Those who take an interest in fashion, personal grooming, and other aspects of personal care are likely to know what pedicures and manicures are. These are grooming beauty massages explicitly designed for your hands and feet to make their appearance more refined and beautiful.
In addition to enhancing your beauty, these beauty treatments add an extra step of massage, keeping your muscles relaxed as you receive them.
There are many people out there who are well aware of both terms. However, some may still find it challenging to determine which term refers to which part of your body.
Pedicure is derived from the Latin word “pedis”, meaning “of the”foot,” and “cura,” meaning “care,” while” a Manicure comes from the Latin word “manus”, meaning “hands,” and “cura,” meaning “care”.
One main difference between a manicure and a pedicure is the body part on which they are performed. Pedicures are for feet and toenails, while manicures are for hands and fingernails. Both are forms of body treatments and massages, but each has its differences and ways of doing it.
Read on for more information about both treatments.
All You Need To Know About Manicure
A manicure is a beauty treatment that involves a professional manicurist filing, shaping, and cutting the nails.
This beauty treatment is popular because it can make your hands and nails look healthy and shiny. Plus, it’s a way to treat yourself to some pampering. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get your nails looking their best, a manicure is the answer.
A manicure is a professional beauty treatment involving applying polish, cuticle cream, and moisturizer to your hands, including your fingernails.
A nail technician typically performs manicures in a salon or spa; manicures can be custom-made to fit the individual. It usually takes about one hour and costs around $15 to $25 in a good salon.
Types of Manicure
Let’s enlist the most common types of manicures here:
| Type | Detail |
| Basic | Single-colored nail paint followed by a clear top coat |
| French | Clear, pink, or beige base coat with white color at tips |
| Reverse French | White painted nails with darker tips |
| Acrylic | Faux nails are applied on top of real ones |
| Gel | A semi-permanent gel is applied all over your nail |
All You Need To Know About Pedicures
A pedicure is simply a foot massage that includes cleaning, shaping, and moisturizing. It can be done at home, but you’ll want to book an appointment with a professional to get the best results.
A pedicure is a treatment that includes a foot scrub, nail care, and a polish or gel manicure. It is often offered as an add-on service at salons but can also be performed in the comfort of your home.
A regular pedicure can help to strengthen your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle. It also helps you relax your feet and improves your circulation.
Types of Pedicure
There are three main types of pedicures:
- French pedicure includes the removal of calluses and other hard skin.
- Standard pedicure includes cleaning, shaping, and moisturizing.
- Mani-pedi includes manicuring as well as pedicure services.
How Are Pedicures And Manicures Different?
A pedicure is a pampering beauty treatment for the feet and toes that includes cleaning, filing, and shaping the nails. A manicure is a more comprehensive treatment that may include paint or gel application to the nails, cuticle work, and removal of unwanted skin.
Some of the differences between pedicures and manicures are as follows:
Difference In Cost
A pedicure is more expensive as compared to a manicure. A regular salon can do your manicure for 10 to 15 dollars. However, a pedicure will cost you at least $20 to $25.
Difference In Scrubbing
Scrubs are used more in pedicures to remove dead skin cells from heels and soles than in manicures. The skin of the hands is usually soft, so it doesn’t need excessive exfoliation.
In contrast, the skin of your feet, especially your soles, is rough and often calloused. So you need to use extra scrub to make it soft.
Difference In Process
To get a basic manicure, apply cream, oil, or lotion to the cuticle, then put your hands in a bowl of lukewarm water for a few minutes to soak.
Afterwards, a nail technician will shape and cut your nails into the desired shape. After that, you’ll get a massage, and at the end, the nail technician will decorate your nails with nail paints. Typical nail shapes include:
- Squares
- Ovals
- Squoval (combinations of squares and ovals)
- Stilettos
On the other hand, a basic pedicure involves scrubbing and cleaning the feet. During this process, a pumice stone or a foot file is used to scrub the feet.
Similar to a manicure, the foot is first placed in a tub to soak; In the next step, the technician trims, files, and cleans the nails, applies polish, and massages the foot and calf with a moisturizer while it dries.
Additionally, you’re to sit in an oversized chair for the pedicure—sometimes with a whirlpool tub for soaking your feet. That chair may have special massage settings for your neck and back too, to provide you with a wholesome relaxing experience.
Visual Comparison: Pedicure vs. Manicure in Table Format
You can see these differences graphically here in this table.
| Pedicure | Manicure |
| It is the treatment done for your feet and toenails. | It’s the beauty treatment done for your hands and nails. |
| Pedicure is pretty costly. | A manicure is cheaper as compared to a pedicure. |
| This includes a lot of scrubbing. | This process includes minimal scrubbing. |
The short video clip below will clarify these differences further.
How Often Should You Get A Pedicure And Manicure?
You should get a pedicure every two weeks, while manicures should be done at least once a month.
However, some people may need them more often depending on their skin type and how often they use harsh chemicals or abrasives on their feet and hands. If you’re going for these treatments for the first time, ask your podiatrist or a qualified beauty professional.
Bottom Line
- Pedicures make your feet look nice, while manicures make your hands look nice.
- A pedicure is for your feet and toenails, and a manicure is for your hands and fingernails.
- A pedicure is usually more expensive than a manicure.
- Pedicures scrub your feet more to make them soft, while manicures don’t need much scrubbing.
- During a pedicure, your feet soak, scrub, trim, file, and polish, and you might get a foot massage.
- During a manicure, your hands get cream, shaping, cutting, and nail polish, and you might get a hand massage.
- It’s good to get a pedicure every two weeks and a manicure once a month for healthy nails and skin.
- Both pedicures and manicures help you look and feel good.