12 year old gel nails...

[punkylaroux]

In need of advice! DD (12) has come home from school and asked if she can get "gel nails" with her friend at a sleepover this Friday, when I asked what she meant she said her friend knows someone who will do "acrylics" and her friend gets them during school holidays. Now, a few questions, AIBU to say no to hard gel/acrylic nails?! I have said no, as I'm worried about them damaging her nails, that it's minimum 16 years at any reputable salon and she would have to remove them in less than a week as she'll be back to school. I had compromised by saying if they offer soak off shellac (wrap in tin foil to remove) she could possibly have this, but I've been told I "treat her like a 5 year old" and "what's the point and her friend gets to do what she wants"! Help!

IME acrylics are much less damaging, as long as applied and removed correctly. I had acrylics for several years and my nails hardened up again within hours of having them removed. Shellac on the other hand caused them to split and peel, would never have gel on natural nails now. This is probably one of those times where they should make their own decision and learn from any consequences.

Are you definite they are a full set? I wouldn't buy occasional nails that last a few days or neutral shellac.
Its not pleasant scrapping them off early.

Meaning wouldn't mind not wouldn't buy.

My 10 year old has gel polish a few times a year. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Wouldn’t let her have acrylics, but then I wouldn’t have them myself either.

You can have acrylic nails which are a separate liquid monomer and an acrylic powder, you dip the brush into the monomer and then the powder and it forms a ball which you pat onto the nail. This air dries hard.

Then there is hard or soft gel which is applied with a brush where again you create a ball or wodge of gel and coat the nail possibly building the nail in length and creating a thicker layer than polish. It is set under an LED lamp.

Then there is gel polish which you apply like a normal nail polish but you set it under an LED lamp. This is very popular as it doesn't chip and remains nice and shiny although now you can have a super matt top coat.

At 12 I would only recommend the last option which still requires a soak off using acetone.

I have had acrylic or gel nails for almost 30 years and I have done my own for 15. As you have no idea who this friend is applying the nail I would absolutely caution over acrylic or gel.

Considering how to remove them before school goes back is really important!