Introduction to Men’s Pedicures
Our feet. They are often the most neglected part of the male body. However, a fair argument can be made that they are among the most important. The human foot has over 20 bones, over 30 joints, and over 100 ligaments. Our feet take us everywhere we go and they endure a high amount of wear and tear. Job requirements often dictate long periods of walking or standing or wearing steel toe boots. Athletes and runners often unintentionally put their feet through a repetitive pounding that can cause inflammation, pain, or discomfort. Luckily for men, there is a service that is often considered a hidden gem, the men's pedicure. The male pedicure is a service that has risen in popularity and has quickly become a valued service due to the aforementioned reasons. It is not a secret that modern gentlemen are more secure with experiencing these spa services with highly trained professionals. In fact, research suggests that as many as 46% of men will get a men's pedicure in the future or have considered getting one. This article will provide insight on what issues men deal with on a daily basis as well as provide insight as to services that can help. Who knows, there may even be a local salon and spa for gentlemen that can assist! Men’s pedicures are a great way to not only guarantee that your feet are in prime functioning order but are also very relaxing and are a great way to escape the madness encountered on a daily basis.
Conditions of the Foot
Before we discuss the benefits of men's pedicures, first allow us to visit some common conditions that are prevalent among male feet we see on a regular basis. Again, most of these conditions are due to the daily repetitive responsibilities we carry or the extracurricular activities we choose to do.
Cracked heels- Cracked heels can be a painful and uncomfortable. However, this condition is easily treatable and can be easily managed with regular men's pedicures. Cracked heels are usually the result of those gentlemen that walk with a heavy heel strike or that are required to stand for a substantial amount of time. Also, this condition is also more prevalent when the weather is warmer and sandals and flip flops are the shoes of choice.
Rough skin- Rough skin is often found on the heels and can be characterized by the feeling that socks "catch" when putting them on. Rough skin, if not properly cared for, can lead to deeper callused skin that separates and is the perfect place for bacteria to enter the body and create fungal infections.
Sweaty feet- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition that directly affects men more than women. Every man is unique and some sweat more than others. Our feet are a main source of where this sweat is produced that leads to the formulation of bacteria that can reproduce very quickly. Feet that sweat are the perfect environment for conditions such as fungal infections as well as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. These conditions can lead to a fair amount of discomfort as well as embarrassment.
Cold feet- Gents, we are not talking about the weeks leading up to the big day. A wise person once told me "if you get cold feet, put on a warm pair of socks." All joking aside, feet that are consistently cold could be a sign of a serious underlying health condition. Although the weather obviously can play a role, men who suffer from cold or cramping feet could have a condition known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) which is a disease of the blood vessels that carry blood to the legs and feet.
Callused skin- Callused skin is actually produced by the body as a protective defense mechanism. Calluses are often found on the sides or souls of the feet and are caused by the daily irritation caused by constant repetition or ill-fitting shoes. Calluses can be quite uncomfortable and often can lead to pain. Also, they cause a sense of embarrassment.
Dry skin- Dry skin is a common condition that is usually located on the heels and soles of the feet. However, if not treated, dry skin can create issues such as bacterial or fungal infections that could be much more severe. Dry skin cracks and creates a pathway for bacteria to enter the body.
Toenail fungus and discolored toenails- Toenails that are discolored, often yellow in appearance, or lifting are often the result of a fungal infection. Men often experience cuts or scrapes on their feet and this is the perfect scenario for fungus to enter the body. Keep in mind the sweat by the feet in combination with sweaty socks and shoes creates the perfect environment for this to occur.
Foot odor- Did you know that there are 250,000 sweat glands on a pair of feet? Throughout the day as much as a half pint of moisture can be excreted by our feet through sweat. Although sweat contributes to foot odor, it is actually the bacteria that is produced that contribute to the foul smell. Bacteria thrive in moisture rich environments such as sweaty feet and sweaty socks and shoes and also multiply rapidly in these conditions further contributing to the issue.
Shoe odor- Shoe odor often is directly linked to the sweat that is produced by our feet. As mentioned above, our feet can produce up to a half a pint of sweat per day. Again, the sweat our feet produce leads to the proper environment for the formation of bacteria. Bacteria thrives in a dark, moist environment and have the ability to actually double every 20 minutes. These bacteria that are produced multiply and has the ability to get in our shoes and produce a foul smell.
Pitted toenails- Tiny or micro dents in the toenails accompanied often with slight discoloration is a sign of pitted toenails. Pitted toenails could be a sign of psoriasis.
Peeling skin- Peeling skin is often found to be itchy and located between the toes. This condition is commonly known to be a fungal infection known as athlete’s foot.
As we can see, there are a lot of conditions of the foot that many men deal with on a daily basis. Many of these conditions are easily manageable with a little tender loving care. However, some of these conditions have the ability to cause discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. These conditions are often found by professionals who conduct men's pedicures and who also have the expertise to educate the client on the condition at hand.
Benefits of a Men’s Pedicure
Men who receive regular pedicures will experience many benefits versus those who don’t.
Regular assessment of the ‘health of the feet’ can lead to early detection of ailments such as fungal infections, bunions, as well as circulatory issues such as PVD. Early detection of ailments provides an easier path for health officials to treat the condition. It is best to regularly receive men’s pedicures so the health of the foot is not overlooked. Foot Grooming in men’s pedicures is an essential part of the health of the feet. Regular proper clipping of the toenails prevents the toenails from growing inward or overlapping of the toe and creating sores from rubbing on the other toes that can cause infection. Foot Grooming also allows the elimination of dirt and foul-smelling bacteria in or around the nails and foot. Elimination of the dirt and bacteria creates a healthy environment for the feet. Further, an essential art of the foot grooming process is the exfoliation and removal of dead skin and calluses. Dead skin lacks moisture which can cause cracks and soreness as noted above. Also, the accumulation of dead skin cells can create bunions and corns which are uncomfortable and can be painful. Frequent exfoliation and removal of dead skin of the feet encourages new skin cell growth. Men’s pedicures include a leg and foot massage. Massaging of the legs and feet not only feels good by relieving tension but it is very relaxing. Foot and leg massage also assist by stimulating blood circulation. Blood circulation can help with the distribution of heat and the reduction of pain.
Men who receive regular pedicures often have improved self-esteem due to the fact that they don’t feel like they have to hide their feet. Many men suffer from dry, peeling, callused skin and heels and this causes a sense of embarrassment. Finally, a men’s pedicure offers the chance to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Men’s Pedicures at Men’s Den, Inc.
One of the comments we hear often at Men's Den, Inc. is "I feel so much better." This statement is full encompassing as clients who visit have a multitude of different services performed. However, an important aspect that must not be overlooked is the trust and comfort level that our clients have in us. Clients who learn that we can be trusted feel better not only physically, but also mentally as well. Why? Trust leads to relaxation at Men's Den, Inc. Relaxation is a key point in the Men’s Den, Inc. experience including our male pedicure service.
Our men's pedicures are called Foot Therapy services. Let us explain the Foot Therapy process you will experience at Men's Den, Inc.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our team members and escorted to the Foot Therapy location. The Foot Therapy location is private and you will not have to worry about others watching you get your Foot Therapy service. Often, if there is a sense of embarrassment, this privacy location provides a cure for it. Please remove your shoes and socks and have a seat in our comfortable massaging pedicure chair. It is now time for your service and relaxation to begin.
Step 1 - Consultation: An in-depth consultation will take place to learn more about your foot care needs. New clients will have an opportunity to discuss what is troubling them (if anything) and returning clients will have the opportunity to discuss the progress that has been made or new needs since the last appointment.
Step 2 - Evaluation: The feet are evaluated for calluses, rough, peeling skin, as well as the nails. These conditions, if found, are discussed and questions answered. A Foot Deodorant spray is applied as well as a Shoe Deodorant spray in order to kill any bacteria that is present.
Step 3 - Preparation: Clients feet are placed into the pedicure bowl and are soaked with a Foot Soak solution that hydrates and softens calluses.
Step 4 - Exfoliation: A Seaweed Scrub is applied to the feet as well as the lower legs. The Seaweed Scrub provides skin exfoliation that will help to reduce the skin that is rough and peeling on the feet and lower leg.
Step 5 - Application: A callus softener applied around the toenails, calluses as well as dry skin on the sole of the foot. Callus softener assists in softening the skin for any filing that is necessary.
Step 6 - Reparation: Toenails are trimmed and cut to the desired length determined in the consultation. Nails will be cleaned as well as in the grooves and along the cuticles.
Step 7 - Rejuvenation: Very Dry Skin Formula is applied to the foot and massaged into the skin.
Step 8 - Moisturization: Footlogix Massage Formula is applied to the feet and lower leg. The Massage Formula is massaged into the skin and provides a relaxing experience.
Step 9 – Sanitation: Pedicure chair and bowl are cleaned with an industrial grade cleaner to ensure that any and all bacteria that were present are killed. Implements used in the men’s pedicure process are sanitized with the same industrial grade cleaner and then placed into direct UV light to further clean. Trust that cleanliness is one of our top priorities.
Products used for Men’s Pedicures
Men’s Den, Inc. uses the best products in order to effectively treat our valued clients. Footlogix Pediceuticals is a leader in men’s pedicure products.
Men’s Pedicure Contraindications
Contraindications that prevent a men’s pedicure. Clients who have these known conditions are recommended to wait until the present condition has improved.
*Fungal infections. These types of infections spread rapidly and often thrive in damp areas and can appear soft and spongy. An example of a fungal infection includes athlete’s foot (ringworm of the foot).
*Bacterial infections. A bacterial infection is usually characterized swelling, tenderness, and redness in the area. Examples of bacterial infections include Paronychia, Whitlows, Onychia.
It is important to note that we do not treat ingrown toenails. Clients who are suffering from ingrown toenails are recommended to make an appointment with their family physician.
Proper Foot Care Regimen Between Men’s Pedicures
Although some gentlemen would like to experience a men’s pedicure every day that may be impossible. We have included some key points that men can do at home that should suffice in between their pedicure appointments. Remember, foot health is an important piece of a man’s total health.
*Check feet daily for cuts, sores, swelling, and infected toenails. If you are experiencing any type of discomfort with your feet, this may be a place to start looking.
*Give your feet a proper cleaning in warm water but avoid soaking them because that may dry them out. Also, remember to dry them after you wash them. Dry feet are important as it keeps the bacterial breeding ground at bay.
*Moisturize your feet every day with lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly. Please don’t put moisturizer between your toes as we want to keep the skin between the toes dry to prevent infection.
*Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes if possible. Shoes shouldn’t hurt your feet. If you find that you have 2 different sized feet, always purchase the bigger size.
*Eliminate flip-flops and flats. Although fun to wear, these shoes don’t provide enough arch support and can create dry, callused heels.
*Rotate your shoes so you’re not wearing the same pair every day. Shoes need a chance to dry out from the sweat that accumulates in them daily.
*Trim your toenails straight across with a nail clipper when needed. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth the corners, which will prevent the nail from growing into your skin.
*Receive regular pedicures at Men’s Den, Inc.
Conclusion
Proper foot care is an important aspect of complete body care. Feet should never be neglected as they have the responsibility of taking us everywhere we choose to go. Many conditions can be present in the feet that we may not even know exist or that cause men to be uncomfortable, painful, or embarrassed. Men’s spa pedicures are a service that is becoming more popular in the public eye due to relaxed social standards and simply because of the benefits regular pedicures provide such as improved foot health, reduction of pain and soreness, as well as a boost in self-confidence.
Men’s Den, Inc. is located at 939 E Dupont Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 and offers a quaint, private environment for men’s pedicures. Foot Therapy service at Men’s Den, Inc. is conducted by a highly trained and knowledgeable team that prides ourselves on communication as well as service. Please visit our website at mensdeninc.com or call 260-739-7081 to learn more information or to schedule an appointment.