On trial: Margaret Dabbs medical pedicure
When it comes to pedicures I feel much the same way as some do about facials. No softly-softly pussyfooting around for me. I want the full reconstructive surgery or nothing.
So it’s off to Margaret Dabbs London to sort out my neglected heels and to get some advice on how to keep the results lasting longer. Margaret Dabbs is the queen bee of luxury pedicures but for the real deal, ask for a medical pedicure. Once installed in my cushy throne-like chair in the Margaret Dabbs foot clinic at SpaceNK, Westbourne Grove, the fun begins.
This starts with a thorough going over with their signature Professional Foot File, which has replaceable compressed crystal pads. Once a week with one of these guys and Parmesan-rough hooves should bother you no more. Use it on dry skin, starting at the top of the foot and work your way to the heels. It’s extremely satisfying and you’ll be left with the softest heels and foot pads you’ve ever experienced.
Should you need it, the podiatrist will also tackle corns and calluses. I had two teeny corns removed that I didn’t realise I had. In fact, they can be caused by wearing flats all the time (who knew this was a no-no?) or by ill-fitting footwear. Off came the critters using a surgical scalpel and a podiatry drill (sounds gruesome but I didn’t feel a thing). Next, the toenails get rigorously shaped and buffed to prepare the surface for polish.
Then come the products. Margaret Dabbs has an excellent product range that uses emu oil – super moisturising, deeply penetrating and known for its anti inflammatory properties. I loved the Margaret Dabbs Intensive Treatment Foot Oil – a lemon myrtle scented dry oil that will deliver soft, hydrated feet when used a couple of times a week.
Finally, the exciting bit – the new Margaret Dabbs London treatment-enriched nail polish. There are 72 shades, all named after flowers and boosted with Vitamin E and rose botanical extract to reduce inflammation and infection. I chose Poinsettia, a deep, juicy cherry red, but there’s no shortage of hot pinks, blush roses, powdery pastels and milky neutrals, should you prefer. And I swear to god, they smell of roses! I had a manicure too and I can report the rose scent lingers all day. Stinky chemical nail polish pong, be gone…
After 45 minutes of hand and foot pampering, I was sent on my way with my own special Professional Foot File, a Super Shiner Buffer, plus the firm intentions to keep up the maintenance. Downside? I can’t think of any other than the price (from £85), which is the top end of the market. But you get more than a shape and paint, so if you’re serious about foot care but like a bit of prettification too, it’s well worth considering.
The Medical Pedicure is available in Margaret Dabbs London clinics nationwide. Disneyrollergirl was a guest of Margaret Dabbs London.
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WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
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