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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To say no to nail extensions

41 replies

WhoKnewBeefStew · 31/08/2019 16:05

My dd starts secondary school next week. Like all her friends she’s becoming more self conscious and I’m trying to remember what it was like trying to fit in, hormones etc, so I do try to be reasonable.

Experimenting with clothes, hair and make up seems to be the norm, with her and her friends, and I pick my battles, but I’ve drawn the line at nail extensions, which I’m constantly being asked for.

A lot of her friends are having them done, but I’m saying no. I’m happy for her to use nail varnish etc, but I think 11 is just too young (plus I’m not sure school will allow it). AIBU or simply an old fuddy duddy?

Ironically I’m sat waiting to have my nails done as I type this - monkey see, monkey do maybe?

OP posts:

dollydaydream114 · 31/08/2019 16:43

Could you compromise on shellac?

It’s probably unlikely that her school will allow nail colour either.

sunnybeachtime · 31/08/2019 16:49

So she can look like this?!

SorryDidISayThatOutLoud · 31/08/2019 16:50

Another here just agreeing that schools ban nail extensions. My daughter was told off for having them and she had to point out they were her own nails (she's blessed with long strong nails) but then had to trim them.

Also. I trained as a nail tech and did it when on a career break as I could work evenings and weekends. I did acrylics and it completely ruined my nails. Even now, 15 years later, my nails don't grow. I do actually wear extensions on a daily basis because of that - but I now do my own but with gel. Advice to anyone who wants extensions is to only ever get gel. I knowa couple of techs who got lung infections from filing the acrylic (they didn't wear a mask)

......goes off topic.........

Mummyoflittledragon · 31/08/2019 16:52

My dd is the same age, just started secondary. That’s barmy. Maybe buy her some reinforcement rings, white and clear nail varnish for French varnish. I bought dd the stick on ones from primark. The glue was useless though and they fell off within 24 hours so maybe some better glue for weekend use and possibly a shellac at Xmas.

Rainbowknickers · 31/08/2019 16:54

I went to find out if my 16 year old stepdaughter could have them at 16
I was bloody shocked to hear they can do them from aged 9!
Not a chance in hell would any of mine have them before they turned 16 and even then they’d be paying for them themselves
11?not a chance
My eldest used to wear stick ins from boots (I’d do them for her) but she was 17 at the time and paid for them herself
I’d be amazed if the school allowed them

Onesailwait · 31/08/2019 17:05

I agree nail extensions are not appropriate for school. I am taking my DD for a mani & pedi today. She will get gel polish on her fingers she can choose a very sheer pinky colour or a french polish.

TaskMistress · 31/08/2019 17:06

They really trash your nails- really trash them. Does she understand how they do them, filing the top layer off so you're own nails are weaker?
Get her some decent nail creams etc and vitamins for hair and nail, it's so much nicer to have naturally long, strong nails.

steff13 · 31/08/2019 17:10

I wouldn't. What about just a regular manicure? My daughter is 8 and we get regular manicures and pedicures together. Then we usually do a movie and dinner, just mother daughter day.

CrazyToast · 31/08/2019 17:18

Agree with what others have said but also--you know they have to be topped up every three weeks or so? I would not want to get into that kind of time and money commitment.

areyoubeingserviced · 31/08/2019 18:11

Just say no Op
She’s far too young

JustMe81 · 31/08/2019 18:27

Any decent salon with decent insurance won’t do them on someone so young.

02shanso · 31/08/2019 19:35

I'm a nail tech and you're not even covered on insurance to do gel or acrylic on anyone under 16 and I'd be surprised if any insurance would allow it any younger so if anyone is willing...run a mile!! It's not even the risk of damage (good techs shouldn't damage nails), it's more to do with risk of allergies, due to overexposure to product at such a young age!! Show her Google images of acrylic allergies and tell her she's at risk until 16 at least! I know it sucks for her right now but trust us!!!!

longhaulstress · 31/08/2019 19:40

I've had this from my dd about to go in year 8 and lots of her friends have had acrylics in the school hols throughout year 7. I've said no to it all but that she can have one set of gelish nails done next summer hols as a treat when she's 13.

Bouffalant · 31/08/2019 19:54

100% YANBU.

What the hell is happening to young girls these days with 11 year olds wanting fake nails. It's so depressing.

Cryalot2 · 31/08/2019 20:05

Far too young . They wreck your real nails.
How about a compromise and have shellac ?

Dahlietta · 31/08/2019 20:05

Does she understand how they do them, filing the top layer off so you're own nails are weaker?

Ugh, why would anybody do this, let alone an 11yo??

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