Just because it’s hot does not mean you will ignore your hands and feet. Remember to give yourself a thorough pedicure and manicure once a month. If you keep clean hands, the chances of bacterial or fungal growth are minimized, keeping you healthy and away from disease.

A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands performed in a beauty salon by a licensed professional manicurist. A manicure treatment is not only a treatment for the natural nails but also for the hands. A manicure consists of filing, shaping of the free edge, cuticle treatments, massage of the hand and the application of polish. There are also manicure services that are specialties for the hands and feet. For the hands, the soaking of a softening substance and the application of a lotion is a common speciality. The word "manicure" derives from Latin: manus for "hand," cura for "care."

A pedicure is a way to improve the appearance of the feet and their nails. It provides a similar service to a manicure. The word pedicure comes from the Latin words pedis, which means of the foot, and cura, which means care. It also means the care of the feet and toenails. A pedicure can help prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. Pedicures are not just limited to nails; usually dead skin cells on the bottom of feet are rubbed off using a rough stone called a pumice stone.

Paraffin treatment

The hands or feet can be dipped in melted paraffin wax for softening and moisturizing. Paraffin wax is used because it can be heated to temperatures of over 35°C, without burning or injuring the hand. The intense heat allows for deeper absorption of emollients and essential oils. The wax is usually infused with various botanical ingredients such as Aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil, and azulene. Fruit waxes such as peach, apple and strawberry are often used in salons.

Occasionally, lotion is rubbed on the hand or feet before submersion into the paraffin bath. The hand or feet is usually dipped more than once to allow a thicker wax coat to form, making the coating stay warm for longer and less likely to break or tear prematurely. After the hands or feet have been dipped in the wax, they are wrapped in a special type of plastic bag or glove then covered with towel or special mitten to retain warmth. The hands or feet are left for a few minutes before the paraffin is cooled and dried.