Kids and nail extensions

[gogohm]

Ok not really aibu but...

I was in the nail salon (yes I'm aware of the potential exploitation but the owner and the 3 staff are all British), and two families were in- the kids were getting full acrylic extensions, gel colour etc. two adult women, 2 teens and 2 circa 8 year olds. Aibu to say the little girls should be out playing rather than worrying about damaging £40 nails plus if they pull them back accidentally you can damage the nail bed. They were really long too, mine are far shorter.

I've already got popcorn (well munched through half a bag so far

When I was around 12 I got glue on nails from Boots. Lasted about 2 hours before I made my dad drive me back to the shop to get the glue disolver. I couldn't grip the ropes of my swing without the nails stabbing my palms

Acrylics can be so damaging to nails so for an 8 year old to have them is ridiculous. A reputable place should have refused.

We had press ons with the crappy glue tabs that stayed on for a day at 8. Glue ons as teenagers.

You need to choose a better salon. Most won't do extensions under 14. Your's is unethical. My GD gets gel colour, she's 7. They are fun kid's designs. Anything else shouldn't be done.

My teen gets hers done occasionally in the holidays, she has been since 13, my 9 year old just gets them painted.

I think 8 for acrylics is a bit young, they obviously want a treat and to be like mum/big sister but surely it should be managed in an age appropriate way?

Apparently the mothers had demanded they be done when he said too young, accusing him of racism (they were Afro Caribbean). As a small independent shop he felt he couldn't refuse.

This isn't part of the aibu, I don't want to to be about cultural differences, just should parents allow it?

I don’t think children should be allowed in these places at all to be honest.
The fumes for one, grim.

Where is the line though? Why was it ok for the teens and adults?

Why do you care?

Perhaps it was for a special event?

Acrylics aren't for me, even as an adult I wouldn't be able to bear them.

My nail lady won’t do under 16s because of her insurance…

@NotTheOW

Where is the line though? Why was it ok for the teens and adults?

Why would it not be ok? The issue with kids is that it gets in the way of normal kid stuff, and they’re not old enough to make a fully informed decision over it.

14 seems a reasonable official cut off to me, though I personally don’t think anyone still at school should be having long ones as they can get in the way.

I was going to say the same as @OneOfTheGrundys my nail technician won’t do extensions or gel on under 16s as they are not insured.