We have all heard of the French manicure, but have you considered having French pedicure? French pedicures are just like you would have on your hands – except the white tips are on your toe nails!

French pedicures are becoming increasingly popular due to their polished and professional look, which is why women are willing to shell out the $20 or $30 usually charged for having their ten toes expertly painted. But who’s to say that you cannot give yourself that beautiful and trendy French pedicure at home? If you are thinking about giving yourself a DIY French pedicure, here’s how you can start:

1. The best advice one can give you for a French pedicure is to allow your toenails to grow out just a bit. You do not want them so long that it is uncomfortable to wear shoes, but you do want them long enough so that there is some “white area” on the tip of your nails to paint on.

2. Take your nail polish remover (acetone remover preferred) and a cotton ball, and douse the cotton ball with the remover. Take care to fully remove any traces of old nail polish or residues so that your nail polish for the French pedicure is able to adhere properly to your nail.

3. If you are thinking of going “all out” with the pedicure process, fill your tub or a basin that is large enough for both of your feet with warm, soapy water. Soak your feet for 10 minutes (or longer if you have particularly calloused feet) and then rub your feet with an exfoliating cream or a pumice stone to remove any traces of hard skin. Follow up with a moisturizing foot lotion, such as a peppermint lotion, and then clean off you toenails with nail polish remover again to remove all traces of oily residue.

4. Trim your toenails so that there is some white area, and file them so that they are in a square shape. A French pedicure can work on any toenail shape, but a square nail is definitely the most flattering.

5. Grab your base coat and apply one thin and even layer to each of your toenails. If you have a base coat that has a peach or pink tint to it, all the better. This is particularly useful if you have stained or discolored toenails. Wait for the basecoat to dry before applying the white tips.

6. Now comes the hard part. Take the white nail polish, and apply a thin, straight and smooth line to the tips of your nails. If you find yourself having a hard time, you can try dipping a toothpick into the white nail polish and tracing a line to the tips of your nails before using the nail brush. Remember, the line should be thin and look natural.

7. After the white tips of your toenails have dried, apply a top coat to seal in the color and keep it lasting longer. Apply a pink or peach tinted basecoat (if necessary) over the top coat again to give your toenails a real polished look and you’re set!

TIP: Every day or two you may want to apply the top coat again to ensure that your French pedicure lasts.