How Long Does a Pedicure Last?

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Pedicures can be amazing experiences. 30-90 minutes in a salon, with people taking care of your feet while you listen to relaxing music or drink a bit of wine. Heaven.

And you come out with beautifully-painted toenails!

So, now you’re probably thinking about adorning your toenails. Yes, having a pedicure needn’t be left for a special occasion or a vacation.

But how long does a pedicure last?

Pedicures can last for up to six weeks, if you take care of your toenails and have a bit of luck!

In this article we’ll look at pedicures, and what you can do to keep your painted toes looking amazing for as long as possible.


Contents

How Long Does A Pedicure Last?

Unlike manicures, which depending on the type of polish or gel used, can last from a few days to about three weeks when using polygel, pedicures can last for up to six weeks, or as long as your toenail visibly starts growing out of the nail bed and you can see your cuticles.

This is even the case if you simply use a regular nail polish on your toenails at home, which can last for just as long as having a professional pedicure done by a nail technician at your local salon.

And although a professional pedicure will usually cost more than having a manicure done, it’s because they also last for much longer.

You’ll probably also get a foot massage and scrub to slough off all the dead skin and calluses, along with the custom toenail painting, so the extra spend will be well worth it for the end result. You’ll also have someone on the lookout for toenail fungus reviewing you.

This makes pedicures a better investment overall than manicures, which generally start chipping within a few days. But because pedicures can last for more than a month, even if you do it by yourself at home with regular nail polish, you don’t even need to visit a nail salon.

Pedicures are a better investment overall than manicures, which generally start chipping within a few days. But because pedicures can last for more than a month, even if you do it by yourself at home with regular nail polish, you don’t even need to visit a nail salon.

You’ll probably find that you won’t end up changing your toenail polish until you get bored. Because in general, there will be no chipping or scratching, unless you wear shoes and sneakers often.

If your toes are out in sandals or you’re barefoot a lot of the time, then your pedicure will look its best until you notice your cuticles growing and the polish moving away from them.


After The Fact

After you’ve had your pedicure done, whether you’ve done it yourself or have a salon treatment, you shouldn’t wear socks, shoes, or sneakers for at least 12 hours. Make sure the polish has enough time to dry.

The same can be said for having a hot shower, or especially a bath, after you’ve had your pedicure done (assuming it is with regular polish).

If you’ve had a gel pedicure done, though, then you can rest assured that your toenails will be completely dry as soon as you step out of the salon.

But as we’ve already mentioned above, getting a gel pedicure done is probably excess to requirements, because unless you have loads of extra money to spend, doing your own pedicure with regular nail polish will probably last just as long as a professional gel pedicure.


Customize Your Tootsies

Here are a few tips to make your home pedicure a breeze!

Toe Separators

Sale
ZenToes Gel Toe Separators for Pedicure, Nail Polish, Toenail Trimming - 1 Pair Toe Spacers (Pink)
  • Multi-Use Toe Dividers - Our flexible...
  • Easy to Use - Simply place the toe...
  • Easy to Clean - ZenToes pedicure toe...
  • Color Options - ZenToes pedicure...
  • Based in the USA - At ZenToes, we aim to...

To prepare your toes for the ultimate pedicure at home, you’ll first need ZenToes Gel Toe Separators , which are soft, stretchy toe spreaders that will keep your toes separated while the nail polish is drying.

They are also reusable and can be washed and dried for hygienic purposes.

These separators will also make it easier for you to file and trim your toenails to get them ready for a home pedicure.

Plus, by buying ZenToes Gel Toe Separators, you’re helping a small American-based business that is female-owned and hires staff of diverse abilities from a community rehabilitation program.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish 

Sale
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish, Luxe Finish Collection, Glos-sea, 0.31 fl oz
  • Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color is the...
  • Our 3-in-1 formula with built-in base...
  • Dries in 60 seconds.
  • 1 Stroke. 1 Coat. Done.
  • No wait. No smudge.

So, now it’s time for your polish.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Glos-Sea is an opulent shimmer from its Luxe Finish collection that will have your toenails glimmering.

And the best thing about this nail polish? This gorgeous mermaid blue shade will take your pedicure glamor to the next level in just a minute.

Yes, you read that right: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri is the fastest drying polish around.

The 3-in-1 formula of built-in base and top coat offers shiny, extended wear in just one step, with one stroke and one coat, and with no smudge. So, you really have nothing to lose using this nail polish.

Orly Breathable Nail Color in Manuka Me Crazy 

Sale
Orly Breathable Nail Color, Manuka Me Crazy, 0.6 Fluid Ounce
  • Nourishes, hydrates, and heals nails...
  • Advanced oxygen technology goes deep...
  • All-in-one formula helps cut manicure...
  • Country of origin is United States

If you’re after a more neutral pedicure that will last though, then Orly Breathable Nail Color in Manuka Me Crazy may be more to your liking.

Another all-in-one formula that doesn’t need a base coat or top coat, the ‘breathable’ technology of this nail polish will give your toenails a dusty honey creme color that is long-lasting, and has a non-chipping protective coating.

Plus, the nourishing formula of Orly Breathable Nail Color is infused with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin C and argan oil, making this nail polish a no-brainer to use if you suffer from dry nail beds.

Here’s our article on how to pick toenail colors for dark skin.


Conclusion

So, how long does a pedicure last?

Well, most pedicures will last for up to six weeks!

They can look great for quite a while before you’ll even need to consider replacing the nail polish or visiting the salon again, if you want to get it done professionally.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).