“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly? ”-Frida Kahlo, Painter By PHAEDRA VALENCIA | June 2010
Ask a woman about her feet and she’ll admit to being embarrassed about some little thing to do with how they look. She’ll point out calluses, corns, bunions, crusty heels, a “weird” toenail or a funny toe (the infamous “hammer toe,” as an example). She’ll give you the reason why she has to hide her feet.
But now that it’s summer, those feet are coming out of cover. It’s strappy sandals, flip-flops and bare feet on the beach or by the pool. Time to say, “Oh, Hi!” to our favorite gal at the local nail spa.
Pedicure history goes back a long way. The word “pedicure” is derived from the Latin word “pes” meaning, “foot” and “cura” meaning “care.” It was first noticed in Ancient Egypt and was even depicted in hieroglyphics, imagine Cleopatra’s Milk Bath and Nail Barge.
In a Los Angeles Times article,* Actress Tippi Hedren (known for her work in Alfred Hitchcock’s films The Birds, and Marni; her only child is none other than, Melanie Griffith) was described as being a pivotal figure in the development of Vietnamese owned nail salons in the US. She was apparently drawn to the plight of Vietnamese refugees from the Vietnam War and, in 1975, helped 20 Vietnamese immigrants by having her manicurist teach them the skills of the trade. This single event in history has been cited as the starting point of the rise of Vietnamese owned nail salons in the US.
As one of the most active parts of our bodies, feet require care and attention. They support body weight and are exposed to dirt, chemicals, crazy (but extremely hot-looking) shoes and fatigue. Women, aged 18-49, are on their feet an average of 4 - 6 or more hours a day. I’ve put mine through years of running, aerobics, dancing, not to mention sidestepping issues, jumping to conclusions and trampling on feelings.
Manicures are great--sure, but paying someone to touch my feet, putting them back in supple shape is sheer decadence. Yet, when I book my pedicure, I dread that first moment when I have to unveil my scraggly, cracked, dried out feet for Terri, my nail gal. I curl them up in a ball under my jeans so I can plunk them into the hot, soapy footbath quickly hoping she won’t notice their hoof-like quality.
As Terri sets to work scraping, scrubbing, clipping, filing and massaging, I find myself apologizing. “I am sorry they’re so horrible,” or “I’m so glad you’re wearing gloves,” and the tried and true, “Of COURSE, I’ll pay extra for callous remover.” I mean, get the jackhammer in here.
Now, a “spa” pedicure allows you to sit in a huge massage chair resembling a BARCO-Lounger with a footbath where the leg rest would normally flip up. Looking much like your dad’s favorite T.V. chair, it comes complete with a remote and a little side table. May I put my beer here? Thanks! Instead of changing the channel, you use the remote to direct the areas, massage type and intensity of your good vibrations. Sure, it costs more but it’s a full body experience. Excuse me-- was I drooling? Is it possible to marry a chair?
Afterward, isn’t it a wonderful sensation to languish in the buttery, new skin of a recent pedi, gazing down upon my toenails painted the perfect color for the season? Bliss! My feet have been transformed, talk about golden arches – they’re right here, kids. Check ‘em out!
When we need to do something nice for ourselves, let’s start at the bottom. Treating our “little piggies” to a pedicure or a friend to a gift certificate for one is a delightful gesture of care. Be sure to ask as each “special feature” you add to your pedi increases the price in increments of $4-5 on average – these include, extra foot and leg massage (charged in 15 minute increments), callous remover (my favorite), French pink and white or custom nail decorations; 15% tip is customary. If your nail operator has to wear a haz mat suit, or bust out the blow torch, slip her a little extra. Call ahead for an appointment, and once you’re feet are done you’ll cry Wee! Wee! Oui! All the way home.
Here’s one of my favorite comedy videos from Anjelah Johnson about getting a mani/pedi. She’s a gorgeous, Latina comedian and she absolutely--you know this one’s coming-- nails it… Enjoy!
