Sexy Summer Feet

What You Need to Know Before Getting That Pedicure
by Sherrell Dorsey of Organic Beauty Vixen

I love that summer is around the corner. I’m currently living in NYC and the weather goes from sun, to rain to snow! Atmospheric turrets is what I like to call it. Whether or not the sun decided to show its face again, my feet always have to be on their A game. Now I will be honest. I don’t have the prettiest feet. Which is why I stick to a shoe collection that doesn’t involve strappy heels, but sexy sandles that give the same effect without exposing some flaws I like to keep covered up.

I’m a regular of the good ol’ mani and pedi service. But for regular maintenance and saving a few dollars, I love whipping up beauty solutions at home. I typically take some brown sugar and olive oil before I turn on the water in my shower and scrub away any dead skin or roughness. Make the pumice stone a regular part of your bathing routine! Believe me, your feet with thank you when it’s time to kick around in flip flops. Keep nails nice and cute with non-toxic nail polishes like Butter London, Zoya, Priti, or Suncoat that are free from formaldehyde, DBP and toulene.

Feel like a princess and go straight to an organic spa to get your pedicure and stay safe from toxic fumes, products and bacteria. Even some of the most expensive spas can easily become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and germs when they aren’t following state regulated safety standards.

Check out this clip from the Dr. Oz show talking about the dangers of nail salons.

Keep yourself safe by following my OBV Guide to a safe summer pedicure:

• Bring your own tools – When in doubt about a nail spa’s cleanliness or products used, bring your own! Throw a nail file, manicure stick, clippers and toe separators into a zip lock back and tote with you to the spa. Technicians are supposed to properly sanitizes their tools and sterilize them in an autoclave, but many don’t. Stay safe! Sometimes, especially when I know I won’t be able to visit my favorite organic spa, I bring along travel size lotions and foot scrubs just to ensure the safety of what is going on my skin. You may look like a princess but at least you’ll be safe!

• Whirlpool chairs are not your friend- Whirlpools are breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria. Although they are nice and comfortable, hair and debris can get trapped in the filters, making it a terrible situation for each person plunging their feet into the warm bubbly water without a clue. Opt for spas that have pedicure bowls. Make sure to notice whether or not your technician is cleaning the bowl after each client.

• Don’t shave or wax 24 hours before your pedi – With open pores and exposed skin, you definitely don’t want to become susceptible to potential bacteria. Take a little break after a wax or shave and keep yourself safe!

• Make sure everyone is licensed – Don’t risk your health with unlicensed workers. Licenses should be visible in the spa. If you don’t see any displayed, ask the management to show you your technicians certification before they get anywhere near your feet! Also, make sure that your technician has washed their hands between clients. It’s ok to ask them to wash their hands if you are unsure.

Have you had a terrible nail spa experience? Please share your story with me!

Sherrell Dorsey is a natural beauty expert, writer, speaker and advocate of health, wellness and sustainability in communities of color. In addition to creating OrganicBeautyVixen.com, Sherrell writes beauty articles for Tyra Banks’s beauty and fashion site TypeF.com, Jones Magazine, MySalonScoop.com and Posh Beauty. Follow Sherrell on twitter at www.twitter.com/organicvixen and connect with her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OBVMedia.