14 DAY TRIAL // Getting our nails done at the salon is by now somewhat of a habit with most women, it is being said. Yet, for those times when a simple pedicure simply can’t restore the feet to their former glory, there is the option of getting a Shanghainese pedicure, the ultimate luxury of cosmetic treatments, guaranteed to make even the most high-heel-“tortured” foot look great.
Of course, there is a price to pay for this type of special pedicure, as it is currently done only in Hong Kong at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, where it has also been developed into a small art. It also costs a small fortune, the 55-minute medical treatment going for $660 but, they say, when the feet are really almost beyond recognition, no price is too big to bring them back to their former glory.
“A Chinese medical procedure, the pedicure involves less stroking and more shaving than you might expect – dead or dry skin is removed from the foot with sharp blades before the feet are buffed and polished. Samuel [Mr. So, the expert giving the pedicure] can sort out all sorts of podiatry problems, from corns and calluses, ingrown toenails and hard skin. You’ll walk out on new feet. This is a restorative must for high-heel devotees, especially in a walking city like Hong Kong.” Spire tells about the internationally-famous beauty salon and this special type of pedicure.
Women who have gotten the Shanghainese pedicure testify that, indeed, it’s one unique treatment ideal for all sorts of conditions. It also looks a bit dangerous, since the tools used are not the usual emery board but sharp razor blades that could incur plenty of pain. There is no hurting involved in the procedure, though, since Mr. So makes sure to cut away only dead and hard skin – plus, the oils and creams that are then massaged into the skin guarantee that all clients will feel as good as possible.
“Beauty comes from within, but we provide the finest finishing touches” the motto on the official page of the beauty salon reads. From what is being said in the media about this special pedicure (and not only, since the salon also offers countless other treatments), they sure do just that.