Treating yourself to a gel pedicure at a nail salon in Newport Beach is about more than just receiving a beauty treatment — it’s a luxurious experience that leaves you looking your best and feeling rejuvenated. If you’re new to gel pedicures or general nail salon services, keep reading to learn every step in the process. From the moment you sit down to the final moments of your treatment, you’ll know exactly what to expect so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy it to the fullest.

Old Polish Removal

Your gel pedicure service begins by soaking your feet in a bowl of warm water. After your nails have softened, your technician will carefully remove any existing polish from your toes. If you have gel polish, your nail tech will soak cotton pads in acetone and wrap them around your toenails, allowing the solution to sit for 5-10 minutes and break down the gel polish completely. They’ll then scrape off any remaining polish for a blank and clean canvas.

Nail Filing and Shaping

Once the old polish is removed, your technician will file and shape your toenails. This step is crucial for creating a clean, uniform look and preventing potential ingrown nails. You can let your technician know what nail shape you prefer, whether it’s square, round, or anything in between. Using a high-quality metal or crystal file, your nail tech will ensure a precise and uniform appearance.

Push Back Cuticles

Cuticle care is an important part of any professional mani-pedi service. While most people neglect cuticle maintenance during DIY at-home pedicures, a professional service will push back your cuticles using a specialized cuticle pusher, creating a clean line at the base of each nail. They’ll also clip any excess dead skin around the cuticle. This is for more than aesthetic purposes; this process helps prevent hangnails and promotes healthier nail growth.

Skin Exfoliation

Once your toenails are prepped for the pedicure, your technician will move on to your skin. This process begins with exfoliation. Your nail tech will use a professional-grade scrub to remove dead skin cells from your feet and lower legs, leaving them smooth and soft. This exfoliation not only eliminates rough patches and improves the appearance of your skin, but it also promotes better circulation and prepares your feet for moisturizer.

Foot Massage and Moisturizing

After your feet are exfoliated, you’ll experience many people’s favorite part of the gel pedicure process — the foot massage. Your technician will apply a hydrating lotion or oil to your feet and lower legs, thoroughly massaging them to work out any tension and provide deep hydration. This step, like exfoliation, helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and soften the skin.

Polish Application

After your massage, you’re ready for the polish application. During a gel pedicure, your nail technician will begin by carefully applying a clear base coat to each toenail. They’ll then apply your chosen gel polish color, painting it on in thin, even layers. Thin layers ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish that will last for weeks without peeling.

Curing Process

Between each layer of polish, your technician will cure your nails for 30-60 seconds under a UV or LED lamp. Curing is a critical part of the gel polish process that differentiates it from a traditional polish pedicure. The curing process hardens the gel polish, ensuring it sets instantly and is resistant to chips or smudges. To finish the appointment, your tech will apply a clear top coat that is then cured for a perfect, glossy finish that will maintain its flawless look for weeks.

If you’re searching for the premier nail salon in Newport Beach for your gel pedicure, Newport Nails is the No. 1 choice. We offer mani-pedi services as well as a range of spa treatments that ensure you enjoy a luxurious day of pampering, no matter what form of self-care you’re searching for. We’ll help you sit back, relax, and achieve your nail bar dreams, so contact us online or visit us at Bayside or one of our other convenient locations today and let us know how we can service you.