What nail length is best for a pedicure?

Short is best, says Rae. “Ideally, nails should sit just below the skin line with a soft, square shape.” To achieve this, she says to file straight across the free edge (tip), gently softening the corners so they’re not sharp. “Short toenails tend to look fresher and healthier, as well as being much better for overall foot health as there’s less pressure exerted on the nail from footwear.”

How often should you get a pedicure?

Every four to six weeks is the sweet spot for healthy feet and polish that stays looking its best, Rae advises. A good tip, she says, is to book a pedicure for every second manicure you have. This tends to be the best rhythm for maintenance and upkeep.

It’s not all about aesthetics, though. Regular appointments help “manage dryness, callus buildup and overall nail health”, she explains. By maintaining a good base, it feels as though the feet are in need of rescuing when you do make it into the salon.

How to Take Care of Your Feet Like a Celebrity Nail Technician

Prioritize Foot-Care

Rae recommends using a nourishing foot cream consistently, ideally at night. Best practice is to rub a good amount in and then pop a pair of socks on until you feel the moisture has been absorbed enough to take them off. Once or twice a week, she says to gently exfoliate the skin on the feet instead of aggressively filing the skin down with a hard skin remover. “Over-filing can actually make some areas of hard skin worse, so it’s about maintaining softness rather than removing everything at once.”