Medi-pedi by Sophy Robson
More than your average prune and polish, the medi-pedi, pioneered by top celebrity manicurist Sophy Robson, takes pedicure pampering to the next level. Sometimes referred to as a chiropody-style pedicure, it’s the perfect treatment to get rid of any dead skin and calluses before you slip on the holiday flip-flops. Wahanda went to check it out and see what could be done about our own tatty trotters.
One of the medi-pedi’s main selling points is the effective removal of nasties from your feet, and rather than a quick soak and scrub in some warm soapy water, all dead skin and calluses are removed with professional foot files. We were a little concerned about the clippers coming out, but we soon found out that in a medi-pedi the therapist doesn’t cut away any of the dead skin like a chiropodist would, but instead files and grates the foot. Don’t worry, it’s a lot less painful than it sounds and it was amazing (in a disgusting kind of a way) how much gunk and junk came off our feet.
When our feet were finally starting to look a little more human, it was out with the emery to file our toenails into shape (you can choose from squared or rounded). Then we were treated to a warm, leg and foot sugar-scrub exfoliation (just in case there’s any stubborn skin that didn’t get rubbed away first time round). It’s only when you see how much dirt and debris this can rid you of that you realise you should probably make a date with your pumice stone more often.
After all that scraping and scrubbing, we were more than ready to put our feet up (literally) – luckily for us, Sophy likes to give her clients a relaxing foot and lower leg massage and if you don’t want to leave your nails au naturelle, she’s more than happy to paint them the colour of your choice (coral shades are a big hit this season in case you’re looking for a little inspiration). Be warned, though, these luxury extras aren’t on all medi-pedi menus so it’s best to ask what’s included.
All in all the treatment wasn’t half as gruesome as expected, although we did feel sorry for Sophy having to deal with our size 9’s, especially when she’s used to the delicate digits of Kylie, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Kate Moss. That said, she made us feel like a super star throughout the entire treatment and we’re pretty sure we’re now the proud owners of the twinkliest toes in the wellness world.
Sophy Robson’s medi-pedi is available at Beauty a la Carte, Fortnum and Mason. Prices start at £75.
