Next time you’re in the mood for the luxury of a pedicure, you might want to hang up a “Gone Fishin’” sign. Then head out for what one creative shopkeeper is hoping will  become the latest beauty craze—a fish pedicure.  

The practice first began in Turkey, and now an entrepreneurial salon owner has brought it to Virginia to secure himself a niche in the marketplace. These pedicures begin with  clients dipping their feet into a pool of small carp and letting them eat whatever dead skin is available. The fish don’t hurt people–They don’t have any teeth and so can’t bite. Also, they’re not interested in anything but dead skin. The fish work on each set of feet for 15 to 30 minutes, then clients receive a standard pedicure. Those who have experienced the unique service say there’s nothing fishy about the smooth feet they end up with.

December 2008 Newsletter