My mom spent a whirlwind weekend with us just before we went to Jamaica. I knew she would keep busy with the girls, but I also wanted her stay to be relaxing. Knowing how much she loves pampering herself at the beauty salon, I thought it would be the perfect time to try out the notorious Doctor Fish massage that I’ve heard so much about on the news lately.
The first salon in the U.S. that offered this type of pedicure happens to be nearby. Well, not THAT close. It’s a good 30-40 minutes away. Just far enough that I won’t be tempted to go that often. I can see how some people could be a bit squeamish about the idea of tiny little fish snacking on the dead skin off their feet, but the entire process is not a big deal. In fact, I think it’s a little overrated.
I made an appointment with Yvonne Hair & Nails about a week in advance. When we arrived, my mom and I were escorted to the back of the salon where we sat in massage chairs and let our feet soak in orange-colored water for a few minutes. The water drained, our feet towel-dried, and we were given spa sandals to wear.
Yvonne’s salon was wonderful. All the ladies (and men) working there treated us like guests in their home, offering us drinks and making sure we were always comfortable. The girls sat with their dad in the comfy waiting area, just a few feet from me, munching on… what else? Goldfish crackers.
My mom gets frequent pedicures, so my theory was that the fish wouldn’t have quite so much to pick at with her, and I was right! They just grazed here and there. My feet, on the other hand, were attacked full-force! It felt much like the sensation you get when your feet start falling asleep – tingly. There are one hundred or so little guys in the tank at a time, and they seemed to love the sensitive area between my toes, which really tickled. A crowd also gathered under the arch of my foot. Most of them were tiny (think just a little bigger than a Goldfish cracker), but there was one big fish that kept trying to nibble under my big toe – and I felt it.
As soon as we stepped out of the tanks, they were drained and promptly refilled with fresh water for the next customers. I continued to feel a slight prickly sensation on my toes for a few minutes afterward, but nothing else. My feet appeared to be very shiny, though there wasn’t much of a difference in smoothness. Perhaps it would’ve been better to have kept my feet in the tank longer.
The Doctor Fish process is followed by a traditional pedicure, if you’d like, for only $10 more. It’s totally worth it. You get an amazing foot and leg massage, all while sitting in a wonderful massage chair, and leave with beautiful toes. It was just what I needed before my trip to the beach; my feet had been looking rough!
I had a hot paraffin wax treatment a while back and found that to be a lot more effective in smoothing rough skin than the Doctor Fish, but if I go again I’ll dole out the extra $15 and do it for 30 minutes to see if I notice a more significant difference.
If a salon near you offered Doctor Fish pedicures, would you go for it?
I heard this morning that the law for Pedicure with fish it did not pass, due to cleanlessness, not able to clean the fish well before another person uses the tank. But I did enjoy my pedicure, it was very neat, it tickles a lot, relaxing, I would do it again. MOM
I didn’t know that! I figured something like that would come up eventually. You can’t exactly “sanitize” fish. I don’t see how it’s a problem unless someone has open sores on their feet. Oh well… at least Yvonne and her husband are getting some good money out of it while it lasts!
I see you found that I too, Get Pedicures ! I think it’s awesome to take care of your feet, whether a guy or a girl. The fish pedicure does sound interesting, and I’d give it a shot.
More importantly, it sounds like you and your Mom had some really nice, relaxing quality time together. THAT is all that matters!
matt-mmwines last blog post..Palma Real Rueda Verdejo
I don’t think I could do it. It’s kinda gross, fish poop in the water.. and them nibbling on my feet just gives me the heebie jeebies! lol
Miranda Kuskies last blog post..Financial Fridays with my husband!
Miranda,
I can understand you feeling that way – it seems a lot of people do. 🙂