Pedicure

Cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails A pedicure in progress Street pedicure in Bamako A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, analogous to a manicure. A pedicure includes dead skin cells being rubbed off the bottom of the feet using a rough stone (often a pumice stone). Skincare is frequently provided up to the knee, including granular exfoliation, moisturizing, and massage. The word pedicure is derived from the Latin words pedis, which means "of the foot", and cura, which means "care". History People have been pedicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern Babylonia, noble people used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures. Nail polish can be traced back even further. Originating in China in 3000 BC, nail color indicated a person's social status according to a Ming Dynasty manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red. Ancient Egyptians have been manicuring since 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 high