Sandal season is here, and that means it’s time to get ready to show off your feet. But let’s face it: Going to the salon for a professional pedi isn’t always convenient or in the budget.
That doesn’t mean you have to settle for rough, callused heels or unpolished toes. Indulging in a pampering foot care routine at home can leave your feet looking and feeling amazing—and you don’t even have to plan.
Why Your Bathtub Is the Secret to a Relaxing Home Pedicure
If you’ve been wondering how to do a pedicure at home that feels truly luxurious, your bathtub might be your secret weapon. With filtered, temperature-controlled water and a few home pedicure tips, your tub becomes a personal foot spa.Your bathtub has a few advantages for foot care:
- Filtered water removes chemicals, excess minerals, and impurities that can dry or irritate your skin.
- Temperature control allows you to maintain the water exactly how you like it. You control the water temperature, avoiding extremes and softening skin for exfoliation.
- Spacious soaking means you can fully relax without cramming your feet into a tiny bowl.
Best of all, you can unwind in your own space. Light some candles, put on some music, or catch up on a favorite podcast, and shut out the rest of the world for a bit while you indulge in some self-care.
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Home Foot Care Routine
1. Set Up Your Space
Gather everything you’ll need to transform your toes1. This might include:
- Nail polish remover and cotton pads
- Nail clippers, a file, and a cuticle pusher
- Pumice stone or foot file
- Gentle exfoliating scrub
- Moisturizing lotion or foot cream
- Your favorite nail polish, base coat, and top coat
- Clean towels
2. Soak Your Feet
Start by filling the tub with warm, filtered water. Aim for a comfortable temperature around 100°F2. Add some Epsom salts, essential oils, or a gentle bubble bath formula to the water for a spa-like experience and extra moisturizing.
Soak your feet in the water for up to 20 minutes. This relaxing step softens your skin and nails, making exfoliating and trimming easier3. Warm, clean water also helps boost circulation, reduces swelling, and prepares your feet for deeper hydration4.
3. Exfoliate Gently
After soaking, gently buff away dead skin with a pumice stone or file, focusing on rough areas such as your heels and the balls of your feet. Follow up with a scrub to polish the tops and sides of your feet.
4. Moisturize and Massage
The best time to moisturize your feet is right after exfoliation. Massage a rich cream or lotion (look for one specifically made for your feet for extra hydration) into your feet and calves.
5. Trim, Shape, and Care for Your Nails
Clean, neatly shaped nails are key to a neat, well-maintained look, even if you skip the polish. Trim your toenails straight across with clippers, then file the edges to make them smooth. If your cuticles need some attention, apply cuticle oil and gently push them back. Avoid cutting them to reduce the risk of infection1.
6. Polish (If You Like)
For a little more flair, wipe your nails clean with a small amount of polish remover to remove any remaining lotion or body cream, then apply your favorite shade.
More Home Pedicure Tips for Happy Feet
Pedicures do more than help your feet look great—they’re also relaxing. They’re good for your health, too.
Caring for your feet can help reduce the risk of painful ingrown toenails and fungal infections. Exfoliating and moisturizing your skin also helps keep dry skin, calluses, and other foot concerns under control, ensuring your comfort3. And massages do more than help you feel good: they can help improve circulation and relieve tension in your feet and lower legs4.
To get the most from your home pedicures:
- Stick to a schedule: A weekly soak and exfoliation session keeps your feet in great shape year-round.
- Stay hydrated: Soft, healthy feet start from the inside out, so drink plenty of water to support skin hydration from head to toe.
- Invest in a water filter: Don’t have a tub filter? It’s a smart way to improve your water quality, especially if you have hard water.
Take Your Home Pedicures to the Next Level With Help From Canopy
When you know how to do a pedicure at home, there’s no reason not to treat yourself to softer, healthier feet anytime you like.
Canopy is here to help you make the most of all your self-care rituals as well. To stay in the know and get more body and foot care tips, at-home treatments for your well-being, and more, connect with us on social media or sign up for our email list. You’ll be the first to hear about exciting new products and updates.
Sources:
- Derrick, J. (13 June 2024). How to DIY a Pedicure at Home in 14 Simple Steps. Byrdie. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-give-yourself-a-professional-pedicure-346824
- Ames, H. (24 Sept. 2023). DIY foot soaks for dry skin, pain, relaxation, and more. MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diy-foot-soak
- Vanderheim, T. (6 June 2024). How to Have Pretty Feet. Verywell Health. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-have-pretty-feet-1337693
- De Pietro, M. (19 Sept. 2019). What are the benefits of Epsom salt foot soaks? MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326390
