I admit that I had a
mani/pedi for the first time in November. I was in India, see, and because of the exchange rate, a mixup involving the caste system and a complicated order at a tea shop I found myself plopped down in a salon with my feet soaking in a tub of hot water and my fingertips dipped daintily in little bowls.
People in India generally have rough feet, and I was alarmed to learn that it's normal for your pedicurist to break out an Exacto-looking scalpel to shave off the nastiest of bits. My guy (no embarrassed lady for me, alas) picked up my foot, picked up the scalpel, felt my baby-smooth American heel, and put the blade back down. I wouldn't need the rough stuff.
The whole thing caused no pain at all, even when I had someone else cutting my toenails. It was ticklish as hell, though, particularly when they took a brush to the bottom of my arches.
I came away feeling like a dandy fop, all with my socks and closed-toe shoes. I tipped pretty well, considering the whole thing cost me about $12.