Gel pedicures

[Verytubbycustard]

Hi,

For medical reasons I'm currently unable to cut or paint my toenails, so thought I'd look into a pedicure. The two salons near me only seem to offer gel pedicures. What exactly does that mean? They both also offer gel removal, which makes it sound to me like it's something I don't want to get into. I just want a basic, quick pedicure, just to tide me over for a few weeks until I can get at my feet again, and not have to go back to get anything removed.

Is a gel pedicure what I want, or should I avoid?

A gel pedicure will probably be the normal pedicure treatment (soak, scrub, nail shaping, massage etc) but with a gel polish on instead of regular nail polish.
Gel lasts a lot longer than regular polish but does mean it needs removing with acetone as opposed to normal nail varnish remover. You can either go back to the salon to have it removed later on or remove at home with acetone soaked cotton wool and tin foil wrapped round each nail (a bit faffy!).
So to answer your question in a long winded way no - it doesn’t sound like it’s what you’re after.
I has my toenails painted earlier this year while heavily pregnant (couldn’t reach my toes!) and the salon only had about 6 colours to choose from because they don’t really do regular polish anymore. So might be a similar situation at the place you’re looking at.
Hope that helps!

Gels are great - the place I go to, the price includes removal. It's a fairly quick job to remove in the salon. Colours and finishes much more varied than normal polish.
If you just want basic foot maintenance, why not try a podiatrist?

It’s varnish that is hardened by UV light (basically you stick your toes into a little box with a light in for a minute after painting). Also called shellac. I like it because it doesn’t chip and I only get it done about 3 times a year so it stays on till it’s grown off! But it is a faff to get off, home removal is possible in theory but difficult IME and it is better to get it removed in salon. So not really what you’re after as Browniee said.

I’d be surprised if they just offer gel though, everywhere I’ve seen does both? Maybe they just advertise the gel but can do both?