How long should a client's feet soak in the pedicure basin?

Soaking a client's feet in the pedicure basin for 5-10 minutes is the standard practice because it allows enough time for the skin to soften, making it easier to remove calluses and to perform exfoliation. This duration also helps to relax the client, contributing to a more enjoyable pedicure experience. Soaking for this amount of time strikes a balance between effective hydration of the skin and maintaining client comfort without risking excessive soaking, which could lead to skin irritation or maceration.

Longer soak times, such as 10-15 minutes or 15-20 minutes, may not be necessary and could result in diminishing returns regarding benefits, while shorter durations like 3-5 minutes may not provide adequate softening of the skin for an effective pedicure. Thus, maintaining the soak within the 5-10 minute range is ideal for both the health of the skin and the overall experience of the service.