Finding time to leave the house for a manicure, pedicure or wax can be tricky for new mums, people working full time or for those who are less mobile, which is why new website Prettly is so clever

Prettly is a London-based site that pairs up beauticians with customers for home treatments. The idea of walking home to find a stranger sitting at your kitchen table might not make you feel totally at ease, but after testing it out I can confess, this may be the new way I do beauty – especially in the winter.

Log your details – name, address etc – into Prettly’s easy-to-use website, choose your treatment, – manicure, pedicure, massage or hair removal – and the date you’re looking for an appointment. You’ll then get told the price (from £25 for a manicure) and be presented with a list of beauticians available in your area. Past clients rate the technicians and write reviews, so you know you can trust them.

My manicurist was Valentina, she arrived right on time and was in fact waiting for me when I got home. We set up in my sitting room (she provided everything except towels) and set about choosing from her vast selection of nail varnishes. Valentina was friendly and chatty, she advised me well on what colour to choose and the manicure lasted for two weeks without chipping. The best part of the experience was not having to sit for hours under a fan, flicking through Hello! while my nails dried. Once the last lick of the top coat had been applied, Valentina was off, and I was left to go about my evening.

It’s also worth noting that Prettly will organise beauticians for parties and private events – a great idea for hen dos and baby showers, for example.

I’m not sure how I’d feel about having a wax in my home, but for manicures and pedicures (just think no having to trot home in flip flops when it’s raining or snowing), I will definitely be using Prettly again.

prettly.com