How Long to Wait After Pedicure to Wear Shoes

Pedicure makes your feet look stunning and extraordinary. But the whole look gets ruined when you wear the shoes, and the nail polish needs more time to be completely dry.

Most girls have asked this question: How long to wait after pedicure to wear shoes? The average time is two hours or even more than that, depending on the type of nail polish and the number of coats you have applied.

You must only put on the shoes when the nail polish is fully dry. It does not matter if the shoes are closed or open-toe-designed; drying the nail polish is a must. Remember ”timing is everything” when it comes to getting the best results out of the pedicure. Two to three hours are needed to protect and secure the freshly polished toes. You can check out the guide below and learn how to prevent ruining the newly done pedicure.

When to wear shoes after a pedicure is done?

Two to three hours is the average time frame that should be followed once you are done getting a pedicure. During this duration, the nail polish will dry from top to bottom and not get ruined after wearing the shoes.

Waiting for the appropriate amount of time extends the pedicure life and ensures you enjoy getting polished toes for the longest time. Furthermore, you must wear sandals, open shoes or flip-flops if you are out for this treatment. Such shoes speed up the nail polish drying time.

Some salons opt for the air drying method and some have installed drying machines. These machines use a UV light or semi-strong fan for drying the nail polish. Instead of waiting two to three hours, these machines finish the job in 15 to 20 minutes.

Factors that affect the pedicure drying period

Certain factors affect the pedicure drying period. Below, we have mentioned the details about them:

Factor 1- Type of nail polish used

Various nail polishes are available; the drying time depends on which nail polish you have applied.

Traditional nail polish

Traditional nail polishes dry naturally and speedily. They do not need LED or UV light. 15 to 30 minutes make them dry to the touch after application. Wait for more time to avoid smudging. In addition, wait one hour to wear open-toe shoes and two hours for closed-toe shoes.

Regular gel nail polish

Regular gel nail polishes need UV or LED light to get fully dry. Such lights help them become completely hard and dry and give a long-lasting, smooth and chip-resistant finish. Once you pass this nail polish through the UV or LED light, it takes 30 to 60 seconds to dry for each coat you have applied. After 1 to 2 minutes, you can wear open-toe shoes.

Breathable nail polish

Breathable nail polish drying time is 10 to 15 minutes. Due to the breathable formulation, these nail paints provide a faster drying time compared to others. After 10 minutes, they become dry to the touch; after 30 minutes, you can wear open-toe shoes.

Dip powder resin nail polish

Dip powder resin nail polish dries instantly. It is a unique process in which your nails are coated with a resin polish and then dipped in finely grounded acrylic powder. No LED or UV lights are needed for drying. The time it takes to dry is ”0”. You can immediately wear shoes.

Hard gel nail polish

Hard gel nail polish drying time is 1 to 2 minutes. Once this time duration has passed, they become dry to the touch. And after 5 to 10 minutes, you can wear shoes.

Related: How to Prevent Blisters on Feet from Work Boots

Factor 2- Number of coats you have applied on the toes

The number of coats you have applied determines how fast the nail polish can dry. Remember that each layer should be dried completely before applying the next coating. A single coat needs 5 to 10 minutes to dry; if multiple coats are applied, it is best to wait for one to two hours to prevent smudging.

Factor 3- Quality of the nail polish

The nail polish brand you have chosen and its overall quality decide the drying time. If the nail polish is of good quality, it will dry fast, and you can wear shoes right away. Moreover, such nail paints contain ingredients that promote the speediest drying process. The drying span ranges from 5 to 15 minutes and not more than that. After that, you can wear closed-toe shoes.

Factor 4- Drying techniques

Another crucial factor that influences the nail polish drying time is the ”drying technique”. Professional salons use drops and quick-drying sprays. They accelerate the drying process and allow the solvent to evaporate faster. If you follow these techniques, your nail polish will dry to the touch in 1 to 2 minutes, allowing you to wear shoes without ruining the nail paint look.

Factor 5- Humidity levels

Humidity levels decide how fast the nail polish will dry. In other words, environmental conditions play a significant role in drying the nail paint, whether you have gone for a manicure or pedicure.

Most importantly, higher temperatures and lower humidity levels facilitate speedy drying. And cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels prolong the drying span. It is best to conduct manicure or pedicure sessions in a well-ventilated area so that the nail paint gets dry faster.

Factor 6- The skill and technique to apply the nail polish

The drying process becomes faster with the right skill and technique of applying the nail polish.

Applying nail polish in a rush results in thicker coats that take longer to dry. Furthermore, the chances of smudging and chipping increased. It is advised to remain patient when applying nail paint on the hands or feet because that will directly impact the drying time.

Important things to keep in mind after pedicure is done and you have worn shoes

• You must wear roomy shoes to prevent chipping and smudging the nail polish.
• Tight shoes ruin the nail paint look and smudge it too.
• Avoid activities that are likely to cause chipping the nail polish, such as running, walking, dancing or any other physical activity.
• Avoid soaking your feet for 24 hours once you are done getting the pedicure. It is assumed that soaking the feet peel and chip and softens the nail paint, leading to severe smudging.
• Experts have suggested using a top coat or gel polish to protect your freshly done pedicure. 
• Moisturize your feet every day, especially your cuticles and heels, to keep the results of the pedicure last for weeks. Such a practice prevents the nail paint from unnecessarily chipping.
• Reapply the topcoat every few days to refresh the sine of the nail polish.
• Avoid exposing your feet to harsh chemicals such as metal tools or acetone. They damage the nail paint quality and make it chip and peel immediately.
• Avoid exposing your feet and toes to the sun. They will fade the nail polish color.
• Regular maintenance is a must! If you notice that nail polish is getting chipped or you spot any imperfection, a quick touch-up is needed right away.

FAQs

How many days does a regular pedicure last?

A regular pedicure lasts for one to two weeks. On the other hand, gel pedicures last for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. You can maintain the results by re-applying a topcoat after 7 to 10 days or fix chipping by applying the base coat.

Does a pedicure heal cracked heels?

To some extent, pedicure heals cracked heels. You catch up with mild relief if you often feel pain or slight discomfort in your heels. Opting for regular pedicure sessions is a recommended practice as it guarantees to keep your feet skin smooth.

Which type of pedicure is the best?

A spa pedicure is, so far, the best option. It gives a luxurious experience and efficiently removes dead skin cells. It also prevents fungal infections and other nail diseases and deep cleanses each bit of your foot.

Conclusion

If you still have questions about how long to wait once you are done with the pedicure session, forward us your queries, and we will answer them one by one. Pedicure and manicure brings a new and refreshing look into our hands and feet. So, opt for such treatments regularly. Please stay connected with us!