Getting on the good foot: simple pedicure procedures for men

Looking your best isn't only for the ladies nowadays. In the age of the metrosexual male, many men are making it a point to pay close attention to their grooming habits. That includes getting manicures and pedicures.

Though it's cold outside, a man can never take too much pride in grooming his feet, especially during winter months.

Below are a few pedicure procedures to help get you on the good foot. If you have any ailments (diabetes, plantar warts, fungus, inflamed ingrown toenails, severe athlete's foot, etc.) or obvious foot problems, consult a physician before giving yourself a pedicure:

* Prepare a foot bath with warm water. Add a teaspoon of antiseptic foot bath. This will fight fungal infections while it conditions and soothes tired feet. Next, swish and then soak feet for 5 to 10 minutes.

* Spray the foot with an antiseptic foot spray. This will deodorize and refresh feet as it fights irritating fungal bacterial infections. Be sure to between the toes.

* Clean under each nail with the flat edge of an orangewood stick.

* Clip toenails straight across. Use an emory board to file and shape the nails so they follow the toes' natural outline. Push back cuticles with orangewood stick.

* Squeeze a small amount of exfoliating lotion into your palm and apply to the foot. Pay close attention to heavily-calloused areas. Use firm strokes of the hand or a loofah disc for application. An exfoliating lotion will rub away rough, dry skin cells, leaving feet smooth and helping to boost circulation.

* Place feet in bath once more and rinse.

* Use a two-sided pedi file to smooth away calluses. Be careful not to completely remove them, because calluses are the foot's natural protection. The goal is to soften them.

* Rinse the feet and towel dry.

* Massage feet and legs with a moisturizing lotion that replenishes moisture as it softens the skin.

* Sprinkle on a deodorizing foot powder to keep feet odor-free and dry.