Men's pedicure: what to expect and which one to book

What actually happens

You sit with your feet in a warm soak. The tech trims and shapes your nails, tidies the cuticles and works on calluses and rough heels. Then comes a massage of the feet and lower legs. The service ends with a quick dry and a final check.

Polish is included, but you do not have to use it. Plenty of men ask for clean, shaped nails and a buffed finish with no color. Say so at the start and the tech will skip the polish. The tech will not ask why you skipped it, because it is a routine request that many clients make.

Which one to book

For a first visit, the Classic at $35 takes 25 minutes and includes a five minute massage. It covers the basics. The Deluxe at $49 takes 40 minutes and has an eight minute massage, with more time on rough skin.

If your heels are cracked or you spend your days on your feet, the Organic Spa at $65 gives 50 minutes with a 12 minute massage. The longer tiers up to Gold Enchantment at $120 add more time and a longer massage.

• Classic, $35, 25 minutes: the basics
• Deluxe, $49, 40 minutes: more callus time
• Organic Spa, $65, 50 minutes: longer massage
• Longer spa tiers: up to 85 minutes

Tips for a good visit

Come with clean, dry feet and tell the tech about anything sensitive, such as ingrown nails, cuts or sore spots. Do not shave your legs right before, since the soak can sting fresh cuts. Wear shorts or loose pants, since the massage reaches up toward the knee on the longer treatments.

South Florida wear and tear shows up on feet: sand, sandals and hot pavement dry out heels. A pedicure every four to six weeks keeps things tidy. After that, a daily moisturizer helps between visits. Moisturize daily and wear shoes that fit well, because both help a pedicure last between visits.

When to see a doctor first

If you have diabetes, poor circulation, numbness or a foot infection, talk to your doctor before booking any pedicure. The same goes for painful, discolored or thickened nails that have not been looked at. A salon is not the place to treat those.

Otherwise, walk in or call 954-236-7922. We are at 8151 W Sunrise Blvd in Plantation, open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM. Appointments are recommended. Mention any sore, cut or discolored spots at the start, so the tech works around them carefully.

Common questions men ask first

Many men ask if it is awkward. It is a routine service, and the techs do it all day. You sit, relax and talk as much or as little as you like. Most people say the first minute is the only unusual part.

Another common question is about ingrown or thick toenails. Tell the tech before the service. They can trim and shape carefully, but a nail that is painful, infected or badly thickened needs a doctor, not a pedicure. Cream applied each evening keeps heels smoother, and a pumice stone can help between visits.

Finally, ask about aftercare. A daily foot cream keeps heels from cracking in Florida's dry air-conditioned interiors and sandal-heavy weather. Fresh socks and well-fitting shoes also make a pedicure last. A visit every four to six weeks keeps things tidy, and a good sock and shoe choice keeps it that way.

Questions guests ask

Do I have to get polish at a men's pedicure?

No. Polish is included, but you can skip it. Ask for clean, shaped nails with a buffed finish and the tech will leave the color off. Just tell the tech when you sit down, and it will be a clean, natural finish.

Which pedicure should a man book first?

The Classic at $35 for 25 minutes covers the basics. If your heels are rough or you want more massage, the Deluxe at $49 for 40 minutes is a common next step.

How long does a men's pedicure take?

The Classic takes 25 minutes and the Deluxe 40. Longer spa tiers run 50 to 85 minutes. Call 954-236-7922 to book the one that fits your schedule. Regular polish is included in every pedicure, but nobody will ask you to use it.