention.
This experience was transformative for me, as I realized that self-care activities like pedicures are beneficial for all people. The grooming and cleansing provided by pedicures have long been embraced by women, and it’s about time men like me followed suit.
After all, there’s nothing inherently feminine about treating your feet to some well-deserved care. And even if pedicures are deemed feminine, it is not a reason for men to avoid them. Whether you view it as self-care, grooming, beauty, or a way to connect with your own sense of well-being, I wholeheartedly recommend that all people consider trying out a pedicure at least once in their lives. After all, we only have two pairs of feet – why not do all we can to take care of them?