Korean-Style Pedicure: Cutting to Avoid Ingrown Nails, Gel That Lasts 4–6 Weeks

Toenails are often ignored until a beach trip or open-toed shoes. But they need different care from fingernails: thicker skin, slower growth, and a risk of ingrown nails if cut wrongly. What a Korean-style pedicure includes, how to cut toenails properly, and prices at VESSCA.

How toenails differ

• Slower growth — a gel pedicure usually lasts 4–6 weeks.
• Thicker skin around the nail, which needs proper softening.
• Pressure from shoes — shape and cutting directly affect ingrown nails.

Cutting toenails correctly

1. Cut straight across, not deep at the corners — angled corners grow into the skin.
2. Leave the edge level with the toe tip; don't cut too short.
3. Lightly file the corners instead of cutting them off.

If a toe is red, swollen, painful or has pus at the corner, it may be an infected ingrown nail — see a doctor rather than having a pedicure.

A Korean-style pedicure

1. Warm soak to soften the skin.
2. Cut straight, then file the shape.
3. Push back and remove the thin cuticle, without cutting into living skin.
4. Gel in thin layers, each cured.
5. Cuticle care to finish.

Pedicure tools are cleaned and sterilised in a sterilizer after every guest, just like manicure tools.

Colours

Toes suit deeper, bolder colours than fingers: wine red, cherry, coral, pink nude and milky white are popular. Many guests go one shade deeper on toes than on hands.

Prices at VESSCA

A basic gel pedicure is about 200,000₫.

Keeping toes neat

• Wear shoes with enough room at the toe.
• Moisturise heels and cuticles a few times a week.
• Don't pry gel off toenails — they recover even more slowly than fingernails.

VESSCA is at 251/30 Le Quang Dinh, Gia Dinh ward (Binh Thanh), Ho Chi Minh City, open 9:00–20:30 daily.