The salon pedicures are fantastic; they may quickly become costly. Who has time to schedule appointments every few weeks, anyway?
The good news is that you can have lovely, soft feet at home. According to recent surveys, 43% of people take care of their nails at home, and another 47% balance DIY with occasionally going to the salon. Just 10% trust only to specialists!
This means that you can do a DIY at-home pedicure just as well as the majority of us.
It's an affordable pedicure that gives you complete control, feels peaceful, and saves money.
Ready to pamper your feet?
Let’s dive into this beginner-friendly guide with home pedicure steps that are easy, safe, and effective.
Soothing start to your foot soak and pedicure routine: warm water with Epsom salt makes all the difference.
Why Go for a DIY Pedicure at Home?
First things first: why bother doing it yourself?
An affordable pedicure at home may be completed for less than $15 using items you may already have, although salon appointments often cost between $40 and $80.
It's also very useful since you can relax in your own place without having to wait or deal with diseases from shared items.
After the outbreak, a lot of individuals began getting pedicures without a salon, and this practice is still very much in place in 2025 and 2026.
Pro tip: Make it natural with ingredients like Epsom salt, lemon, or baking soda for a natural DIY pedicure that’s gentle on skin.
What You’ll Need (Budget-Friendly Essentials)
No fancy tools required!
Gather these basics:
- A basin or bucket for soaking
- Warm water
- Epsom salt (or sea salt)
- Mild soap or body wash
- Pumice stone or foot file
- Nail clippers and file
- Cuticle pusher (or orange stick)
- Moisturizer or lotion
- Nail polish remover, base coat, color, and top coat
- Optional: essential oils for extra relaxation
Step-by-Step Home Pedicure Steps
Follow these home pedicure steps for the best results.
Take your time—aim for 45–60 minutes of me-time.
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Remove Old Polish
Start by wiping away old polish with remover and cotton pads.
Set up a comfy chair, play some music, and light a candle if you like.
This sets the relaxing vibe for your quick at-home pedicure.
Step 2: Soak Your Feet (The Best Part!)
Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of Epsom salt and a few drops of soap or oil.
Soak for 10–15 minutes.
This softens skin, eases tired feet, and preps for exfoliation.
Here are some relaxing foot soak and pedicure setups to inspire you:
Step 3: Gently Remove Calluses at Home
After soaking, pat dry.
Use a pumice stone or foot file to lightly rub rough spots like heels and balls of feet.
Go in gentle circles; never press hard!
This is key to removing calluses at home safely without hurting your skin.
Experts suggest doing this 1–2 times a week to avoid over-thinning.
Check out these tools in action:
Step 4: Trim and Shape Nails
Clip nails straight across to prevent ingrowns.
File edges gently into a square or soft oval.
Don’t cut too short—leave a little white edge.
Step 5: Care for Cuticles
Push back cuticles gently with a stick.
Never cut them (it can cause infections).
Apply a drop of oil if you have it.
Step 6: Exfoliate and Massage
Scrub feet with a homemade mix (sugar + oil) or mild scrub.
Massage from toes to ankles for better circulation.
Step 7: Dry and Moisturize Deeply
Pat dry, then slather on thick lotion or foot cream.
Cover with socks for 10 minutes to lock in moisture.
Step 8: Apply Base Coat
Wipe nails with alcohol to remove oils.
Add a clear base coat for smooth application.
Step 9: Add Color and Fun
Paint 2 thin coats of your favourite polish.
Go bold or natural 2025–2026 trends love soft shades and subtle shines.
Step 10: Finish with Top Coat and Dry
Seal with a top coat for long-lasting shine.
Let dry fully (20–30 minutes).
Avoid socks or shoes right away!
Extra Hacks for a Perfect DIY Pedicure
For a quick at-home pedicure: skip the scrub and go straight to polish after the soak.
Budget-friendly pedicure tip: Use baking soda + lemon paste for natural exfoliation.
Prevent cracking: moisturise daily, not just on pedi days.
Beginners: Practise on one foot first to build confidence.
Final Thoughts:
There you have it a full DIY pedicure that is simple, reasonably priced, and worthy of a salon. You'll save money, unwind, and always have polished, smooth feet. So take a basin, turn on some music, and spoil your feet right now! Your sandals are ready.
Which shade of polish is your favourite?
Try it out and let us know how it works!