Beauty Industry Insights

The Beauty Industry is always evolving and foot care is no exception.

What used to be a simple soak, scrub and polish has transformed into a world of advanced treatments, high-tech tools and holistic wellness.

If you’re a Salon Owner, Nail Technician or Foot Care Specialist, staying head of these trends isn’t just a good idea…it’s essential for keeping your business relevant and thriving

So, what’s next for pedicures in 2025?  I’d like to dive into the top trends that I believe will shape the industry in years to come.

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The rise of medical pedicures and their growing demand.

I’m not a big fan of using the word “medical” in our pedicures. I believe the use of this word is going to bring some grave outcomes.

However, Pedicures are no longer just about aesthetics.  They are becoming a key part of overall health and wellness. Clients are looking for more than just pretty toes. And, with the rise in our geriatric clientele, they need more than just pretty toes. These services focus on addressing foot concerns like calluses, corns, nail fungus, diabetic foot care, Oncology foot care.

What does this mean for you as a foot care professional?

• Investing in advanced foot care training will set you apart
• Partnering with podiatrists and medical professionals could open new doors
• Using Professional, medical-grade tools with sterilization will build trust in your clients

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Eco-friendly & sustainable pedicure products gaining popularity.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s a movement, and it’s making it’s way into pedicure services. Clients are becoming more conscious of what goes on their skin and how products impact the environment.  You will start to notice if…

• Foot soaks are biodegradable and natural exfoliates will replace chemical-heavy products.
• Water-less pedicures are gianing popularity to reduce water waste.
• Non-toxic nail polishes and removers will become the new standard.

If your Salon hasn’t already started to incorporate the above options, now is the time to start.

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The increasing importance of oncology-safe pedicures.

More people are becoming aware of the unique foot care needs of those undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause brittle nails, extreme dryness and sensitivity, making traditional pedicure services unsuitable.

There already is a definite shift towards specialized oncology safe pedicure which focus on gentle, non-evasive foot care tailored to each individual client. The focus will be more on the emotional aspect rather then the “technique” of the pedicure service. Being Oncology Trained will be a game changer for professionals looking to expand their expertise, serve a broader clientele and remove yourself from the box which everyone else is in.

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AI & technology in beauty, such as foot scanners for custom treatments.

Technology is making it’s way into every aspect of beauty, and pedicures are no exception. Some of the coolest innovations on the rise might include;

• Foot scanners which analyze pressure points in an effort to recommend custom inserts
• LED light therapy for nail and skin health is very quickly growing
• Smart foot spas with customizable temperature and more gentle massage settings

Adding a touch of tech to your services can elevate the client experience and position your salon as cutting-edge.

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A shift toward holistic pedicures, incorporating reflexology and aromatherapy.

Self-care is becoming more mind-body focused and pedicures fall very nicely into that category. Clients are seeking experiences that go beyond just a good scrub. They want relaxation, healing and wellness benefits.We already see this happening, yet I believe they will grow exponentially in years to come.

• Aromatherapy – infused treatments for stress relief. (Although, there is a need to be careful with this when dealing with Oncology compromised clients)
• Reflexology-based foot massages to promote overall well-being.
• Crystal and energy based pedicures with the use of rose quartz and kansa wands.

Wellness pedicures may be growing, yet our clients still enjoy and appreciate a spa-like atmosphere.

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A focus on preventative foot care.

More people are realizing that regular foot care can prevent bigger problems down the road. Where they use to wait for problems to happen, they are prioritizing foot care with regular monthly pedicures and at home care as part of their wellness routine. What does this mean for you?

• It’s imperative you stay knowledgeable and relevant in order to educate your clients about why routine foot care matters
• Consider offering maintenance packages to encourage consistency
• Step out of the box and get yourself Oncology Trained before the market is saturated as it is with diabetic foot care.

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Why is Foot Care services becoming more lucrative as years go by?

• Proper foot care can no longer be overlooked
• The value of specialized training pertaining to Oncology Care is quickly seizing the market
• An educated Technician can have amazing client retention and more revenue
• You can literally, change someones life

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How will discount nail salons impact our industry in years to come?

• Low-cost services often compromise on hygiene and quality…our clients are slowly yet surely realizing this
• Proper disinfection & sterilization is back on the rise. Covid brought this to the forefront and then quickly disappeared. However, clients are once again realizing the importance of proper sanitation and seeking out Professionals who offer just that
• The hidden cost of cheap services (infections, nail damage) is becoming more prevalent
• Lack of education

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My final thoughts;

Foot care in 2025 and years to come is all about health, technology, sustainability, education and holistic wellness. Whether you are a nail tech or salon owner, staying ahead of these trends can set you apart and keep your clients coming back.

Now is the time to upgrade your services, invest in your education, and create an experience which meets the evolving needs of your clients. You can either be on the forefront of growth or wait……the choice is yours.

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CJ Murray, President