Tried and tested: Dry pedicure

When I was offered to test a 'dry' pedicure, my interest was definitely piqued and frankly, I was a little worried. I have Sahara-esque soles, which lose moisture almost instantly and no pedicure (I’ve tried them all—from spa to scrub to ice-cream!) has kept my extremities soft for more than a fortnight. On voicing these apprehensions I was assured that these were actually the conditions that provide the best results. To say I was sceptical would be an understatement.

Available exclusively at the Jean Claude Biguine salon on the 10^th floor at the Palladium Hotel in Mumbai (you could have the treatment at the Bvlgari resort if you’re in Bali or at Urban Retreat in Harrods, London), I was quickly ensconced in the cosy, oversized leather chair and no surprises here; there was no foot- or hand-dipping bowl.

The technicians then proceeded to put on surgical masks and use a fresh foot file—hygiene is paramount; they change the strip for every client—to remove dry skin. The science here is that when feet are immersed in water, the skin cells become turgid and the file is unable to smooth all the cracks. There are no metal implements used either—the nail files are made of crystal—which shape the nails but produce no heat from the friction—so the nail plate isn’t weakened and doesn't crack.

Margaret Dabbs, renowned Podiatrist known for her medical pedicures, uses (for all in-salon treatments) and retails a line of intensive hydrating products, which include a foot soak, foot lotion, a dry oil and a nourishing nail and cuticle serum. The star ingredients in the range are organic Australian emu oil (with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties) and lemon myrtle extracts which plump, hydrate, protect and have anti-ageing properties.

55 minutes later, my feet were miraculously soft, as expected. The kicker here is that three weeks later they still haven’t gotten flaky and hard as they normally do. What have I done different? Just use the foot lotion religiously every night. Am I going back next month? At Rs 2,500, with these results… hell, yes!