Social ServiceISCO 5142
Pedicurist
A pedicurist is a person who gives care and cosmetic treatments to the feet and the toenails.
Check yourself in a minute: pedicurist
Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
sterilise working environment
provide footwear advice to patients
decorate nails
maintain equipment
treat nails
About pedicurist
A treatment starts with assessing the condition of the feet. The pedicurist cuts and shapes the nails, removes hard skin and callus, gives a soak and an exfoliating treatment, and finishes with polish or a care preparation. Knowledge of cosmetics and cosmetic treatments guides the choice of preparation for a skin type.
The pedicurist knows foot problems and recognises an ingrowing nail, fungal infection, warts, a cracked heel and changes that need medical attention, and in those cases refers a client to a doctor rather than treating. They take particular care with diabetes and with circulatory disorders, because a small cut on the foot can then be the start of a serious problem.
The pedicurist sterilises instruments and the work station after every client, keeps the equipment in order and uses single-use materials, because infections travel on tools. They advise clients on cosmetics for daily care and work ergonomically.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a pedicurist.
1
Foot and Nail Care Treatment
- Perform cosmetic pedicure treatments including nail cutting, shaping, and polishing
- Give footbaths and exfoliation treatments to remove dead skin and soften feet
- Treat nail problems including fungal infections, ingrown nails, and other conditions
- Provide cosmetic skin treatment and care for feet and ankles
2
Nail Decoration and Design
- Apply nail polish in various colors and finishes according to client preferences
- Decorate nails with artistic designs, patterns, and embellishments
- Create custom nail art and special occasion designs for clients
3
Client Assessment and Consultation
- Identify customer's needs and foot health concerns during consultation
- Assess skin types and identify foot problems such as calluses, cracked heels, and fungal issues
- Provide footwear advice and recommend products for continued foot care at home
- Advise customers on proper usage of cosmetics and aftercare instructions
4
Hygiene and Safety Management
- Sterilize and sanitize all tools, equipment, and working areas according to regulations
- Maintain a clean and hygienic salon environment throughout the day
- Work ergonomically to prevent injury and maintain physical health
- Conform to cosmetics regulatory requirements and industry safety standards
5
Equipment Maintenance and Customer Service
- Maintain pedicure equipment and tools in good working condition
- Provide excellent customer service and maintain professional relationships
- Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate cosmetic products and treatments
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (18)
cosmetic pedicurecosmetic pedicureTreatment of the feet and toenails for cosmetic and embellishment purposes. It includes the cleaning of dead skin and the appliance of nail polish and other cosmetic techniques.cosmetic skin treatmentcosmetic skin treatmentThe aesthetic care of the skin, such as facials, including exfoliation, facial masks, peels, steam, and extraction.foot problemsfoot problemsConditions and disorders affecting the health and well being of feet such as fungal infections, ingrown nails, verrucas, smelly feet, flat feet and bunions.cosmeticscosmeticsThe various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.cosmetics industrycosmetics industrySuppliers, products and brands in the cosmetic industry.sterilise working environmentsterilise working environmentMake sure all working equipment, jewellery and skin is made sterile, before performing skin treatment or body modifications such as tattooing or piercing, to prevent infections or the transfer of dise...work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.provide footwear advice to patientsprovide footwear advice to patientsInform patients on the types of footwear available and suitable for their feet conditions or disorders to increase foot well being.decorate nailsdecorate nailsUse artificial nails, piercings, ornaments, or customised designs to decorate customers' nails.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.treat nailstreat nailsWrap nails to repair them or make them stronger and more resilient. Soften, trim or push back nail cuticles and provide treatment to people who bite their nails.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.advise customers on usage of cosmeticsadvise customers on usage of cosmeticsProvide advice to customers on how to apply various cosmetic products such as lotions, powders, nail polish or creams.conform to cosmetics regulatory requirementsconform to cosmetics regulatory requirementsEnsure conformance to regulatory requirements applied in personal care products such as cosmetics, fragrances and toiletry.shape nailsshape nailsShape nails by cutting and smoothening the ends of the nails, with the use of files, scissors or emery boards.apply nail polishapply nail polishRemove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover or swabs, clean customers' nails and apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brushes.skin typesskin typesThe different skin types, such as dry, normal, oily, and sensitive.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...
Optional (19) — show
communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.give massagesgive massagesProvide clients with head, hand, neck, facial or full body massages.test make-uptest make-upPerform routine tests to determine if make-up products are adequate.sell ticketssell ticketsExchange tickets for money in order to finalise the selling process by issuing the tickets as a proof of payment.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.maintain relationship with suppliersmaintain relationship with suppliersBuild a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.offer cosmetic beauty adviceoffer cosmetic beauty adviceProvide customers with advice and beauty tips for creating a new look.monitor stock levelmonitor stock levelEvaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.manufacture cosmeticsmanufacture cosmeticsPrepare cosmetic products, possibly customised for customers with specific needs, such as lotions, soaps, face masks or salves.promote foot healthpromote foot healthProvide information and guidance on means to keep one's feet healthy by wearing appropriate footwear or avoiding unhealthy practices such as fungal infections.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.recommend cosmetics to customersrecommend cosmetics to customersRecommend and provide advice on cosmetic products based on the customer's personal preferences and needs and on the different product types and brands available.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.perform body piercingsperform body piercingsPuncture or cut parts of people's bodies, to create an opening for jewellery or rings.process paymentsprocess paymentsAccept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attent...issue sales invoicesissue sales invoicesPrepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and...use hair removal techniquesuse hair removal techniquesUse techniques and handle tools to remove hair from body parts, such as electrolysis, IPL, waxing, lasering, threading or plucking.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a pedicurist do?
Pedicurists offer cosmetic treatment and care for their clients' feet and toenails. They cut and shape toenails, give footbaths and exfoliation treatments and apply nail polish.
What skills does a pedicurist need?
A pedicurist needs 18 essential skills, including cosmetic pedicure, cosmetic skin treatment, foot problems, cosmetics, cosmetics industry.
Will AI replace pedicurist jobs?
The AI disruption score for pedicurist is 37/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor stock level, issue sales invoices, process payments. Most resilient: give massages, perform body piercings, decorate nails.
AI Replacement Risk
37/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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