As we inch ever closer to sandal season, it’s time to start toeing the line of pretty feet.

“You want to make sure you take care of your feet,” says DeAnna Murphy, 35, nail technician at the Southside’s Transformations Salon and Day Spa (www.transformationssalonandspa.com).

Murphy sees 30 to 50 customers a week, mostly by appointment, and the salon was voted Indy’s Best Day Spa by WRTV A-List in 2007 and 2008.

Murphy became a nail technician six months ago. “I was always a princess, getting manicures and pedicures,” she says. “I just noticed that sanitation-wise and customer service-wise, it didn’t meet the needs of myself, so I went out on a limb.”

Feet, Murphy says, are often overlooked, but they can be the most important part of your look.

“It’s always nice to have a clean, presentable foot,” she says. “It says a lot about a person.”

DeAnna Murphy gives advice to get feet into shape

- If you’re seeing a professional, “look for someone that’s very knowledgeable,” Murphy says. “Someone who explains the services to you as they’re doing them.” Ask for a general spa treatment that includes exfoliation, moisturization and hydration treatment. “That’s a good way to start after the winter is gone,” she says. Murphy also recommends paraffin wax treatments, cuticle work and filing and clipping.

- For home treatment, Murphy recommends an exfoliator on the feet, or a pumice stone of pedi-file. “Use that in the shower, in the bath,” she says. “Follow up with heavy moisturizer, like glycerin or shea butter — that will help with dry, cracked heels.”

- Mature feet need a little extra care in the nails. “I notice that the actual nails tend to need a little bit more upkeep,” Murphy says. “As we mature, our toenails tend to get thick.” Also, calluses need to be watched for — calluses on the skin can lead to cracking heels.

- Never use a razor on calluses. “The razor actually is illegal to use (in a pedicure at a spa or salon) in the state of Indiana,” Murphy says. “Some people don’t realize that. It can be very dangerous.”

- For colors, French tips are very popular in summertime, with vibrant colors coming in second. Toe rings can work for your look too, Murphy says.