Would you allow your 12 year old to have acrylic nails?

It's going to be different for each person or parent.

I think the reasons people don't want their kids getting them done is potential damage to the nail underneath (I've never seen any of note and like hair, they grow out so I don't see the concern) and also the image of people that have their nails done and what that means for their young child but I can't speak for anyone.

Just out of interest, why are people objecting to this? Are acrylics dangerous? I don’t get my nails done personally because I can’t stand people touching my hands but I’m wondering why there is an age limit? Or is it just that people don’t think kids should be concerned with their nails at such a young age? (Surely in that case all nail polish would be bad?)

I am a teenager and I do use long acrylic and gel nails. I started with short gel nails when I was around 10 years old. I think she should be able to start with short peel-n-stick nails, but you are not being unreasonable because the behavior portrayed was very bratty and immature. As long as her behavior is fixed in time for Christmas I think there should be no problem with you letting her get nails. Please show this to your daughter because maybe she will listen if it comes from someone closer to her age group. Ps I will show you guys my nails to prove.

@Soontobe60 you're allergic to BIAB if that's happened

No. They hurt like a bitch when they get ripped off. They also damage the nails and you can get infections if they use nail guns.

I used to get them and they destroyed my nail beds and once ripped my nail out of the meat. It was horrific.

She's too young. Most salons I know have a 16 age limit anyway.

Nope, I might let my DD have gel for holiday but she can prat about with press on nails for a while yet. Quite apart from how I don’t like the look on young girls I think they should suffer with the crap version of stuff when young as it makes them more likely to get a Saturday job and work hard at school if they want expensive things.

Any reputable salon with proper insurance shouldn’t be doing acrylics on anyone below 16 and I still think that’s too young!

Argh… why just why? This is what I bloody hate about this SM influencer crap… it stops our kids being bloody kids and exposes them to things that could be potentially harmful far too soon!!!

Before anyone considers allowing their child to get acrylic extensions read this https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/are-acrylics-bad-for-your-nails#fa-qs as well as many other resources out there that tell you the real potential dangers.

And for goodness sake of you are going to have these things done seek out a good quality nail tech who will give you full info on their products, not one of these cheap high street nail places that use drills and dental grade acrylic as that poses even more potential issues. Ideally someone that specialises in bio sculpture is your best bet as it’s far less harmful with far less chemicals.

@tt9

sorry about the kids xx

but yes, make up is very complicated now!

the sorts of bags (handbags) and shoes girls have for school here wouldn't be allowed 'there' either.

old beyond their years.

(well aware I sound about 200, not 54. Sigh)

No way!
Our DD12 first asked a couple of months after starting secondary school last year. She’s been asking again because her classmate has recently got acrylic nails.

•Not age appropriate/not a good look on young girls
•Not necessary
•Damages nails (I’ve had experience)
•Expensive to maintain
•Waste of money
•She’ll be old enough when she can afford to pay for them herself!

I'm 37... but no kids sadly. have lots of nieces, young cousins etc though! and they are all into makeup etc.

I lived in UK at that age and went to a typical school. I remember girls being excited with just a bit of lip gloss and eye liner. I think social media probably plays a big role and also makeup itself seems to have become super complicated! and there seems to be more of an expectation? or maybe I was a very oblivious child... I was very nerdy lol

Certainly not! She is far too young.

No way too young

I'm quite liberal about makeup and clothing. I have acrylics done myself but no way would I let my daughter have them until 16. Its not about how they look its about how much they damage the nails. They can also be dangerous if they come loose you can end up ripping your entire nail off. Expensive to upkeep as well and once you start they damage the nail so much that you want to keep getting them re done. I only had them done myself because I've always had awful brittle nails so the damage did not make much difference. Anyone who has decent natural nails should really think twice before having acrylics... its not worth it unless you need them.

My friend is a nail tech and does my 13 year old but as a rule of thumb, they won't do acrylics on under 16s because its terrible for their nails . Usually my daughter will get a biab tip with gel polish instead

To me this is like wearing a corset: a fashion trend that harms health and negatively affects everyday life all for some weird idea of femininity.
I would never model this idea or support my daughter in that.

Here’s the news I read about gel nails. Not really something children should risk IMO.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/uv-gel-nail-lamp-dna-skin-cancer-b2267872.html

Yea to gels but no to acrylics. And gels as a special treat, usually holidays and no nails allowed at school. There are plenty that do nail art with gels. Good luck!

As a beauty therapist, I absolutely would let my girls get their nails done at that age, by myself or my freind, but they wouldn't be tacky and long. I've always had insecurity about my dry, wrinkly hands and sausage fingers. Nail enhancements are the only thing that have ever made me feel better about it.

Exactly - I have had my nails done once, yes once, and even then it was a very basic manicure basically because I had time to kill. I had never felt the need before that or have felt the need since. Not everyone spends time or money getting nails done. It's fine if you do, but also fine if you don't.

Absolutely not

She's far too young for acrylic nails at 12 (I don't rate them at all tbh, but appreciate that adults can make their own choices about these things!). I also agree that saying 'no' to requests is a good and healthy thing, even if some of these things are not as extreme as acrylic nails, and if she's pushing the boundaries by sulking etc if you say no.

Because she wants them done now. She’s unlikely to go off the idea if all her friends get them done

It's the expense for me that would bother me. Everyday wear I think I would say no. I would let her have shellac if there was a wedding or something once you start that beauty habit she will always want nails.

No I wouldn’t allow it. Shellac fine in the holidays (I permanently have it so would be hypocritical) but not extensions. Not only do I think they’re chavvy, they could be dangerous when doing sport, and would probably stop her helping with chores hahaha