The Smart Pedicure That Almost Hurt Me: Why I'm Sticking to My $12 Electric Pedicure at Home

Hello everyone!

I've had problem feet since I was a teenager - calluses, blisters, and dry, square heels. These issues started around 14 years old and have been a constant struggle ever since. Some people are lucky and have smooth heels, but not me. I think genetics play a role, as many in my family have the same problem.

After my first child, I was in a tough spot - I couldn't take care of my feet with a newborn and 30 extra pounds didn't help. To top it off, I developed cracks on my heels.

I immediately went to the salon for a pedicure to get my feet in order, not just for aesthetics. Since 2021, I've been a regular at the salon, but every pedicurist would tell me the same thing: 'Your feet are terrible' (client-oriented, not to mention the price).

Firstly, I couldn't leave my kid with someone to go to the salon every 2-3 weeks. Secondly, it's expensive to do this procedure so frequently.

For the past two years, I've been doing smart pedicures and maintaining my foot health at home. The salon visits lasted longer, but since I got gel polish, my cuticles were constantly cut or shaved, which was painful. My feet are sensitive, and during the procedure, I'd get a reflex and my leg would jerk. It made the whole experience uncomfortable.

By July, I'd had it with gel polish and was tired of going to salons where I wasn't entirely satisfied.

In July, I did my last pedicure at the salon and coincidentally ordered an electric roller foot file.

Where I bought it: IM ValdberisPrice: 890 rub.
Brand: Tong Zhou

It comes with 3 attachments: soft for daily use, medium for calluses and rough skin, and hard for rough skin and old calluses.

2 speed settings: 1700 RPM, 2100 RPM

Foot file dimensions:

Width: 6.3 cm

Length: 15.5 cm

There's no information from the manufacturer on the packaging or in the Russian-language instruction manual, so I had to rely on the product card information.

When I opened the package, I was surprised to see that it came with a pretty standard set of accessories.

- The electric trimmer

- 3 attachments

- A brush for cleaning the device

- A USB cable for charging

- Instructions

I was also happy to see that the seller threw in a nice bonus - a pedicure kit for taking care of your feet. It's got everything you need:

I've had this thing sitting around for ages, still brand new, until I finally needed it.The file fits really comfortably in my hand, and it's a total breeze to use.

It's got two speed settings, and you can switch between them with a single button press. Same thing for turning it on and off. I almost always use the second speed setting. The screen shows you the battery level, which is pretty handy. Considering I use it for 15 minutes on each foot at max speed, the battery lasts me for about three sessions.One thing I do want to mention is that this thing is pretty loud.

There's also a small flashlight on the side for easier nail processing.

The attachments are super easy to swap out - there's a button on the side that you need to press and hold, and then the attachment just comes right off.

The plastic frame around the attachment also comes off, which is great for cleaning. I personally just clean the attachments and frames under the tap, even though the manual says you can clean the whole thing under the tap. I'm a bit cautious about that, so I just use the little brush that comes with it. I've got three attachments in the box, each with a different level of grit. I'm not gonna lie, with my problem feet, I only use the two coarser ones. Over time, the attachments do get clogged up, even with regular cleaning. I've seen people online say you can order replacements, but I haven't done that yet.In normal times, I use this thing about once every two weeks, doing a full pedicure each time. I don't use it daily to maintain my feet.

And yeah, no matter how bad your feet are, you can't just use this thing to remove all the calluses and

One thing to watch out for is the rough patches at the end, as this can lead to even more severe calluses in the future, and may even cause foot injuries. My close relative, who's a nail technician, confirmed this - she used to do my pedicures before she moved away, but only up until I got pregnant.

Any dry feet need to be moisturized constantly, a good rich cream in a packet, on top of a sock, and at night, the more often, the better - this is the best way to help your feet, and no salon technician will ever tell you how to care for and maintain healthy feet, they'll just sigh and tell you to come back more often for a trim (of course, that's their income).

Left foot: 1. Photo - feet before treatment, 2 photo - during treatment with a file, 3 photo - after treatment with a file, 4 photo - applied cream wax at night, 5 photo - result in the morning after treatment with a file and moisturizing cream.
If the situation is severe, I never completely remove the skin to the end, in this case, 'not enough' is better than 'too much'.
Therefore, the initial result may not be the most ideal, but subsequent careful care can help improve the situation.

Right foot:

Before treatment, immediately after, and after cream.
I think a pretty good result can be achieved at home:

Without salon visits, without nagging to come back more often, at any convenient time for you, in comfortable home conditions, and budget-friendly.
If you also try to maintain the result with good cream, wear slippers or socks more often, your heels will stay softer for longer.
I also believe that this file is less harmful to your feet than using kerolitics (like nanopads), as it's less aggressive on the skin.

Again, I want to emphasize that you shouldn't try to remove all dry skin or file down cracks at once, you'll only make things worse, it's better to do it gradually. Especially since during the treatment, it seems like the file is removing very little, but when you wash off all the dust, you realize it's a pretty powerful tool.

I've gotta say, this electric roller foot file has been a total game-changer for me when it comes to taking care of my feet at home. If you're struggling with the same thing, you've got to give it a try.

On my profile, I mostly write about skincare and products for kids, travel, and other stuff, so be sure to check it out!

Thanks for reading!