5 year old gel nails - is just once ok?

[ChronicallyOnLime]

God I don’t want to sound like an awful mother because I know gels can weaken nails.. but will one time be ok?

We’re off to Disneyland next week as a surprise for DD and she is utterly obsessed with having her nails done, we always use regular polish for her but they never last more than a day or two. I do my own gels at home for special occasions and I’m wondering whether I could do it on DD just for our trip?

I can avoid filing her nails surface as it’s not necessarily being done for that much longevity as you would an adult. But I’m just wondering if it’s still a terrible idea?

Can't you use nail wraps and some clear polish on top? I think they're less damaging.

She is 5 of course it’s not ok 🤣 I cannot believe you even had to ask!

I find them really harsh on adult nails so would never put them on a child of that age

you could take her to a nail salon to get them done professionally? (Regular polish I mean) which might last longer and be more special for her

You risk permanent damage... Is it worth it?

Children's nails are MUCH thinner than adult nails, if it lifts (more likely without filing - which you absolutely cannot do) and she picks it she could lift her nail from the nail bed.

Your child doesn't need gels to go to Disney, and will survive being told "No, you're too young."

This can’t be real.

Just in case, no OP, this wouldn’t be a good idea.

She's off to Disneyland won't that be enough of a treat? Why would she need her nails done for the trip? It sounds very over the top and unnecessary for a 5 year old.

How do you even come to be in a place where this is even an option? I wouldn’t even be using regular polish on a 5 year old I’d be using a kids peel off version. Dont be in a big hurry for your child to grow up… she doesn’t need adornment other than a bit of twinkle on a dress and Micky Mouse ears.

They are fine if done at a place that does them properly and doesn’t use the drill/file tools.

My daughter has had them done since she was little for holidays etc. They don’t last on young nails - better than polish but certainly not like they will on an adult. Maybe 5-6 days at a push.

This what I’m asking - will one time cause damage or is it just regular wearers who’s nails become weak/brittle 🤓 I wasn’t sure if just once would be ok but it seems not!

Something has gone wrong to be asking this. She's five. Enjoy the holiday and leave her nails alone.

What about just her toes?

No. Just no

How did a 5 year old child become 'obsessed' with getting her nails done in the first place? Aren't Bluey or Pepa Pig stimulating enough anymore? Perhaps give her a spray tan too as a one off..

Oh give over.. she’s 5, loves having her nails done and of course Disney is going to be exciting enough.. but why does that mean I can’t also treat her to other nice things like painting her nails or buying her a suitcase full of new Disney clothes and dress up dresses to take. Why not?! 😂

My daughter’s nails are absolutely fine and she’s had them done for all holidays since she was about the same age. She’s almost a teenager now.

Are you not mixing up acrylics/extensions with gels? Gels don’t cause damage but acrylics do. I wouldn’t have them on myself let alone a child.

Wow. I guess it's good you came here to ask, but seriously? Your 5 year old should NOT be 'obsessed with nails' - she should be playing with toys and doing crafts.

Even regular polish isn't great for young children as it's got seriously dodgy chemicals in. That's why they make kids polish.

I honestly wouldn't mind just the once, nails grow out anyway but I'd be worried it's a slippery slope to every time you have them done.

Can you be absolutely be sure you could say no for the next however many years till it is appropriate?

Also if you are going to do it, get HEMA free base, top and colours.

Gels absolutely do cause damage.

She hasn’t asked btw; I was just thinking about doing my own as I want my own to last and I thought DD will be asking for me to paint her nails when she see’s mine so I wonder if gel would be ok as it wouldn’t come as as easy and quickly.

I think it might undermine the message, next time when you’d have a special occasion you would struggle to explain why she couldn’t have them. So it’s simpler to say that rules are rules . Also they still can crack and what will you do then?
Maybe getting her a special Disney theme nail on stickers would be a good compromise?

Because she's 5 years old for goodness sake. It really is so obvious to anyone with any logical thought that this shouldn't even be remotely a question. A treat for a 5 year old should not be getting gel nails done. It's madness.

Oh god no not extensions by any means, literally just the LED cured polish.

How would you explain heat spikes?