Taking care of your feet is an important part of personal hygiene, and while a home pedicure can give you relief from painful corns and calluses, there are several issues to consider before slipping on your fashionable shoes.
Well, 8 to 12 hours seems like a good enough time to wait before putting on your shoes, however the correct answer depends on several factors. Knowing how long to wait after pedicure to wear shoes prevents any possible damage that might be caused due to an accelerated drying process and who wants their pretty polished toes ruined?
That’s why this blog post will outline the ideal length of time for between layers as well as instructions about upcoming shoe-wear in order to keep your pedicured perfection intact!
How Long You Should Wait Before Wearing Shoes After a Pedicure?
The exact time frame for how long you should wait after a pedicure to wear shoes depends on several factors such as the type of polish used, the thickness of the layers, and whether or not a top coat was applied.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours before putting on closed-toe shoes to ensure that your nail polish is completely dry and won’t smudge or ruin. However, there are some tips you can follow to minimize the waiting time and still have gorgeous looking toes.
Tips For Minimizing Wait Time After a Pedicure:
Use quick-drying products:
Some nail polishes come with quick-dry formulas that can significantly reduce the drying time. Look for these types of polishes if you are in a rush to put on your shoes.
Apply thin layers:
The thicker the layers of polish, the longer it will take for them to dry completely. So, try and apply thin and even coats of polish to minimize drying time.
Use a top coat:
A top coat can seal and protect your pedicure while also helping it dry faster. Consider using a top coat to speed up the drying process.
Use a fan or blow dryer:
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fan or blow dryer on low heat to help your nail polish dry faster. Just make sure to keep it at least six inches away from your toes.
Opt for open-toe shoes:
If possible, choose to wear open-toe shoes after a pedicure. This will allow your nails to dry naturally and prevent any smudging or ruining of your polish.
Keep your feet elevated:
Sitting with your feet elevated above heart level can also help speed up the drying process. This will allow gravity to pull down any excess polish and help it dry faster.
Plan ahead for special occasions:
If you have a special event or occasion coming up, plan ahead and get your pedicure done at least a day in advance. This will give your toes enough time to completely dry before you have to wear closed-toe shoes.
Consider gel or acrylic nails:
If you’re someone who frequently gets pedicures and doesn’t want to wait for your nails to dry, consider getting gel or acrylic nails. These types of manicures are cured under UV light and dry almost instantly.
Be patient:
While it might be tempting to put on your shoes and go about your day, remember that patience is key for a long-lasting pedicure. Waiting for the recommended time can save you from the frustration and disappointment of ruined polish.
Touch up if necessary:
If you do happen to accidentally smudge or ruin your polish while putting on shoes, don’t panic. You can always do a quick touch up with the same color and top coat to fix any imperfections.
What Happens If You Put on Shoes Too Soon?
Putting on shoes too soon after a pedicure can cause damage to your freshly painted nails, leading to smudging, unevenness, or chipping. When you slide on your shoes, the pressure can cause the nail polish to shift and ruin the smooth surface of your nails.
Additionally, wearing closed-toe shoes too soon after a pedicure can also trap moisture and create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to potential infections.
Benefits of waiting before wearing shoes:
Prevents smudging and ruining of the nail polish:
Waiting for the recommended time before putting on shoes helps to ensure that your nail polish is completely dry and won’t smudge or ruin.
Allows for a longer-lasting pedicure:
By giving your nails enough time to fully dry, you are helping your pedicure last longer without any chipping or peeling.
Maintains the overall look of your pedicure:
When you wait before wearing shoes, you are also preventing any potential damage or smudging, allowing your pedicure to maintain its overall polished and put-together look.
Protects against infections:
Waiting for the recommended time allows your nails to dry completely and prevents moisture from getting trapped, reducing the risk of bacterial infections on your toes.
Saves time and effort:
By following the recommended wait time, you can avoid having to do touch-ups or redo your pedicure if it gets ruined from putting on shoes too soon. This saves you both time and effort in the long run.
Tips For Avoiding Infections And Bacteria Build-Up When Wearing Shoes After a Pedicure:
Wear clean socks:
Always make sure to wear clean socks when putting on shoes after a pedicure. This will help prevent any bacteria or dirt from coming into contact with your freshly done toes.
Keep feet clean and dry:
Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your feet before getting a pedicure to avoid any potential infection-causing bacteria from being introduced to your nail beds.
Avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes:
Wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes can lead to friction and pressure on your toes, potentially damaging your pedicure and increasing the risk of infections.
Use foot powder or antiperspirant:
Applying foot powder or antiperspirant on your feet before putting on closed-toe shoes can help absorb moisture and prevent bacteria from growing.
Disinfect shoes regularly:
To avoid any bacterial build-up, make sure to disinfect your shoes regularly, especially if you wear them without socks. This will help keep your pedicure looking fresh and protect your feet from infections.
Give your feet a break:
It’s important to give your feet a break from closed-toe shoes once in a while. This will allow them to breathe and prevent any potential infections from developing.
Don’t ignore any redness or irritation:
If you notice any redness or irritation on your toes after wearing closed-toe shoes, make sure to clean and disinfect the affected area and consider consulting a doctor if it persists. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to more serious infections.
Keep your pedicure tools clean:
Make sure to properly clean and disinfect any tools used during your pedicure, as they can also harbor bacteria and cause infections if not sanitized regularly.
Be mindful of the environment:
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms or communal showers, as these are high-risk environments for bacterial infections on your feet.
Listen to your body:
If you experience any discomfort or pain while wearing closed-toe shoes after a pedicure, listen to your body and take breaks if needed. This will allow your feet to rest and prevent any potential damage to your pedicure.
Advice For Keeping Your Feet Clean And Healthy Even When Wearing Shoes Soon Afterwards:
Trim your nails properly:
Keeping your toenails trimmed and filed can help prevent any dirt or bacteria from getting trapped underneath them when wearing closed-toe shoes.
Use a top coat with quick-drying properties:
Applying a top coat with quick-drying properties can help speed up the drying process and decrease the wait time before putting on shoes.
Apply cuticle oil:
Using cuticle oil before and after a pedicure can help keep your nails and surrounding skin moisturized, preventing any potential dryness or cracking.
Keep feet hydrated:
Moisturizing your feet daily can help prevent dryness and cracking, making them less susceptible to bacterial infections.
Wear open-toe shoes:
Consider wearing open-toe shoes or sandals on days when you know you’ll be getting a pedicure. This will allow your nails to fully dry without the risk of smudging or pressure from closed-toe shoes.
Plan ahead:
If you know you have to wear closed-toe shoes soon after a pedicure, try to schedule your appointment earlier in the day to give your nails enough time to dry before putting on shoes.
Don’t rush the drying process:
Avoid using tools or methods (such as blowing on your nails) to speed up the drying process, as this can actually create more air bubbles and disturb the smooth surface of your pedicure.
Use a fan:
If you’re in a hurry, use a fan to help dry your nails faster. The cool air will also help prevent smudging and create a smoother finish.
Avoid hot water:
After getting a pedicure, avoid exposing your feet to hot water for at least 24 hours as this can cause the polish to soften and potentially ruin your pedicure.
Follow post-pedicure care instructions:
Your nail technician will likely provide you with some post-pedicure care instructions, such as avoiding certain activities or products for a period of time. Make sure to follow these instructions to ensure the longevity and health of your pedicure.
Conclusion:
Thus, a pedicure can be a great way to get your feet looking summer ready! Should you choose to take advantage of this luxury, just make sure to remember that after your service is completed take the extra step of taking care of your freshly pedicured feet and wait at least 8 hours before slipping into those shoes.
After all, your feet deserve the best. Even if it’s inconvenient at times, making sure you adhere to this rule will ensure that not only do you look amazing with summery sandals but also have happy and healthy feet underneath them! Who knows, maybe by doing this consistently you’ll even be able to start going longer between pedicures as an added bonus.
