Given the growing popularity of manicures and nail extensions, it makes sense that kids and teenagers would want to follow suit. However, it’s crucial for parents to think about the health risks and age appropriateness of these cosmetic procedures.
The appropriate age for a child to begin receiving manicures and nail extensions is not set in stone, but a number of factors, including the child’s maturity, the condition of their nails, and the products used, are important considerations. Comprehending these variables can aid parents in arriving at a well-informed choice.
Knowing what’s appropriate and safe for each age group can help you navigate this frequently challenging topic, whether you’re looking for a basic polish or a more sophisticated nail extension. Let’s discuss the advice given by professionals and things to consider when your child shows interest in manicures and nail extensions.
| Age | Manicure and Nail Extensions |
| Under 12 | Basic nail care, no extensions recommended. |
| 12-15 | Light manicure, avoid extensions, natural nails preferred. |
| 16+ | Manicures are safe, extensions can be considered with caution. |
Children’s age, maturity, and safety should all be taken into account when giving manicures and nail extensions. Simple manicures using safe nail polish can generally be introduced around the age of 7 or 8, but nail extensions are best left for older teens—typically 16 and up—who can take better care of their nails and whose nails have fully grown. In order to guarantee safe practices, parents should emphasize good nail hygiene and seek professional advice.
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- To extend or not?
- Painting nails – when and how?
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Nail care issues
From birth, mothers give their babies manicures; they make sure their nails are neatly clipped, not too short, strong, and not scratchy. And girls are generally okay with such meticulous finger hygiene up until the age of 8 or 10. Then, though, concerns surface regarding nail painting, nail growth, and nail extension. The majority of mothers start objecting right away, but they don’t give their objections much thought.
Experts advise waiting as long as possible when getting a manicure (once it reaches adulthood).
- Up to 6 years nails are only trimmed, it is better to push back the cuticle with an orange stick and not to trim it.
- Up to 14 years it is better not to grow nails, because dirt and bacteria accumulate under them, and a girl who has not reached 14 years old is unlikely to be able to adequately care for her nail plates without negative consequences.
It’s best to save the other secrets of gorgeous hands (gel polish, extensions) for later in life.
Children and adolescents have thinner, more delicate nail plates. Inadequate care or incorrect execution of the procedure can easily cause damage, and nail plate treatment can be time-consuming.
To extend or not?
According to manicure experts, a girl should be 14 years old to get her nails gel-extended. The age of sixteen is thought to be ideal. Because the nail plate is still actively forming until the age of 16, it is more delicate and can sustain serious damage from grinding. Moreover, young beauties’ bodies go through a significant hormonal restructuring up until the age of 16 or 17; they transform from girls into young women.
The fact that extended nails hold firmly and securely and that the decorative varnish coating lasts a long time is not due to an unstable endocrine background, increased activity of the sebaceous glands, or other characteristics of the puberty period.
It makes sense that a girl would want to have gorgeous long nails—first love, peer competition, wanting to appear more grown up. However, desire on its own is insufficient; long nails require prompt and appropriate maintenance. In reality, not all 14–15-year-old girls are prepared for this, despite their initial attempts to persuade adults to the contrary.
Even seasoned manicurists agree that, despite all of their benefits, extended nails are bad for the nail plate. There will be no benefit for the fingernail plates even if the procedure is performed by an extra-class master in an elite salon. However, the risks associated with extensions are not so severe that you shouldn’t make every effort to talk your daughter out of it. While a few procedures won’t have an irreversible negative impact, they will be sufficient to quell the child’s curiosity and possibly lead him to conclude that this isn’t really necessary.
The aura of romanticism and maturity flies off the extended nails, and the appearance of your own nails after removing the extended ones will be an additional argument in favor of your rightness. Generally, everything that is permitted quickly loses its novelty for a teenager. Psychologists therefore advise against arguing with teenagers and refraining from ruining your relationship over the course of an extended stay.
Allow the girl to wait a few more years if, at fourteen, you are unable to persuade her. This usually doesn’t turn into a habit.
Painting nails – when and how?
A picture of a kindergarten girl with her nails painted brightly (for a holiday, for example) no longer surprises anyone. Mothers themselves paint their daughters’ nails, oblivious to the fact that nail polish composition poses a significant risk to infant health. Therefore, formaldehyde and toluene found in decorative coatings are particularly hazardous. These substances have a strong carcinogenic effect even in small amounts.
However, adults frequently fail to listen, misinterpret, and disregard the warnings given by pediatricians. In this instance, it is crucial to keep in mind that girls should only use water-based varnishes. They won’t hurt the child, but they are unstable and very simple to remove with water.
It is advised that girls wait until they are 11 or 12 years old to paint their nails. Any woman will tell you that treating the nail plate is necessary before applying varnish, but this will not help a girl under the age of eleven whose plate is thin and delicate.
When to start allowing your child to get manicures or nail extensions is a personal decision based on a number of variables. It’s critical to take into account your child’s age, developmental stage, and any possible risks associated with these cosmetic procedures.
Simple manicures with safe, non-toxic nail polish are typically a harmless and enjoyable pastime for younger kids. Nail extensions, however, are best left for older teenagers because they need more upkeep and contain chemicals that might not be good for growing nails.
In the end, you should put your child’s health and wellbeing first. Always seek professional advice, and ensure that the methods and products being used are safe and appropriate for the patient’s age.
