Beauty Buzz: It’s The Fish Pedicure Sensation That’s Sweeping The Nation … And We Tried It!

How far would you go for baby-smooth feet? My quest took me straight to the fish tanks of Alexandria, Virginia.    

Recently, SheFinds told you about the “Dr. Fish” pedicure – and coincidentally, the place in the USA to try it is close to my hometown. So I loaded up my courage (I am not a wildlife person – if it’s not furry and waggy, it’s not for me) and two of my friends, and drove to the Yvonne Hair, Nails & Tanning Salon for standard pedicures with 15-minute stints in the fish tanks ($45).

The place was packed with people ready to take the plunge, but this didn’t stop the salon attendants from making sure we felt taken care of. We were quickly shown to a group of chairs and given lower-leg massages with hot towels, after which we surrendered our Havaianas for thicker-soled flip flops (a good idea for navigating the wet floor).

The “fish” section of the salon was dim and relaxing, with a soothing landscape painted on the wall behind the fish tanks and the benches, but the three of us only had eyes for the tanks, which were filled with ankle-deep water and miniature nibbly carp.

Much to my friends’ amusement, my courage almost deserted me when the submersion time came, but the sensation wasn’t unpleasant – think of someone gently tapping and tugging, and you’ll have the idea. It doesn’t tickle, like a rasp, which is a major plus for those of you (like me) who squirm through every pedicure.

The fish concentrated on different spots for each of us: one friend had a congregation on her right ankle, and the other had them spread evenly around her feet. I had them fighting to get in between my toes. The 15 minutes (timed on a digital timer) passed all too quickly.

Afterwards, the three of us came out of the tanks and had amazing pedicures. If you’re in the area, it’s worth it to check out Yvonne’s just for this, even if you have no interest in the fish. The final buffing, the foot and leg massage, the friendly pedicurists, the excellent massage chairs – I’m definitely going back for more. It was … I have to say (and I’m sorry, I can’t resist), carp-tastic.

Best of all? My feet are smoother than they’ve been in forever, especially on the sides, where I’m prone to calluses.  But next time I go, I’m feeding the fish for half an hour. Count on it.

Would you trust your feet to the fish, or are you more likely to stick to your standard pedi and foot-smoothing products?