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The mani and pedi parade is in town and we have the lowdown from our spa expert - Angie - to give you all the insight you’re ever going to need on hand (and foot) treatment. Whether you are a newbie to the scene or a studied hand, it’ll be worth your while picking up on all the tips and tricks from the professionals to make sure you get the most out of your spa session.

What are the health benefits of the manicure and pedicure?

So, here’s the good news. A manicure, or pedicure, is not just about having beautiful and well-groomed hands and feet (although that is no doubt the big draw). There are also health benefits that come with treating your digits to a mani/pedi session.

According to Angie - manager of Brahman Hills Spa and fountain of knowledge on all things spa related - manicures increase blood circulation, improve joint movement, keep your cuticles clean, soft and dry and leave your hands not only feeling better but also looking beautiful.

Let’s not forget your tootsies. Those too see health benefits with a good old pedicure pamper. We are talking increased blood circulation bringing nutrients to the skin,  assisting with some nail concerns, preventing nail damage from getting worse, minimising hang nails and dry cuticles, removing dead skin skin cells and improving the appearance of heels and nails and eliminating unwanted - ahem - foot “fragrance”.‍

Feeling all fingers and toes? Not sure what is what?

No problem. We’ve got your back. There are different  manicure and pedicure treatments and they can get a little confusing if you don’t know your Gelish from your varnish. You are not alone. Angie  is going to break it all down for you so you can make an informed decision next time you book your hand or foot treatment:

• Paraffin Wax Manicure or Pedicure
  ‍This treatment, as the title suggests, involves submerging your hands or feet in warm paraffin wax which melts easily so it’s warm, not hot! This dip into paraffin wax helps increase circulation, can improve product absorption and leaves your hands or feet feeling silky soft and smooth - and it feels so relaxing. With its use of warmth, this treatment is especially beneficial on guests with fissures and arthritis. At Brahman Hills Spa, this complete treatment includes exfoliation, soaking, filing, cuticle nourishment and cut (optional), cuticle oil application and massage.
  

• Gelish Manicure or Pedicure
  ‍Next up is the Gelish mani/pedi and this is the treatment that goes the distance. The Gelish paint can last up to 2 to 3 weeks. After application, the paint is cured in a UV light which dries instantly - super convenient if you are in a rush and can’t wait for your nails to dry. However, bear in mind that the best way to take Gelish off is to go back to the spa and have it soaked. Peeling at home is not an option as it can cause extreme damage to your nails. So if this one sounds like your go-to treatment, make sure you are willing to go back  two to three weeks later to have the Gelish removed.

• Traditional Manicure or Pedicure
  ‍This is your traditional nail polish pedicure or manicure. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time for a reason. It works and it is convenient. Now, normally the paint would take between 15 to 20 minutes to dry - so be prepared for the wait time. You don’t want to be shoving on closed shoes or digging in your bag straight after the treatment or it’ll mess up your polish. Bring your flip flops and fish out your purse, glasses or cell phone (anything you may need to use directly after the session) before commencing treatment. Good news is that you are able to remove the nail polish yourself with a nail polish remover at home without having to go to the spa to have it done.‍
  

Get in the groove before you go

With all spa sessions, there are a couple of pre-treatment tips that’ll make your experience go smoothly and even more enjoyable. Angie has the following top tips for you: “A good home care maintenance is necessary”. This means using your cuticle oil pen and a good hand cream, avoiding harsh chemicals and checking that your nails, hands or feet aren’t harbouring any medical issues that’d make treatment a no-go. This includes scabies, broken skin, fungal infection, infectious skin diseases or broken bones!

Try to arrive 15 minutes prior to your treatment - this gives you, and your consultant, time to run through any paper work and settle you in. Another good tip before you go to the spa is to have some idea of the colour you’d like to go for. It’ll help you make a quicker decision when presented with all those dazzling colours, leaving more time for the actual pampering.

How to eke out your manicure/pedicure so it goes the distance?

We are with you on this one! After a manicure or pedicure, your digits are looking divine and you want to make this heavenly effect last as long as possible. Well, you can get the most out of your treatment with good home care - maintain your nails’ health with a cuticle oil pen and regular application of hand/foot cream.

After a pedicure, avoid walking bare foot, especially in public areas, as there are a lot of infections you can pick up. Keep your toenails filed short and cut straight across to avoid ingrown nails and wear comfortable shoes. And, of course, nutrition is a biggie: eat well and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Now that you know everything there is to know about manicures and pedicures, its time to book yourself a treatment and start flashing those beautiful hands and feet at the world!