Pedicure

A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, analogous to a manicure. Pedicures are done for cosmetic, therapeutic, and medical purposes and can help prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. They are popular throughout the world, especially among women.

Pedicures include care not only for toenails; dead skin cells are rubbed off the bottom of the feet, using a rough stone (often a pumice stone) or other material. Skin care is often provided up to the knee, including granular exfoliation, moisturizing, and massage.

The word pedicure is derived from the Latin words , which means "of the foot", and , which means "care".

People have been pedicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures. The use of fingernail polish can be traced back even further. Originating in China in 3000 BC, nail color indicated one’s social status, according to a Ming Dynasty manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red. Ancient Egyptians have been manicuring all the way back to 2300 BC.

A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a pharaoh’s tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs. The Egyptians also colored their nails, using red to show the highest social class. It is said that Cleopatra’s nails were painted a deep red, whereas Queen Nefertiti went with a flashier ruby shade. In ancient Egypt and Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before they went off to battle.

The pedicure industry began to noticeably grow in 2000. There were approximately 50,000 nail salons located throughout the United States (US) then, compared to nearly 200,000 nail salons today. This was largely driven by the full-service salon. Pedicure has high growth rates compared to other industries.

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Wikipedia