Survey highlights importance of pedicures in women's beauty regimen

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. A recent survey suggests that pedicures may rank higher in importance than manicures, waxing/hair removal, facials or massages among women when it comes to their beauty routines.

The online foot care survey was conducted by Harris Interactive for Microplane Foot File. It was conducted between Dec. 26 and 28, 2007 among 2,254 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

According to the findings, 41 percent of women get pedicures as part of their personal grooming routine. Of this 41 percent, half are women aged 18 to 44 and 31 percent are aged 45 and older. This compares with 40 percent of women who get manicures.

More than half (55 percent) of women who get pedicures think painted toenails are sexy and, when preparing for a special event, 25 percent don’t feel “put together” unless they have a pedicure.

Hygiene at salons where they get their pedicures done was a concern for 25 percent of women. The concern was most prevalent in the Southern region of the United States (34 percent) and least prevalent in the West (15 percent). In addition, some women said they are sometimes not satisfied after a salon pedicure because the skin on their feet/heels is still rough and dry.