The Humble Pedicure Gains Traction as a Health Ally
Regular foot care, experts say, is a practical investment in health and well-being.
In India’s teeming cities and dusty towns, where feet navigate monsoon puddles and sandal straps, the pedicure is shedding its luxe veneer for a sturdier role: a shield against everyday wear. Regular foot care—once a salon splurge—is gaining ground as a practical health habit, offering benefits tuned to the subcontinent’s rhythms.
Dermatologists here stress prevention amid India’s harsh realities. Open-toed chappals and barefoot traditions leave feet prone to cracked heels and fungal infections, worsened by humidity or unyielding concrete. A pedicure every four weeks—trimming nails, scrubbing calluses—keeps these at bay, vital in a nation where diabetes afflicts over 77 million, per the International Diabetes Federation, heightening foot risks. “It’s not vanity; it’s vigilance,” says Dr. Priya Sen, a Mumbai skin specialist.
The physical payoff resonates in a country on the move. From autorickshaw queues to marathon commutes, feet bear the brunt. A pedicure’s massage—rubbing turmeric-infused oils into arches—eases tension and boosts circulation, a balm for urbanites and farmers alike. Ayurveda-inspired salons in Bengaluru and Delhi report a 30 percent client uptick since 2023, per wellness platform HealthifyMe, as offices reopen and walking surges.
Mental respite matters too. In a land of relentless hustle, the pedicure’s quiet hour offers a rare stillness—less Bollywood glamour, more middle-class reset. “It’s my pause,” says Neha Gupta, a 34-year-old teacher in Kolkata, echoing a growing sentiment.
At ₹500 to ₹2,000 per session, it’s not cheap, but at-home kits with pumice stones mimic the basics. As India strides toward fitness—spurred by campaigns like Fit India—the pedicure’s blend of care and comfort finds fresh footing.
