Anyone for fish and... feet?

So much for fish and chips on the seafront. A new craze is eating Eastbourne: the rise of the fish pedicure. With the extension of Sole Karma's fish salon to Eastbourne pier on the 13^th of June, we thought it about time to dive into the unknown world of fish pedicures and find out if this bizarre beauty craze is really worth the hype, or just a truly fishy business.

Seemingly a new fixation, with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson eager to pioneer the peculiar pedicure, it may be surprising to learn that the act of getting fish to cure skin complaints actually arises from tradition in Turkey. The Turkish 'therapist' fish (also known as "doctor fish" or Garra Rufa) are in fact tourists of Britain. Much like a conventional pedicure, the fish are employed by spas to suck and nibble the dead skin off customer's feet; the big difference being the replacement of files and exfoliators with gums and tiny tongues.

So why choose fish instead of a more conventional pedicure? Georgia, 17, of Sussex Downs College recently tried the experience as "it was new and sounded exciting!" It certainly does seem that the quirkiness of the fish pedicure is one of the major strings to its bow; many people have complimented its merits as an unusual gift or afternoon out on Sole Karma's website. When asked about the sensation of being nibbled by the Garra Rufa, Georgia replied that "it hurt a tiny bit as I have sensitive skin, but after a while you just get used to it." The pain free aspect is something the website is keen to highlight, comparing the sensation to "putting your feet into something fizzy, like lemonade or cola".

As to the after affects, many people have been surprised by the positive effects these pint-sized piranhas can have.  Georgia compliments that the difference from one treatment was "far greater" than she expected, noting that her feet felt "more smooth and soft than ever".  It does seem then, that these cute little fish are more shrimp-like than sharkish. The cost is pleasantly surprising too! A conventional salon charge around £16 for the attention of a trained therapist for one hour, whereas Sole Karma charge £15 for the service of hundreds of Garra Rufa for 40 minutes.

Overall then, what is our view on the expanding cult of fish pedicures? Perhaps less of a return of Jaws then initially thought. With reasonable prices and encouraging results, we can perceive a day when this extraordinary therapy becomes the ordinary.  For now, the only way to know for sure is to try yourself; the next time you're down at Eastbourne Pier we recommend taking the jump, and throwing your feet in the deep end.

Photos courtesy of www.solekarma.com and Wikimedia commons