A manicure and pedicure sound simple enough — but if you’ve never had one done professionally, it’s natural to wonder what actually happens during the session, how long it takes, and whether it’s worth adding to your routine.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s typically included in a manicure and pedicure in Chandigarh, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
What’s the Difference Between a Manicure and a Pedicure?
A manicure focuses on your hands and nails — shaping, cleaning up cuticles, and finishing with polish or a protective coat. A pedicure does the same for your feet, with a bit more emphasis on softening rough skin, since feet tend to need more care than hands day to day.
Many people book both together, since the process overlaps and it’s an easy way to take care of your hands and feet in one visit.
What’s Typically Included in a Manicure
A standard manicure session generally covers the following steps:
- Nail shaping — trimming and filing nails into your preferred shape
- Cuticle care — gently pushing back or trimming cuticles for a cleaner look
- Hand soak — softens skin and prepares nails for the next steps
- Exfoliation and massage — removes dead skin and helps you relax
- Moisturising — hydrates hands and nails, especially helpful if they’ve been feeling dry
- Polish or finish — depending on what you choose, from a plain buff to a full colour application
Some salons offer add-ons like nail art or a more intensive hand treatment, so it’s worth asking what’s available if you want something beyond the standard session.
What’s Typically Included in a Pedicure
A pedicure generally follows a similar structure, adapted for feet:
- Foot soak — softens skin and helps with relaxation before the main treatment
- Nail shaping — trimming and filing toenails
- Cuticle care — cleaning up the cuticle area
- Callus and rough skin removal — an important step, since feet build up rougher skin than hands
- Exfoliation and massage — helps circulation and leaves feet feeling noticeably smoother
- Moisturising — locks in hydration after the treatment
- Polish or finish — as per your preference
How Long Does a Session Take?
This varies depending on how much care your nails and skin need, whether you’re adding polish or nail art, and if you’re booking a manicure, pedicure, or both together. As a general guide, a single manicure or pedicure tends to take under an hour, while booking both together naturally takes a bit longer. Your therapist can give you a more accurate estimate based on what you’re looking for.
How Often Should You Get One?
For general upkeep, every three to four weeks works well for most people, which roughly matches how quickly nails grow out and polish starts to chip. If your hands or feet see a lot of daily wear — from work, exercise, or exposure to water — you might find it helpful to go slightly more often.
Tips to Make the Results Last Longer
- Avoid soaking your hands or feet in water for too long right after your session
- Wear gloves for household chores like washing dishes or cleaning
- Moisturise regularly between sessions to keep skin and cuticles from drying out
- Avoid using your nails as tools (opening packages, scratching labels), since this is one of the fastest ways to chip polish or damage nails
Can You Get Gel Polish With a Manicure or Pedicure?
Gel polish can be added to a manicure or pedicure depending on the salon and the service you choose. It generally offers a longer-lasting finish than regular nail polish, since it’s cured under UV or LED light rather than air-dried. If you’re looking for gel polish, nail art, or another specific finish, ask about the available options when booking — and if you’re still deciding between gel and other extension types, our gel nails vs acrylic nails guide breaks down the difference in more detail.
What to Expect at Sublime Luxury Salon
At Sublime Luxury Salon in Manimajra, Chandigarh, our manicure and pedicure sessions are designed around your specific needs — whether that’s a quick, no-fuss touch-up or a more relaxing, longer treatment with added exfoliation and massage. Our team will walk you through the available options and finishes so you can pick exactly what suits you, and share current pricing directly with you so there’s no guesswork involved.
Get in touch to check availability and current pricing for manicure and pedicure services in Chandigarh, or explore our full range of nail services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a professional pedicure useful if I already care for my feet at home? Home care helps, but a professional pedicure reaches areas — like calluses and cuticles — that are harder to manage on your own, and includes a proper exfoliation and massage step most people skip at home.
Can I get just polish without the full manicure? Yes, many salons offer a quicker polish-only option if you don’t need the full treatment. It’s worth asking what’s available when you book.
Does a pedicure hurt if I have rough or cracked heels? A professional pedicure should generally be comfortable, with rough skin treated gradually and gently. If your heels are severely cracked, painful, bleeding, or irritated, let your therapist know before the treatment so they can adjust accordingly.
How do I know if I should book a manicure, pedicure, or both? If you’re short on time, prioritise whichever needs more attention. Otherwise, booking both together is a convenient way to cover hands and feet in a single visit.
How long does manicure or pedicure polish last? The longevity depends on the type of polish used, your daily activities, and how well you care for your nails afterward. Regular polish may chip sooner, while gel polish generally lasts longer when properly applied and maintained.
