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By Kenya N. Byrd



Posted May 22, 2006 -- Stay on your toes by taking care of the beauty upgrades required in hot weather. Summertime brings its own set of beauty challenges. Flip-flops and wedges require your feet to look tight and sleeveless tops, bathing suits and strappy dresses mean you’ve got to be up on your waxing/shaving game. Here’s the latest info on summertime grooming for your feet. And tune in next week for the lowdown on waxing.

The Right Steps to a Great Pedicure

Tools of War: "If you're getting a manicure and pedicure, it's best to bring your own nail set," says Dr. Deborah Simmons, a Manhattan-based dermatologist. "This way you don't have to worry about whether your salon has cleaned its tools properly." At King Suki's Nails, based in the North Bronx, they give you the option to bring your own or use their equipment, which is cleaned and disinfected after each use and sterilized before the next use.

They also have private compartments on the premises where you can store your equipment. Whether they are luxury shops or “hood” shops, you should seek a salon that offers this service as nail fungus and infections can be spread by unsanitized equipment.

Clear Nails: "Before you begin any masterpiece you want to begin with a clean canvas," says nailtician Amy. "So remove old polish with a nail remover and cotton balls."

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So Fresh and So Clean: After the nail bed has been cleaned, it's time to give feet a thorough cleansing. Rest feet in a basin filled with water and a disinfectant. "Make sure that the basin they use to put your feet or bowl they dip your nails in has been cleaned with a disinfectant," says Dr. Simmons. King Suki's Nails heightens your soaking pleasure with the automated massage system in the pedicure chairs.

Dead Weight: To slough away dead skin, calluses, and corns, Suki's nailticians use a pumice stone or emery board while elevating your feet on a foot rest. "We apply a lemon, sugar and oil mix," says owner Suki. "It's great for exfoliating the skin. I prefer using a pumice stone rather than a razor cutter, which causes the skin to grow back thicker and harder. (And in many states, these razor cutters are illegal.) You can also prep your feet at home by using an emery board two to three times a week to soften your feet's rough spots after showering."

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Cut Creator: "Cutting cuticles makes you more prone to fungus," says Simmons. "Instead, have your cuticles pushed back to decrease your chance of contracting a fungus." Unless otherwise requested, King Suki's nailticians always cut the cuticles, but begin by pushing them back with a disposable wooden cuticle pusher.

Deep Tissue: King Suki is big on relaxing techniques. Before polish application, customers receive a 3-5 minute foot and leg massage. They then apply a steaming hot white towel to remove the excess lotion from your feet and legs, which always feels great.

Squeaky Clean: Before polishing, the nailtician cleans the nail bed as well as underneath again to rid it of any excess lotion, dirt or debris before polishing.

Masterpiece: Three coats of polish--two coats of your chosen color and one clear top coat to seal the deal--are applied unless otherwise requested. (Note: I prefer one coat of each for my french pedicure. I find it lasts longer). "Customer service is key," says Suki. "We make sure to work with our patrons to ensure that they are content with everything from their color to overall service. We always have water, fruit and candy around in case someone gets the munchies."

Troubleshooting FYI: "Redness, discoloration, lifting, softening or breaking of the nail is usually a sure-fire sign you have a fungus," says Deborah A. Simmons, M.D., a Manhattan-based dermatologist. "To treat it, always make sure to dry your nails, toes and in between them after bathing or showering. When you're wearing shoes, sprinkle some anti-fungal powder like Tenactin or Cruex." Nails can become yellowed by dark nail-polish, but if the infection spreads or doesn’t fade when lighter polishes are used, you may need prescription medication to treat an infection or fungus.