A pedicure with pedi discs is a machine pedicure in which hardened skin on the feet is smoothed with an e-file and a metal disc, onto which replaceable disposable abrasives are stuck. This method is precise, lets you work on dry skin and is hygienic, because a fresh abrasive is used for every client.
What a machine pedicure is and how it differs from a classic one
In a classic pedicure the feet are soaked in a foot bath, and hardened skin is removed with blades, graters and files. In a machine pedicure the main tool is an e-file with various bits: some are designed for nails and cuticles, others for the skin of the feet.
The advantages of a machine pedicure are precision, a lower risk of cuts and the option of using a fresh abrasive for every client. The drawbacks: it takes skill, a suitable e-file and a dust extractor, because sanding skin produces a lot of fine dust.
Pedi discs: what they are and how replaceable abrasives work
A pedi disc consists of two parts:
- The holder – a metal disc with a shank that fits into the e-file handpiece. It is reusable.
- The abrasive – a round, self-adhesive sanding sheet that is stuck onto the holder and thrown away after the treatment.
For example, the Ø20 mm disposable disc holder is used with disposable pedicure discs of the same diameter. Discs come in different diameters: a larger one is more convenient for wide areas such as the heels, a smaller one for the toes and hard-to-reach spots.
Stick the abrasive onto a clean, dry holder, pressing it down evenly so the edges do not lift – a lifted edge can scratch the skin. Peel it off straight after the treatment, before the adhesive bakes onto the metal, and before applying a new one check that the holder surface is smooth, with no dents.
Alongside discs, sanding caps that fit onto a rubber mandrel are also used for pedicures. They are handy for working around the nail folds, between the toes and on the tips of the toes, where a flat disc cannot reach.
Which grit to choose for heels, toes and calluses
The lower the grit number, the coarser the abrasive. You work from coarser to finer:
| Area | Grit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Heels, thick calluses | 80–100 | Main removal of hardened skin |
| Sole, sides of the foot, toes | 120–150 | Intermediate sanding |
| Finishing stage | 180 and finer | Smoothing the skin surface |
Thin, sensitive skin does not need a coarse abrasive – 150–180 is enough. A coarse abrasive removes skin quickly but leaves a rough surface, so the final sanding with a finer disc must not be skipped: it is what determines whether the foot will be smooth and pleasant to touch after the treatment, with no rough spots.
Pedicure with pedi discs step by step
- Inspect the feet. If you see wounds, inflammation, an ingrown nail, warts, or thickened, discoloured nails, do not perform the treatment and advise the client to see a podiatrist or a doctor.
- Clean the skin with a skin antiseptic.
- Prepare the nails. Shorten them with nippers, shape the edge, and use the e-file to tidy the cuticles and side nail folds.
- Soften the skin if needed. For thick calluses, skin-softening products are used – follow the manufacturer's stated time and wipe off the residue.
- Sand with the coarser disc. Hold the disc flat against the skin, keep it moving constantly and do not press.
- Finish with the finer disc. Check the skin with your fingers: it should be smooth, free of scratches and not sanded down to pink, sensitive skin.
- Remove the dust and apply cream to the feet.
E-file speed and bits for pedicures
Pedi discs do not need high speeds: they heat the skin and wear out the abrasive faster. Stick to the speeds recommended by the holder and disc manufacturer, given in the product description, and start at the lower end.
Signs that you are working too fast or pressing too hard: the client feels warmth or burning, the skin turns red, the abrasive clogs quickly. In that case reduce the speed, lift the disc away and work in shorter movements, constantly changing the spot.
For pedicures it is worth choosing an e-file with enough torque so the disc does not stall when it touches hard skin, and with a reverse function. How to hold the handpiece, at what angle to work and how to avoid overheating is covered in our article how to use an e-file on nails. Sanding the skin of the feet produces a lot of dust, so proper extraction is also needed – see the dust extractor buying guide.
Hygiene: disposable abrasives and disinfecting the discs
Lithuanian Hygiene Standard HN 117 states that instruments which cannot be properly disinfected or sterilised must be disposable, and prohibits reusing disposable instruments. A self-adhesive abrasive cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected, so it is replaced after every client.
Once the abrasive is removed, the metal holder is cleaned of adhesive residue, washed and disinfected, and sterilised according to the manufacturer's instructions. A pedicure that involves cutting the cuticles is, under HN 117, a category A service, so it requires sterile instruments. For category A services the standard also requires disposable gloves to be worn and changed after every client, and clean or disposable covers to be used for every client. How to process your tools consistently is covered in our manicure tool sterilisation guide. Foot baths, bowls and other accessories can be found in the pedicure accessories section.
When a pedicure becomes a podiatrist's job
A pedicurist looks after healthy feet. If you notice any of the following signs, it is better not to carry out the treatment and to advise the client to see a podiatrist or a doctor:
- an ingrown nail, redness, pus or pain around the nail;
- thickened, discoloured or crumbling nails;
- warts, deep bleeding cracks, wounds;
- diabetes or circulation problems – such feet need extra caution, because even a minor injury can heal poorly.
A pedicurist does not diagnose or treat – her task is to spot problems in time and refer the client to a specialist.
Machine pedicure at home: is it worth it
You can do a simple machine pedicure at home if you have an e-file with adjustable speed and finer discs. Work on dry, clean feet, in a well-lit spot and with a dust extractor or at least by an open window, and wipe down the surfaces afterwards. Start with 150–180 grit, work briefly, do not press and do not sand until it hurts. If you have diabetes, circulation problems or other foot problems, do not use an e-file yourself – see a specialist. Another way to soften hardened skin is an acid pedicure.
Frequently asked questions
What are pedi discs?
They are metal holders for an e-file onto which replaceable disposable abrasives are stuck. They are used to sand hardened skin on the feet, and the abrasive is replaced with a fresh one after every client.
How does a machine pedicure differ from a classic one?
In a classic pedicure the feet are soaked and the skin is removed with hand tools. In a machine pedicure the main tool is an e-file with bits and discs, and work is usually done on dry skin.
Can I do a pedicure with an e-file at home?
You can, if you work carefully: with a fine abrasive, at low speed and for short periods. If you have diabetes, circulation problems or foot problems, it is better to see a specialist.
What grit of discs suits heels?
For thickly hardened heel skin, a coarser one, around 80–100 grit, and for the final sanding 150–180 grit. For thin skin, finer grits are enough.