So, I'm 25 and I have never gotten my nails done. Never a manicure, and certainly never a pedicure! I think it's about time, but I need advice. What do I ask for when I got to a nail place?

Do I have to get fake nails, or can they just spiff up my regular nails? Is there a difference between asking for a manicure and just getting my nails done? Do my nails need to be a certain length? And if I do get fake nails, what should I ask for in that case? I don't want long nails and I don't want anything too dramatic.

In terms of a pedicure... my problem is that I never want people to see my feet. lol Not up close anyway. I don't have attractive feet.. they are huge (size 11!) and my nails are naturally thick, and on my big toes the nails grow inward at the sides. Plus my feet are calloused and all that.
I hate the way my feet look. (I never say that out loud though... I don't want my feet to think I don't appreciate them. Feet, if you're listening, I love you and everything you do for me!)

But maybe I should get my toe nails done. Or a pedicure, whatever that involves. But I don't know what I should ask for in that case either! Help, ladies!

I would recommend a regular manicure and pedicure, but it really is your preference as to what you like. Most importantly, go to a reputable place! Make sure they use high quality nail polishes (like OPI, etc.), and they sterilise their equipment.
And about them seeing your feet, I'm certain that most aestheticians have seen EVERYTHING before, so don't worry about it. They're job is to make them look pretty and neat!

I agree with Aneleh...make sure the place is clean. Maybe ask some of your friends and family where they go to get their nails done?

Personally, I wouldn't get fake nails--especially for a first time. I love the way they look (French tips, solar nails...those are the ones are are really glossy with the tips white in color), but after 2 weeks when you have to take them off, your natural nail underneath is absolutely destroyed! All the buffing and sanding they do to put the pretty nail on top...not worth it!

I would just tell them you want a normal manicure, and they'll usually ask what color nailpolish you'd like, but that's completely up to you. I like clear to make them look all shiny! Length is completely up to you as well...I like mine a nice medium length--not really long, not too short.

As for pedicures? Really, they won't judge you. LoL That was my mom's biggest fear because she has really calloused feet and one of her toes was broken ages ago and it never grew right! But pedicures are about her favorite thing now---she found a great girl that she asks for every time, and it's very worth it!

Ok, sorry for the book---but hope it helps! You'll love it! Very relaxing and very pampering

Do I have to get fake nails, or can they just spiff up my regular nails? Is there a difference between asking for a manicure and just getting my nails done? Do my nails need to be a certain length? And if I do get fake nails, what should I ask for in that case? I don't want long nails and I don't want anything too dramatic.

You don't have to get fake nails... and your nails don't have to be a certain length. In a manicure, they simply push back your cuticles, clean your nails up, file them, make 'em shiny, and paint them. French manicures are super cute, where they paint the tips white...? Your nails don't have to be a certain length, tho the longer they are, the easier it is for them to make them pretty, but still having room to cut them a bit..

Take a pic when they're done!

Let me know how the pedicure goes! i never got one of those either.. im way too ticklish ... lol

I love getting a pedicure!! I would love manicures, too, except I keep my nails really short for piano.

Just ask for a manicure and pedicure, and they'll use your natural nails (which I prefer, too). Don't worry about your feet. Mine have been . . . well, unpleasant, and I'm sure they have seen worse.

I was 23 or so before I got my nails done for the first time, and I'm so glad I did. It's still a very occasional treat for me, due to cost, but I love it when I do it. Enjoy yourself!

i KEEP fake nails on all the time but courtney is right it demolishes ur real nails. but i have to say as far as polish goes it won't last long on ur real nails bc of the oil in ur skin... i don't get pedicures bc i too am ticklish and i don't like the foot or calf massaging i do however get my toe nails painted to match my fingernails..

I love getting a manicure/pedicure. I think everyone should have them done. I wouldn't worry to much about your feet. Im very weird about people touching my feet and im very ticklish and have huge feet (Mine are 12) but i love getting them done. So go for it, and like the rest of the ladies said i only ever get the basic manicure/pedicure because i dont like my natural nails destroyed for fake ones.

Thanks so much for your replies ladies! Maybe I will make this a reward for myself when I get down a few more lbs. That will be my motivation. I will definitely let you know how it goes!

Can I just say, off-topic, futuresurferchick, how incredibly impressed I am with your progress as shown by your ticker? Good for you! I hope you enjoy your mani/pedi, and don't be freaked out when the manicurist starts touching you innapropriately; she's massaging your arms and calves to stimulate bloodflow, which contributes to healthy nails. A friend of mine who was 39 y/o and getting her first manicure freaked out at that part and almost walked out of the nail salon (very sensitive about being touched at all, which is why she'd never had a manicure). We laugh about it now, but at the time it was very upsetting for her, to the point where it got brought up at a therapist's session.

Pedicures are the BEEEEEEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and so are french manicures i do my own

Oh thanks!! The scale today is actually saying 178 so maybe I should update that a little. I usually only change it in 5lb increments and I don't like to change it online til I'm convinced that it's for real. lol
Thanks for the heads up about the massage part because I would have been really surprised too!!

OMG I love pedicures! I haven't gotten one in a long time due to time/funds, but it really is a great experience. I love my feet, and I LOVE when they file the callouses on my heels - I tell them to go all out and really file them off. They peel and catch on carpet otherwise.

I've never had fake nails and never will. I have nice strong nails. But I also don't put nail polish on the anymore because I keep them super short and I use my nails for everything, so until they make a nail polish made of solid metal it's a no-go for me. But I find that many manicurists will do more than just pretty-up your nails. They'll give you a hand massage and cover your hands with healing lotion and put them in gloves for a little while to make them soft. Some places even offer hot wax dips, which is amazing! The pedicurists I've been to will give you a full lower-leg massage (shave your legs before you go if you're self-conscious about that!) and a relaxing foot bath. They offer the "deluxe" package, with special exfoliating wraps and such, too. Most places also have massage chairs for the pedicures, which makes it an even better way to pamper yourself for a day! Just be sure that, if you get your hair done, you do it before the pedicure, so you can lay back and relax without ruining your hair!

A couple places I've been too offer really cool designs, too. I went with a friend who was a regular and they gave me some awesome designs on my big toes for free (they usually charge), and they last pretty long. It's awesome in the summer, when you can show off your feet! And yes, they see plenty of "ugly" feet of all shapes and sizes. I wear size 10/11 shoes, too, by the way!

Just wanted to mention that something that goes a LONG way to having beautiful nails and feet that you can be proud of is the day to day stuff you do yourself. I used to go to the manicurist every 3 weeks but now that I do things on my own they look so much better and healthier.

1. Get a pumice stone or other exfoliator for your feet. I find that the ones with handles are best so they don't rough up your fingers. Scrub your callouses every time you're in the shower.

2. Use a cuticle oil on both finger and toe nails a few times a week. This keeps them moisturized and helps with pushing your cuticles back. Makes your nails look SO much nicer! (especially toes)

3. Use a cuticle pusher a few times a week. My preference is in the shower because then they're already soft from being in warm water.

4. Do some light filing to keep your nails in shape and put lotion on your feet every day after the shower.

When you go to your spa, feel free to ask them questions so that you know what to do yourself. Have fun!

btw, I don't have small feet either and trust the fact that they really are professionals that have seen it all! just relax and enjoy.