Manicure vs Pedicure: Differences, Similarities & Health Benefits

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Since your feet and hands are the most exposed to harsh weather conditions, germs, and dirt, these body parts are highly prone to damage and even fungal infection. 

Who would want to get those?

To avoid such a nightmare from happening, it is crucial to give proper attention and care to your nails. 

This is where getting manicures and pedicures come into play. 

a woman wearing jeans and long sleeves is having a manicure and pedicure in a salon

Manicures and pedicures have been two of the most highly requested cosmetic treatments at nail spas and salons.

Unfortunately, people get confused between manicure vs pedicure treatments.

If you are among the confused, we got you!

In this article, we walk you through the difference between manicure and pedicure, explain to you how they are alike, and tell you exactly why you should head to your nearest nail salon to get them now! 

First off, here’s a quick comparison table on the differences between manicures and pedicures that we will discuss in detail later on:

manicure vs pedicure infographic
 ManicurePedicure
Treatment AreaA beauty treatment done on the hands and the fingernails.A beauty treatment done on the feet and the toenails.
CostA basic manicure treatment costs anywhere from $20 to $30.A basic pedicure treatment costs anywhere from $30 to $35.
ProcessA basic manicure offers the following services:
  • Cleaning and soaking fingernails
  • Hand moisturizing
  • Relaxing hand massage
  • Shaping, trimming, and buffing fingernails
  • Pushing back of cuticles
  • Nail polish and top coat application
  • Cuticle oil and tint application
Aside from all the services offered in basic manicures, a pedicure involves additional services:
  • Cleaning and soaking toenails
  • Foot exfoliation
  • Removal of calluses
  • Pushing back of cuticles
  • Foot massage
  • Foot moisturizing
  • Shaping, trimming, and buffing toenails
  • Nail polish and top coat application
  • Cuticle oil and tint application
PurposeFocuses on nail care and aesthetic.Aside from nail care, it’s more focused on skin care and skin treatment.
DurationA manicure typically lasts from 15 minutes to more than one hour.A pedicure typically lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. 

What Is a Manicure?

A manicure is a beauty spa treatment that involves shaping, trimming, and polishing fingernails. 

This treatment is performed by a manicurist using waxes, creams, special tools, and massage techniques that will leave your hands and nails looking good and healthy. 

Get a manicure if you want to improve the health and texture of your hands’ skin and your fingernails. 

After a good manicure, your nails will look stunning and polished, more than ever!

A basic manicure usually involves the following services:

  • Cleaning and soaking fingernails
  • Relaxing hand massage
  • Shaping, trimming, and buffing fingernails
  • Pushing back of cuticles
  • Nail polish and top coat application
  • Cuticle oil and tint application

You can check out the video below to see exactly how a standard manicure is done.

What Is a Pedicure?

Did you know that apart from being a beauty treatment, a pedicure is also considered a therapeutic treatment for your feet?

Yes, you read that right!

With a pedicure, you experience additional services like dead skin removal, softening calluses, and treating and shaping your toenails. 

It is literally a manicure for the feet but with additional bonuses.

Having a good pedicure and foot treatment simultaneously will feel relaxing, rewarding, and therapeutic. Plus, it’s one of the best ways to make sure that your feet look clean and feel healthy. 

Aside from the basic manicure services listed earlier, a basic pedicure also includes the following services:

  • Callus removal for softer and smoother feet
  • Cleaning of toenails
  • Pushing back of dead cuticles on toenails
  • Foot exfoliation
  • Foot massages

You can check out the video below to see what a standard pedicure looks like.

What Is the Difference Between a Manicure and Pedicure?

Now, let’s talk about the mani-pedi difference. 

Many people usually think that they are the same. But as we mentioned above, they are actually two different treatments. 

To help you understand more about this, here are their main differences:

Treatment Area

An obvious difference between these treatments is that a manicure is a service done on the hands and fingernails, while pedicures are done on the feet and toenails. 

Cost

In terms of the difference between a manicure and pedicure cost, the latter costs more since it involves more treatments and services. 

Generally, manicure prices could range from $25 to $75. 

A basic manicure would cost you from $20 to $30, with a choice of add-ons.

Meanwhile, expect to pay $50 to $75 for deluxe manicure types, such as acrylic and gel.

On the other hand, pedicure prices could range from $30 to $60. That’s $30 to $35 for a basic pedicure treatment and $50 to $60 for deluxe treatments.  

Purpose

Both treatments serve different purposes as well. 

A manicure is a nail beauty treatment done to your hands that mainly focuses on making your nails look more appealing. 

Although pedicures also help you achieve clean and good-looking toenails, it also focuses on removing calluses and foot exfoliation, which can be therapeutic for those suffering from back pain. 

More on this in a later section.

Duration

Depending on what manicure type you want, it could take 15 minutes to more than an hour to finish this treatment. 

On the other hand, a pedicure typically lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the additional processes involved.

Basically, the longer the duration of any treatment, the more elements and techniques are involved. 

But don’t worry; the cost and time you spend with these treatments are all worth it!

Cute young female friends relaxing and getting a foot massage at a beauty salon

Similarities Between a Manicure and a Pedicure

Apart from their differences, both manicures and pedicures also share some similarities. 

Both nail treatments’ goal is to make your nails look and feel great, which involves techniques like filing, cutting, buffing, and painting your nails with your chosen nail polish, plus a relaxing hand and foot massage.

Moreover, a manicure or pedicure will help eliminate imperfections on your nails, leading to healthier-looking ones. 

After getting these treatments, your nails will look clean, gorgeous, and healthy at the same time.

Health Benefits of Getting Regular Manicures and Pedicures

While getting a manicure or pedicure is considered a luxury, there are several health benefits you can get that go beyond their aesthetics. 

Here are some of the physical and mental health benefits of manicures and pedicures:

Prevents Infection

If you fail to regularly moisturize your skin, it tends to become dry and eventually form cracks. If this happens, the dry skin on your feet can be susceptible to infection. 

But with the help of a pedicure, you can prevent your nails from growing inwards and getting infected since your toenails will be clipped, cleaned, and trimmed well. 

Improves Weight Distribution

See those calluses that form on the soles of your feet?

Having these can be frustrating and can sometimes cause back pain as they affect your body weight distribution. 

To help you with that, you might need a good pedicure session. 

Since pedicures level out the surface of your feet by removing calluses, it allows you to distribute your weight more evenly.

As a result, your posture will align, eventually reducing back pain. 

If you get regular pedicures, your nail technician might just help boost your chances of being healthier and in balance thanks to good posture.

Promotes Healthy Blood Circulation

During a manicure and pedicure session, you’ll get a massage on your arms, hands, feet, and lower arms. 

This ultimately helps promote healthy blood circulation, leading to reduced muscle tension, improved joint mobility, and even minimized pain. 

Enjoy Younger-Looking Feet and Hands

Since manicures and pedicures promote healthy blood flow, they result in muscle strengthening and skin tightening.

This means you’ll eventually enjoy feet and hands that look younger than ever!

Improved Nail Health

If you invest in manicures and pedicures regularly, you reduce your chances of developing infections and fungi. 

Moreover, the exfoliation process of these treatments will eliminate dead skin cells and promote new cell growth, making your nails healthier and stronger.

Mental Health Booster

If you have had a busy week or a stressful day, go to the nail salon and treat yourself to a good manicure and pedicure.

It really does wonders for your stress levels!

While getting your nails done may seem unnecessary, it can definitely help your mind relax and focus more on easy yet invigorating routines. 

This is because the pampering, massage, and relaxing experience will free your mind from tension. 

a portrait of newly manicured hand nails and pedicured toe nails with white blanket and candles scattered

FAQs

Can you do a DIY manicure and pedicure at home?

Achieving Insta-worthy nails by yourself is not impossible! In fact, it’s quite easy to figure out how to do a manicure or pedicure at home. 

To do that, you need to master the proper manicure and pedicure steps and invest in the right manicure and pedicure tools to avoid injuries. 

Be patient with the process and commit to it! 

In no time, you won’t have to go to nail salons ever again!

Where to get a manicure and pedicure kit?

If you are looking for a good nail kit for DIY nail treatments, we highly recommend this professional manicure and pedicure kit from ESARORA on Amazon. 

ESARORA Manicure Set, 18 in 1 Stainless Steel Professional Pedicure Kit Nail Scissors Grooming Kit...
  • Manicure Set (18 Pieces): ESARORA Professional Manicure Kit Contains 18 pieces nail and toenail tools for three functions, including hand care,facial care, and foot care....
  • 100% Stainless Steel High Quality Tools: ESARORA Manicure and Pedicure tools are made of professional surgical grade Stainless Steel, which allows for safe sterilization,...
  • Portable: ESARORA Manicure set comes with a portable synthetic leather case that is easily opened with a push of a button. It is also very lightweight so you can carry...

This portable kit comprises 18 nail tools made of surgical stainless steel, which claims to be durable and abrasion resistant. 

You can also look for a manicure and pedicure set in other beauty shops near you. Make sure to invest in high-quality nail tools to ensure sensational results. 

How often should I get manicure and pedicure services?

If you frequently work with your hands and your nails grow quickly, you can get a manicure treatment every 7 to 10 days to keep them attractive and healthy. 

For a pedicure treatment, dermatologists suggest you get it once or twice a month, depending on how active you are.

Book a Manicure and Pedicure Treatment Today!

Now that you’re knowledgeable about pedicure and manicure differences, it is up to you which nail treatment you need the most right now. 

If you want to pamper your hands and achieve Insta-worthy nails that you can flex, get a manicure. 

However, getting a pedicure from a professional nail technician is the best for you if you want to maintain clean feet, reduce back pain, and reward yourself for a tiring week.  

The best option? Get both treatments and experience the best of both worlds!

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Author

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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