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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

10 year old getting nails done

151 replies

Monkey987 · 21/01/2022 21:01

Are we being unreasonable to take 10 year old DSD to get nails done.
Dad has had some health problems so hasn't been able to see her since Christmas so he would like to spoil her a little bit.
DSD lives quite far away and we're running out of fun contact ideas for the winter. Usually we would go to the park/walks etc but it's too cold.
So my question is are we being unreasonable to go and get our nails done. Obviously she would have something discrete and school friendly.
What is acceptable for a 10 year old (year 6) to have done?
I was thinking simple nail varnish/ maybe gel so it lasts longer? Is that too much for a 10 year old?
I'm not really a nail person so don't really know what to ask for.
How much roughly would you expect to spend?

OP posts:
Santahasjoinedww · 21/01/2022 21:03

I would assume school would require any colour removed.

WhatScratch · 21/01/2022 21:06

Does she particularly want to get her nails done?

How about embracing the cold with ice skating and then going for a hot chocolate?

Cascais · 21/01/2022 21:07

Why is it too cold for the park

ShadowPuppets · 21/01/2022 21:08

I wouldn’t do gels for a 10 year old because they require a bit of maintenance and I wouldn’t assume she won’t pick them off and ruin the nail.

Getting them shaped and polished is a lovely treat, my sister takes my nieces occasionally and they are y5/y6. But as PP says school is an issue - I would only do it in half term or school holidays etc.

thaegumathteth · 21/01/2022 21:08

Dd and her friend had theirs done at about 9. It was just polish. I don't see the harm if it's something she'd enjoy. School have no issue with nail colour and imo nor should they.

PermanentTemporary · 21/01/2022 21:09

Im sure it would be fine but its not something I would think of for a 10 year old, especially if you wouldn't normally go. Agree something active would be more fun, skating sounds ideal, or just the cinema? The spoiling would be showing how pleased you are to see her tbh.

ShadowPuppets · 21/01/2022 21:09

Sorry, note you say ‘school friendly’. Mine aren’t that age yet but I assumed that nothing really counts as school friendly, if hers is ok with subtle then I guess you’d be fine.

MrsSkylerWhite · 21/01/2022 21:09

Painted our son’s and daughter’s nails occasionally over the weekend. Wiped it off before school. Really wouldn’t waste money on a professional, do it yourself.

Toottooot · 21/01/2022 21:09

I would be amazed if any salon agreed to put gel polish on a 10 year old.

ShadowPuppets · 21/01/2022 21:10

@MrsSkylerWhite

Painted our son’s and daughter’s nails occasionally over the weekend. Wiped it off before school. Really wouldn’t waste money on a professional, do it yourself.
I don’t know, I think it’s the experience that’s quite nice for a kid of that age. Feeling grown up, going to the salon etc.
Ovenaffray · 21/01/2022 21:10

I wouldn’t get gel on a child of that age. Polish, yes - but not gel

Palavah · 21/01/2022 21:11

Maybe encourage her to enjoy a self-care activity that isn't entirely cosmetic?

ThievesTemple · 21/01/2022 21:13

Yes think school may be an issue, a lovely thought but might be better during a school holiday.
How about a pottery painting place, wrap up and visit a zoo, ice skating, indoor wall climbing, crazy golf indoor or out, swimming or trampoline park.

whyohwhyohwhyohwhywhy · 21/01/2022 21:13

I definitely wouldn't do this.

How about swimming,bowling or cinema?

lap90 · 21/01/2022 21:14

Like others said - no to gel.

Ohyesiam · 21/01/2022 21:15

If she has a coat it’s not too cold for the park, in the U.K. at any rate.

Teacupsandtoast · 21/01/2022 21:15

Is she not able to come to your home?

IDidntKnowItWasAParty · 21/01/2022 21:16

Personally it sounds awful to me. Too young. Do something actually fun.

Monkey987 · 21/01/2022 21:16

@WhatScratch

Does she particularly want to get her nails done?

How about embracing the cold with ice skating and then going for a hot chocolate?

Her mums just moved to a tiny village. There is literally nothing to do. We've over killed the hot chocolate idea unfortunately. Shes always loved doing her nails at home so that's where the ideas come from.
OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 21/01/2022 21:16

My 7 year old GD has hers done. Salons do children's versions. These were her Christmas nails. Judge away!

10 year old getting nails done
IGotHam · 21/01/2022 21:17

School won't allow nail varnish I shouldn't imagine. Gel is not great for young nails because it can cause damage to the nail. Plus I wouldn't want my child to have the UV curing light on their delicate skin.

trunktoes · 21/01/2022 21:17

I've been taken my daughter to get her nails done since she was about 7. Suggest a French polish if she is at school. They love it

Monkey987 · 21/01/2022 21:18

@Cascais

Why is it too cold for the park
We would be driving a long way so ideally want to spend at least 4-6 hours there
OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 21/01/2022 21:18

"Too young"

Explain why? Any part of self care/grooming etc these days isn't linked to sexual activity, or attracting the opposite sex.

chickenninja · 21/01/2022 21:19

What about a pedicure instead? Then she won't have to remove it for school

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