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SCMP Reporter

A TRADITIONAL Chinese pedicure is one that is worth trying for its restorative qualities.

  The Shanghainese pedicure, a dying art, is being offered here by two brothers who are specialists in the field.

   ''Shanghainese pedicure differs from a normal pedicure in that it is of a more medical nature,'' said Andre Rezouls, Rever hair salon director.

  ''Special cutting blades are used which resemble surgical instruments and are no longer forged.''    Rever offers the pedicure at its salons at Holiday Inn Golden Mile and Sutton Court.

 Mr Rezouls said: ''In 1930s' Shanghai there were lots of well-to-do customers for this service but it declined after the Revolution. Some [experts in the field] emigrated and built up a reputation overseas.''    Feet are soaked in a mild disinfectant to kill bacteria and to soften skin. Dead skin is cut away. A leg massage completes the experience.

   The beauty salon manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Philippa Jeanes, agreed this was the best way.

    Pedicurist So Yan-ko learned his skills at famous spas in Shanghai and Kunming before coming here in 1946.

     ''The medical pedicure is a specific foot treatment which works on the cuticles, hard skin, calluses and removes corns, whereas the regular pedicure treatment to nails and cuticles is cosmetic,'' said Ms Jeannes.

   The treatment takes an hour and costs $385.

   Mr So works around the side of the nails, treating hang nails and in-grown toe-nails.

     Cuticle cream or oil is rubbed into the skin around the nail, and at its base, to remove flaky skin or excessive cuticle. Mr So then applies a polish to the sole and gives a light foot and leg massage. A regular pedicure is $285.

   At IL Colpo hair salon in the Grand Hyatt, silk wrapping ($70 per nail) is popular.

   ''This is a form of nail extension,'' said creative director Jackson Yung.

   Beijing salon in the Hyatt Regency offers to treat your hands to a manicure for $120.



Shanghai method revives sore feet