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AIBU?

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Original poster

11 year old has done her own nails with UV lamp

141 replies

Ponchodreams · 25/10/2025 18:41

Im so shocked that she has done this AIBU? Surely this isn't normal for someone of this age to have access to this kit? Am I completely over-reacting? Please tell me i am as I'm very unpopular right now! This is in light of all the allergy stories I have read and damage to nails etc.

OP posts:
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YorkshireGoldDrinker · 25/10/2025 18:54

I was about to comment about how radiation from UV lamps is largely harmless, but PPs post about chemicals and developing allergies has thrown me. I've only used a UV lamp a small handful of times. I think I'll stick to regular nail polishes from now on. Thank you, PP.

nameobsessed · 25/10/2025 18:53

I have actually just finished doing my own set and this was the first post I saw.

At that age I was doing a lot worse (my mother wasn’t impressed when I pierced my own nose, for example) and if I were you I’d either offer to take her to get them done properly, that way you can have a say in length/colour and have a chat about school rules regarding nails.

If she wants to do them herself it’s a great creative outlet but she should probably start with fake hands and regular polish. Those big nail kits on Amazon (gems, nail art brushes, stamps etc) are very affordable.

Sometimes our reactions can push them the other way, I think supporting her to do them safely and sensibly would be better than making it into a big deal.

GreyCloudsLooming · 25/10/2025 18:51

I would be absolutely furious.

RandomMess · 25/10/2025 18:49

@gamerchickthe nail polish that you need a UV lamp for contains chemicals that if you become allergic to them means you can’t have certain dental treatment or bone replacements.

FortnumsWeddingBreakfastTeaPlease · 25/10/2025 18:49

I only ever do my nails short and rounded in a ballet slipper pink (or red about twice a year if I'm going to something posh). Honestly, I would say at 11 or 12 I would do my DD's nails in the nude pink for Christmas or something. I'm very good at them and they look very professional.

I wouldn't let her have them constantly. And categorically would not do them on another child who's parent had no idea.

NotForTheMoneyandNotForTheApplause · 25/10/2025 18:49

I don't have my nails done, what is the particular concern?

TheChosenTwo · 25/10/2025 18:49

As a one off at a friends house I don’t think I’d get worked up about this myself.
Has she had a reaction to them though?

AllJoyAndNoFun · 25/10/2025 18:48

gamerchick · 25/10/2025 18:46

Forgive me for asking. I know nothing about nail fashion. What does the UV lamp do to them?

It sets the ( specific type of) polish so it doesn’t chip but it’s also really hard to get off and can trash your nails.

ComfortFoodCafe · 25/10/2025 18:47

waitamo · 25/10/2025 18:46

Chop her hands off. Right now.

^ this.

gamerchick · 25/10/2025 18:46

Forgive me for asking. I know nothing about nail fashion. What does the UV lamp do to them?

waitamo · 25/10/2025 18:46

Chop her hands off. Right now.

FuzzyWolf · 25/10/2025 18:45

I wouldn’t let my child at that age and I certainly wouldn’t allow a friend who came round to do it. YANBU.

OnlyFangs · 25/10/2025 18:44

Yeah I'd be really cross if someone had let me daughter do that

Original poster
Ponchodreams · 25/10/2025 18:43

Friends house.

OP posts:
ShesTheAlbatross · 25/10/2025 18:43

Is this your child? If so, how can you be shocked she has access to it? Was it at a friend’s house?

TheChosenTwo · 25/10/2025 18:42

Is it your child?