For chic and healthy-looking toes, the Japanese pedicure is the talk of the town - but what does it involve?

Following the rise of 'barely-there' nail looks and an increased focus on health rather than just aesthetics, the Japanese pedicure is in high demand. But what is it and how does it differ from a classic polish or gel treatment?

Unlike the rest of summer 2026's pedicure trends, this look does not feature any bright pops of red, blue or any other timeless pedicure colour for that matter. In fact, there's no nail polish, full stop, but you wouldn't know it from the shiny finish that toes possess afterwards. Like the Japanese manicure, its pedi counterpart is all about restoring and enhancing your natural nails, not masking them with layer upon layer of colour. Thus making it a lovely option for fans of more minimalistic looks or those who feel that their nails aren't in the best condition.

So, if you're keen to let your natural talons shine (quite literally) and book in for this trendy treatment, we've quizzed the experts on everything you need to know. From what a Japanese pedicure involves, step by step, to how to prep your feet for one.

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

What is a Japanese pedicure?

"A Japanese pedicure is a treatment that focuses on restoring the natural health and appearance of the nails rather than applying colour," explains Juanita Huber-Millet, Founder and Creative Director at Townhouse. "The technique originates from Japan and centres around nourishing the nail plate with mineral-rich pastes, buffing the surface to create a healthy natural shine and improving the overall condition of the feet and nails.

"It’s less about covering the nail and more about enhancing what’s already there, which is one of the reasons it’s become so popular in recent years."

What does it involve, step by step?

Huber-Millet says that, "While every salon may approach it slightly differently, a Japanese pedicure typically includes detailed nail and cuticle care, gentle exfoliation, buffing and the application of nourishing ingredients designed to strengthen and condition the natural nail," before adding, "The end result is healthy-looking nails with a subtle sheen rather than a painted look.”

In leading London wellness and aesthetics salon Young LDN, Notting Hill, Founder Susan Carroll says they start, "with a warm foot soak to soften the skin and prepare the nails, then work through shaping, cuticle care and thorough hard skin removal."

"The treatment really comes into its own when we apply the mineral paste, which gets buffed into the nail plate in a specific technique that opens up the nail surface and allows the ingredients to absorb properly. A fine sealing powder goes on after to lock in those nutrients and create the shine.

"We finish with a hydrating massage to soften and nourish the skin. By the end, your feet feel genuinely different, not just cleaner, and your nails have a healthy, well-groomed look without a drop of polish in sight."

Our healthy nail picks

If you're looking to give your toes a pampering at-home, or have just had a Japanese pedicure and want to ensure it lasts, we recommend investing in a cuticle oil or balm and applying it regularly. One of the best foot creams is also key to warding off dryness and rough skin.

How does it differ from other pedicures?

So, how does this in-salon treatment differ from your average gel pedicure? Well, according to the experts, it's all about restoring and boosting the condition of your nails, rather than coating them in polishes.

"A regular pedicure is largely about the finished colour. The nail is essentially a canvas for whatever polish, gel or art goes on top. A Japanese pedicure flips that entirely," says Carroll. "There's no coating, no colour, nothing sitting on the surface. The treatment works with the nail itself to improve its condition from within.

"The results build over time too, which is quite different from a standard pedicure where you're essentially starting from scratch each time. Clients who come regularly start to notice a genuine improvement in the strength and texture of their nails.

Why is it so popular?

Hyper-natural nail trends and treatments have been growing in demand for quite some time now, with many of the 2026 nail trends, in fact, revolving around a theme of 'care first, cosmetic second.'

As Huber-Millet notes, "Customers are becoming much more educated about the condition of their nails and are increasingly looking for treatments that improve their natural nail quality.

"The rise of minimalist beauty trends has also played a role. Just as we’re seeing more people embrace barely-there makeup and healthy skin, we’re seeing the same shift towards naturally beautiful nails and feet."

How to prep for your Japanese pedi appointment

1. Remove any existing polish
2. Moisturise your feet for a few days before
3. Leave the rest to the pros

If you're keen to book in for a Japanese pedi but want to prep your feet a little first, Carroll says to just, "Remove any existing polish before you come in if you can, and spend a few days moisturising your feet beforehand - it makes a real difference to how the treatment performs."

As for the rest, leave it to your nail tech: "Leave your cuticles and hard skin alone. I know it's tempting to tidy things up before an appointment, but you'll get far better results if you let your therapist handle it properly.

"If you've recently had gel removed, just flag it when you arrive so we can tailor the treatment accordingly. Other than that, clean feet and you're done. The whole point of a Japanese pedicure is restoration, so the less you interfere in the run-up, the more dramatic the results tend to be."