Types of Pedicure: Spa, Classic, Express and Medical — Differences and Which to Choose
Not all pedicures are the same. Spa, classic, express and medical: duration, prices and which one you need.
Asking for a pedicure without specifying is like saying just cut my hair. The result depends on what your feet need right now.
Classic pedicure
Trimming, filing, cuticle work, light hard skin removal, polish. 35-50 min. Maintenance every 3-4 weeks for feet in good condition. Professional cuticle work removes excess dead skin from the groove with proper instruments — difficult to replicate at home.
Spa pedicure
Everything in the classic + foot soak (5-10 min) + exfoliation + deep hard skin removal + hydrating massage (5-15 min). 60-75 min. The soak softens skin and cuticles, making subsequent work deeper and less aggressive. Recommended if 2+ months without care, visible hard skin, or summer/event preparation. If pregnant: pregnancy pedicure guide.
Express pedicure
Trim + file + cuticle push-back. 15-25 min. No hard skin removal, no soak, no massage. Quick touch-up between appointments. Not suitable if 2+ months without attention.
Medical pedicure (podiatric)
Clinical, not cosmetic. A qualified podiatrist with clinical instruments. Treats: ingrown toenails, fungal infections, painful calluses, plantar warts. A beauty salon does not replace a podiatrist. More: yellow or thickened toenails.
Comparison table
| Express | Classic | Spa | Medical | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 15-25 min | 35-50 min | 60-75 min | 30-60+ min |
| Trim/file | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (clinical) |
| Cuticles | Basic | Full | Full (softened) | If appropriate |
| Hard skin | No | Light | Deep | Clinical |
| Foot soak | No | No | Yes | Case-dependent |
| Massage | No | No | Yes (5-15 min) | No |
| Pathologies | No | No | No | Yes |
| Approx. price | £10-15 | £15-25 | £25-45 | £35-60 |
| Frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 3-4 weeks | Every 4-6 weeks | As prescribed |
How to choose: decision tree
- Pain, ingrown nail, fungal infection? — Medical (podiatrist first)
- 2+ months without care? — Spa (full reset), then classic for maintenance
- Feet in good condition? — Classic every 3-4 weeks
- Just a touch-up between appointments? — Express
- Event or holiday? — Spa
Adrian Beauty Studio modular system
In Gandia and Ontinyent: base (trim + cuticles) + add-ons of your choice (soak, Shellac, OPI, French, removal). You only pay for what you need.
Step-by-step appointment
- Initial assessment (2-3 min)
- Foot soak (spa, 5-10 min)
- Trim and file (5-8 min)
- Cuticle work (5-10 min)
- Hard skin removal (5-15 min depending on type)
- Exfoliation (spa, 3-5 min)
- Massage (spa, 5-15 min)
- Polish (10-20 min)
Total: 35-50 min classic, 60-75 spa.
Aftercare
- Traditional polish: avoid wetting for 2 hours
- Gel polish: carry on as normal immediately
- Moisturise daily (10-20% urea cream every night)
- Pumice stone once a week in the shower
- Do not trim cuticles at home
- Wear breathable footwear
Common mistakes
- Choosing express when you need classic
- Cutting nails too short at home
- Not removing polish in time (over 6 weeks)
- Ignoring hard skin because it doesn't hurt
- Tight footwear after traditional polish
FAQ
How long does gel polish last on toes?
4-6 weeks (longer than on hands). Toenails grow more slowly.
Does a pedicure hurt?
It shouldn't. If you feel discomfort, let your therapist know so they can adjust.
In winter too?
Yes. Boots mean more moisture + friction, which means more hard skin and greater risk of fungal infections.
Whilst pregnant?
Yes, with precautions. Full pregnancy guide.
How often?
Express every 2 weeks, classic every 3-4 weeks, spa every 4-6 weeks.
Thick calluses: spa or podiatrist?
No pain: spa. With pain, deep cracks, or helomas: podiatrist. Calluses and hard skin.
With polish from another salon?
Yes — mention it when booking so extra removal time can be allowed.
Pedicure for men?
Yes. Men's feet tend to build up more hard skin. Every 4-6 weeks without polish unless requested.