Title: Perform a basic pedicure.
Course: Cosmetology I (Two Year Program) (19101-2YI) > Section: Caring for Skin, Hands, and Feet

Performance requires

- identifying the anatomy of the foot
- identifying the structures of the nails

and should include

pre-service
- maintaining, sanitizing, and disinfecting pedicure equipment and tools
- recognizing contraindications
- examining the client's skin and feet for abrasions, disorders, and diseases
- arranging required equipment, implements, and materials

in-service
- placing the client’s feet on a clean paper towel on a footrest
- filling the footbath with warm water to cover the ankles
- adding antiseptic or antibacterial soap to the footbath and placing both feet in the bath for 3 to 5 minutes
- removing feet from footbath, rinsing feet, and wiping them dry.
- removing polish, if necessary
- filing toenails straight across and even with the ends of the toes with emery board, taking care to avoid filing into the corners of the nails
- using a cotton-tipped orangewood stick, applying cuticle solvent to cuticle and under the free edge of each toenail
- massaging each toe with cuticle cream or oil
- scrubbing the feet in warm, soapy water
- rinsing and drying feet thoroughly
- applying lotion or cream over the foot to just above the ankle
- massaging both feet using massage techniques
- removing traces of lotion from the nails
- applying base coat, polish, and topcoat on each toenail

post-service
- sanitizing and disinfecting the implements and footbath.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the importance of analyzing the client's feet before giving a pedicure?
- Why should only cleaned implements be used on the client?
- Why is it necessary to know the medical history of a client (e.g., diabetes, blood clots, medicines) prior to a pedicure?
- Why is it important to ask if the client has high blood pressure?
- What is the danger of massaging the shin area?
- Why should a record card be kept for each client?
- What safety precautions should be used when performing a pedicure?