Jalkahoito

Jalkahoito, literally foot care in Finnish, refers to a set of grooming and therapeutic procedures aimed at maintaining the health and appearance of the feet. It is offered as a cosmetic service in beauty salons and spas and can also be performed at home. A professional jalkahoito typically includes soaking the feet in warm water, trimming and shaping nails, caring for cuticles, removing or reducing calluses, exfoliating the skin, and finishing with a foot massage and moisturizer. Some treatments may add paraffin wax, masks, or nail polish.

The goals of jalkahoito are to improve hygiene, relieve tiredness, soften rough skin, and help prevent common foot problems. Proper technique and hygiene are essential; tools are usually sterilized and disposable items are used when possible to reduce infection risk. People with diabetes, circulatory problems, or foot ulcers should seek medical advice before undergoing cosmetic foot care, as certain steps may be contraindicated.

At-home foot care can include regular washing and thorough drying, daily moisturizing, gentle removal of hard skin with appropriate tools, and wearing breathable footwear. Preventive tips include trimming nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails, avoiding aggressive callus removal, and protecting feet from excessive moisture loss.

In Finland, jalkahoito is a common service category within the beauty industry, regulated by hygiene standards and, depending on jurisdiction, professional qualification requirements. The term broadly covers routine maintenance, relaxation-focused treatments, and preventive foot care, rather than medical treatment.