There was a time when this little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home. Today's little piggies go everywhere, bare, bold, and shining.
It is the summer of the “polished” or “finished” foot. Sandals, slides, and strappy shoes are acceptable at most social events and in many workplaces. Even the lowly flip-flop is traveling beyond the beach.
“A well-groomed foot finishes the whole look,” said Susan Stahlbush, general manager of Shamas Urban Retreat in Perrysburg.
In addition, women are getting away from pantyhose, and wearing capri and cropped pants, which look good with sandals, she said. “Toenails lighten up and brighten up just as fashion does in the spring and summertime,” said
Ms. Stahlbush.
Other indicators that the foot is tops: Professional, pricey pedicures have skyrocketed in popularity, the variety of foot-care products for home use has increased, and foot jewelry is being worn by women of all ages.
“People spend a lot of time and money on their feet,” said Dr. Stuart Mogul, podiatric surgeon and author of Perfect Feet (Stewart, Tabor & Chang, 2003). “It's always been a kind of erotic, sensual part of the body.”
Pretty feet mean supple skin and tidy nails. “It takes some work to have a good-looking foot,” said Ms. Stahlbush.
The biggest toenail trend is the French pedicure, in which the tip of the nail is painted white and the rest of the nail is brushed with a pale pink. It's neutral enough to complement all colors of clothing.
“It's a clean look and a fresh look; more of a natural look,” said Connie Stevens, owner of Adagio salon in Maumee. French pedicure kits can be purchased for use at home.
Bridal parties often choose pastels or pastel metallics in peach, white, and beige. Also popular are striking colors such as clear reds, sometimes with a pinstripe of white, gold, or silver across the nail, she said.
Fifteen years ago, pedicures comprised only 10 percent of Ms. Stevens's business. Now, the pedicure/manicure mix is equal, she said. “It's more for relaxation now,” she said.
Males comprise 10 to 15 percent of her customers, she said, adding that men sometimes chose a clear polish without sheen that provides a finished look.
A shimmery pink-red “cherry” polish is popular at David Broadway Salon and Spa on West Central Avenue, said Dianne Kinkaid, one of nine nail technicians at the shop. She does as many pedicures as manicures, a big change compared to 1990, when pedicures were just a fraction of her work.
“We're booked up rock solid for two weeks out,” said Ms. Kinkaid.
Prices for pedicures begin at about $15 for a 20 to 30-minute trim and polish, to $60 for a royal, 90-minute pampering at an upscale salon. Befitting a queen, there's likely to be a back-massaging “throne” chair with attached foot Jacuzzi, relaxing music, soft lighting, and pleasing aromas. A glass of wine may be served. Deluxe treatments can include calf and foot massages, hot paraffin dips, clay masks, and warm stones placed between the toes.
Cracked, dry feet need daily lubrication. Wearing a light sock over a lotioned foot while sleeping can help create supple skin, said Ms. Stahlbush.
“If a person is shy about baring their feet, I recommend a professional pedicure,” she added. It leaves the foot soothed and looking its best.
Nail technicians may be able to minimize visualize problems, such as a damaged nail or even a second toe that's longer than the big toe. A larger acrylic nail can be applied to the big toe to alter the toe-line, but acrylic nails aren't recommended for the rest of the toenails, technicians said.
A more drastic option is a nip and tuck, but it's not widely done. In his New York City practice, Dr. Stuart Mogul has increased the numbers of cosmetic operations by about 25 percent a year. In Manhattan, where style often trumps substance, there's a manicurist/pedicurist on almost every street corner, he said.
For years, he had done corrective surgery for people who suffered pain because of crooked or hammer toes, bunions, or a long second toe. About five years ago, he started doing operations for people who simply hated their feet.
“I had a couple of patients who had nonpainful toe issues. I figured the procedures would be the same ones I'd use to fix a painful deformity,” said Dr. Mogul. “If people are embarrassed about their feet, why not do it for that reason?”
A toe-shortening procedure takes about 30 minutes, costs $1,200 to $2,000, and requires wearing a post-operative shoe for a month after surgery.
In the retail world, products for the feet have expanded greatly, said Connie Tank, manager of Sally Beauty Supply on Glendale Avenue. There are sloughing lotions to remove dead skin, fizzy foot soaks, invigorating rubs, and foot mousse, she said.
Teens are brushing on vivid and glittery neons, lime, yellow, orange, and purple. And comfortable toe rings and ankle bracelets are popular, she said.
A new accessory is the foot thong, which loops around ankle and toe, to be worn at the beach or poolside. In addition, new styles of hosiery are toeless, allowing the pedicure to be shown off.
First Published June 8, 2003, 12:39 p.m.
