Would you allow your 12 year old to have acrylic nails?

[Icantremembermyusername]

Just that, really?
Am I being mean?
DD - Can I have my nails done?
Me -yes, we’ll have a manicure during the holidays.
DD - No, I meant can I go to X place and have acrylic nails FOR MY BIRTHDAY
Me - No. I’ve already organised your (very expensive) birthday present (and those from both sets of grandparents and your extended relatives) and agreed to pay for a movie night with your mates plus a pre agreed day out with your best mate. We can maybe have a manicure at a salon (no acrylics) later in the hols.
DD - massive sulk and went to bed.
i feel like she’s taking the absolute piss!
Aibu? Yes - she should have the nails. No - she’s being a brat.
Thank you!

But why not?!? What's the big deal about some girls wanting to look feminine and have long pretty nails? Not everyone has to be gender-neutral and all that crap. Some girls like long nails, pretty hair and make-up and (shock horror) furry sliders 😂(although mine lives in Crocs at the moment)

@XelaM it’s the assumption that all girls will eventually get acrylics/nails done. Why do they? Do they do it because they want to or because (possibly sub consciously) they feel they have to

No they are very damaging to the natural nail so are gels (I have them but as an adult can choose to make bad decisions)

painted is fine

I have acrylics occasionally but I have them done pretty short…..just enough length to slightly see the tip if your hand is palm up, which means I can do everything I need to, they don’t impede doing any tasks and much less risk of injury/accidents. I also only go to proper salons who do not use any kind of drill / electronic machinery and do it all by hand.

I do think 12-15 is too young for it though and anybody who agrees to do acrylics for these is unprofessional, irresponsible and probably not that good at it.

No , to young , it damages nails a lot

I'm actually really relaxed about most things like this and let DD choose what to wear, how to have her hair etc. She had her ears pierced at 10 and I would let her have gel nails at 12 as long as she understood the potential temporary damage to her nails. I would definitely not let her have acrylics.

No I wouldn’t allow it. Shellac fine in the holidays (I permanently have it so would be hypocritical) but not extensions. Not only do I think they’re chavvy, they could be dangerous when doing sport, and would probably stop her helping with chores hahaha

It's the expense for me that would bother me. Everyday wear I think I would say no. I would let her have shellac if there was a wedding or something once you start that beauty habit she will always want nails.

Because she wants them done now. She’s unlikely to go off the idea if all her friends get them done

She's far too young for acrylic nails at 12 (I don't rate them at all tbh, but appreciate that adults can make their own choices about these things!). I also agree that saying 'no' to requests is a good and healthy thing, even if some of these things are not as extreme as acrylic nails, and if she's pushing the boundaries by sulking etc if you say no.

Absolutely not

Exactly - I have had my nails done once, yes once, and even then it was a very basic manicure basically because I had time to kill. I had never felt the need before that or have felt the need since. Not everyone spends time or money getting nails done. It's fine if you do, but also fine if you don't.

As a beauty therapist, I absolutely would let my girls get their nails done at that age, by myself or my freind, but they wouldn't be tacky and long. I've always had insecurity about my dry, wrinkly hands and sausage fingers. Nail enhancements are the only thing that have ever made me feel better about it.

Yea to gels but no to acrylics. And gels as a special treat, usually holidays and no nails allowed at school. There are plenty that do nail art with gels. Good luck!

Here’s the news I read about gel nails. Not really something children should risk IMO.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/uv-gel-nail-lamp-dna-skin-cancer-b2267872.html

To me this is like wearing a corset: a fashion trend that harms health and negatively affects everyday life all for some weird idea of femininity.
I would never model this idea or support my daughter in that.

My friend is a nail tech and does my 13 year old but as a rule of thumb, they won't do acrylics on under 16s because its terrible for their nails . Usually my daughter will get a biab tip with gel polish instead

I'm quite liberal about makeup and clothing. I have acrylics done myself but no way would I let my daughter have them until 16. Its not about how they look its about how much they damage the nails. They can also be dangerous if they come loose you can end up ripping your entire nail off. Expensive to upkeep as well and once you start they damage the nail so much that you want to keep getting them re done. I only had them done myself because I've always had awful brittle nails so the damage did not make much difference. Anyone who has decent natural nails should really think twice before having acrylics... its not worth it unless you need them.

No way too young

Certainly not! She is far too young.

I'm 37... but no kids sadly. have lots of nieces, young cousins etc though! and they are all into makeup etc.

I lived in UK at that age and went to a typical school. I remember girls being excited with just a bit of lip gloss and eye liner. I think social media probably plays a big role and also makeup itself seems to have become super complicated! and there seems to be more of an expectation? or maybe I was a very oblivious child... I was very nerdy lol

No way!
Our DD12 first asked a couple of months after starting secondary school last year. She’s been asking again because her classmate has recently got acrylic nails.

•Not age appropriate/not a good look on young girls
•Not necessary
•Damages nails (I’ve had experience)
•Expensive to maintain
•Waste of money
•She’ll be old enough when she can afford to pay for them herself!

@tt9

sorry about the kids xx

but yes, make up is very complicated now!

the sorts of bags (handbags) and shoes girls have for school here wouldn't be allowed 'there' either.

old beyond their years.

(well aware I sound about 200, not 54. Sigh)

Argh… why just why? This is what I bloody hate about this SM influencer crap… it stops our kids being bloody kids and exposes them to things that could be potentially harmful far too soon!!!

Before anyone considers allowing their child to get acrylic extensions read this https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/are-acrylics-bad-for-your-nails#fa-qs as well as many other resources out there that tell you the real potential dangers.

And for goodness sake of you are going to have these things done seek out a good quality nail tech who will give you full info on their products, not one of these cheap high street nail places that use drills and dental grade acrylic as that poses even more potential issues. Ideally someone that specialises in bio sculpture is your best bet as it’s far less harmful with far less chemicals.

Any reputable salon with proper insurance shouldn’t be doing acrylics on anyone below 16 and I still think that’s too young!