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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]In the course of the past two (2) months, self education has been at an all time high. Awareness to cleaning, disinfection and sterilization processes is on steroids and the energy felt is electrifying.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Salons are re-opening like it’s the first time starting their Business. Technicians are not just “revamping,” they are starting new. Retail sales are moving up and service venues are being re-modified.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
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Whenever I do anything which I know other people will either see or hear, I always put myself on the other side. I look at what I’m saying and/or doing from another person’s perspective.
Sometimes, it can truly be a curse…In most cases though, it makes me more thorough, more meticulous and more detailed.
The curse? I’m a virgo so everything I just mentioned is who I am. Doing what I do looking from a different perspective, just magnifies those traits.
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Since my early 20’s I have been one way shape or form, involved in the Beauty Industry. I’ve had manicures, artificial nails, pedicures, facials, hair services and whatever other service you may think of.
The very first time I got my nails done, I remember specifically chewing them off (after paying $70.00). Why? I didn’t like the shape.
The Salon I visited was near where I worked at the time (an office supply store). There were two (2) ladies, probably the age I am now. They wore pink smocks, smoked cigarettes and talked more with each other than they did with me.
Consequently, the Technician did what SHE wanted. She never asked what length I wanted nor what shape I wanted. I hated them.
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That resonated with me for the longest time. In fact, it still does.
So, when you ask the question “what is the perfect pedicure”…who should you be asking?
During the pandemic shut down, did anyone do a survey with their clients? Did anyone ask any specific questions? Or, did you just revamp your service menu to your liking? Or, return to the same ole format.
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Here are some processes in the pedicure chair which I personally don’t like. I wonder how many clients have experienced the same thing, and how many Technicians are losing these clients?
- Sugar or salt scrub. They scratch like heck and make my skin feel like it’s on fire.
- Foot filing. The rough files I have experienced has take the relaxation out of my experience.
- Cuticle “pushing”. Ouch, need I say more?
- Cold water. I have been left with my feet in the water for so long, the water is no longer soothing and comfortable.
- Toenail clipping. I have left many times, and for days following with pain in my toenails because the Technician cut them too short.
- Length of time of pedicure service. To short AND to long.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_column_text]When it comes to skin exfoliation you have to remember, ALL you are wanting to do at this time, is to remove the top layer of dry skin which, does not require a foot file.
This is not, or should not be an aggressive process. Yes, there are many salt and sugar scrubs available. Many of you even make your own. That’s fantastic. BUT…..albeit the fragrance of these products are yummy. How do they feel on your clients skin?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_column_text]The same pertains to your foot file. As many of you know, we endorse the AngelFeet file. Truly the best file in the world.
My endorsement goes far beyond the sanitizing aspects. It feels good. It doesn’t feel like someone is rubbing sandpaper on the bottom of my foot. Ugh! So many times I have had to ask the Technician to stop because it felt so uncomfortable. The skin on my feet is healthy. Using “sandpaper” made to smooth wood, is NOT my idea of feel good, but also not my idea of Professional nor what I believe is best for our clients.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_column_text]I remember being in school and reading “how to push back” cuticles. Whether it’s the hands or feet, pushing is not an option.
I’ve received pedicures where the Technician was too aggressive with the cuticle pusher. Not cool man. It hurts.
The same goes for toenail clipping. Using tools which aren’t sharp enough to cut. Cutting across in one chunk instead of piece by piece. Cutting too short around the nail fold. It made and still makes me cringe.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_column_text]Length of time to me is tricky. Is your pedicure service too short? Is it too long?
I’ve been in services whether it’s a facial or a pedicure where they are absolutely amazing. Great products, great ambience, great massage etc. However, they take so long, I have gotten past the point of relaxing. I’ve gotten ancy.
I may have even dozed off. However, at the point that I “come too”, I don’t want to sit there for another 15-20 minutes waiting for my service to be complete.
I do believe there is a perfect point of stopping.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_empty_space height=”14px”][vc_column_text]WHAT IS THE PERFECT PEDICURE?
- The perfect pedicure is what makes your client feel their best. It’s about modifying your pedicure for each client and not getting into a rut of doing the same thing over and over.
- The perfect pedicure is finding products which work for you, not products which make you work harder.
- The perfect pedicure is knowing the difference between trying to be too eccentric yet trying to offer something special.
- The perfect pedicure is knowing your trade. How to properly cut toenails and manage cuticles.
- The perfect pedicure is knowing about EVERY thing and EVERY product you use. What are their features, their benefits and why they are good for your client. And, how do they feel?
- The perfect pedicure is using professional products and professional tools.
- The perfect pedicure is focusing on your client….always
- The perfect pedicure is paying attention to client signals
- The perfect pedicure is one your client enjoys and one that YOU enjoy
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Going back to an after life.
100 people can read the same thing and have 100 different opinions. We can offer the same service and 20 people love it, one(1) person complains. We can have different political views, different religious views…some people accept that, others thrive on bringing trouble to the differences. The mind is so amazing, and I have a passion for understanding how it all works.
In our Salons….If we can understand people. If we can understand our services aren’t about us, it’s about our clients…then we can understand why all the above matters.
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Stay safe, stay healthy.
Keep doing the right thing in your Businesses to keep you and your clients safe. Don’t relax on safety. We aren’t in the clear yet and our Industry in many States is still in jeopardy. We have to show those States we can do this and do it right….all the time, not just when someone is watching.
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Very helpful to me. You addressed several questions I had on my mind. I’ve been very over over with my pedicures. I like asking the client what they would like in their pedicure. Makes it more personal.
So awesome to hear I’ve touched at least 1 person. You have made my day. Thank you!
Informative and a good read. You have reinforced some of my practices and have challenged me is areas that I have been lacking. Like…. tools/implements, thank you!
Thanks Heather. I myself love to read, there is always something I can pick up that makes me better at what I do. Thank you for reading my blogs. Your clients are lucky to have you.
That was well said, and it’s true about reading you clients, I have two male clients that get very ancy, and I know it’s time to wrap it up. And it’s always different for them . One has restless leg syndrome and the other has bad anxiety. I try to customize my pedicures to my clients needs . They don’t all like the same thing . Thank you CJ.
I think I might try a Survey
Awesome and perfect examples. Thanks Tammy, appreciate you reading my blogs and commenting. Appreciate you.
Yes, this is what I have been thinking about a lot. I am picky with sugar and salt scrubs. Some of them do hurt. I have switched to the angel foot file and those I have used it one. They love the treatment 100 times more. All the profits I make once bills are paid all go to investing into professional tools and products to make my jobs easier and faster for me. I agree with this blog post 100 percent.
Thank you so much Esmeralda.