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?

And how exactly do you plan to remove it? Filing it off? That’s a no. Soaking her fingers in acetone? That’s also a no in my opinion, that’s just too much

for such a young girl.

Your post wasn’t about the type of nails I was suggesting.. your post indicated that my child doesn’t need anything more because the Disney trip should be enough.

are people genuinely that surprised that a 5 year old girl is into hair, makeup and nails? All her friends are too and it seems bizarre that people are acting like I’ve conditioned my daughter into being 14 and not 5. She still plays with dolls, puts on musical shows and sleeps with her teddies.. she just like to do that with a lil’ sparkle on her nails.. who wouldn’t?!

Soon: "My five year old loves driving in our new car! Is it OK if I let her steer? She can't reach the accelerator so I think it's probably fine?"

"My four year old saw me drink some champagne and now she is obsessed with 'bubbly drinks' - so cute! Is it OK if I let her try just a mini bottle of prosecco? It would just be for once?"

"My two year old often loves to watch when her big brother plays violent movies and video games. Do you think that at her age she is too young to play Call of Duty? I think it's probably fine as there is only limited swearing in it?"

A lot of nail polishes contain formaldehyde, and UV lamps are linked to skin cancer.
Personally, I wouldn't on a child, but if I did I'd be going for the most healthy, kid friendly product I could find.

I really wouldn’t - it’s all a bit much for a 5 year old…

I’d focus on cute outfits and some Minnie Ears!

I was just thinking it would grow out as she has her nails trimmed often anyway. I thought a coat or two of gel polish is fairly flexible almost jelly like isn’t it?

But anyway, I can see my thought process was off here so we’ll stick to her regular polish 😅

They just slide off. Sometimes within 24h! Nail beds are too soft.

Definitely won’t need to be removed with acetone or filed.

Both statements are true a trip to Disneyland should be enough of a treat and the concept of a 5 year old getting gel nails is ridiculous.

The fact you say she still plays with dolls despite her love of make up, hair and nails is very telling. Of course she still plays with dolls, she's 5.

My child is also 5 none of their peers are into hair, make up or getting their nails done.

OP, if she hasn’t asked, I wouldn’t bother.

As others have said, what about next time?

My daughter gets hers done because my husband used to work away so she would always come with me. I have no issue with her getting them done but it was very much led by her. If she hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have suggested it.

Ears and a sparkly dress would be what I would be going for, I assumed this was led by her really wanting them.

Yeah but that will take time to grow out completely…?! is she not going to reception? I’m sure gel nails wouldn’t be allowed 😳

Did you honestly type all this out thinking this was remotely relevant.
For context.. DD hasn’t asked for this, it’s an idea that’s pipped into my head.. I’m not some lax parent who gives into everything my child asks for. I am perfectly able to say no to my kids.. this was fully my idea and she doesn’t even have the foggiest I thought of it as she’s at school.

some of these comments are wild. A simple “nah that’s a bad idea OP” would suffice!

I would just paint them princess colours and if they chip, so be it.

I think you'd be more relaxed that way. Kids don't care if it's chipped the same way adults do x

Even nail salon polish doesn't last on kids nails I've noticed, just picks right off as their nails are so soft.

I wouldn't chance it, I feel like my skin suffers when soaking in acetone, let alone mini skin.

Why do you think you should dictate was I consider enough of a treat for my children though?

No, obviously do not let your five year get gel nails done. I’d be surprised if a salon would even agree to this.

I know what you mean but good gel polish shouldn’t peel… so this is on the assumption that she gets a proper gel done and not some poor quality gels with questionable ingredients.

Also you risk her developing quite a severe allergy.

Also - I am well away lamps are linked the skin cancer through UV - but I own a LED lamp so no UV involved, otherwise obviously I would not have even thought about it. It was more the ‘will her nails be brittle after one polish’ question than anything.

I'm not dictating. I'm actually very curious why you don't think it's enough?

Why does she also need nails, a new case full of clothes and lots of other things in addition? Sometimes less is more.

Glitter stays on quite a long time, why not do that then just add another coat of needed? Even gels can be quite damaging to remove. And she doesn't need strong UV on her skin at this age.

Sorry 😊I tried to make you understand how ridiculous the notion is - to me. Biased as I may be! I had already said 'bad idea' in a previous post.

There is plenty of time for your daughter to be a child, and now is the time. Don't let her try 'adult things' just because you enjoy those yourself. I understand wanting to share your own hobbies/interests/special treats with your child -- but this is really not the type to share.

I wouldn't use proper gel stuff on my DD but NYC nails do a great clear too 'gel coat' that makes my DD's polish last longer - we've also found the glitter polishesbmorebhard wearing. Have a great trip

No. Just No.

It isn't age appropriate. It doesn't look nice on a child. Her priorities should be toys, messy play, the park, reading.

The same applies to make up in my opinion.

I hope you are also reinforcing strong female role models and telling her to set her sights high. Yes she can become a doctor, politician, air line pilot or officer in the armed forces.

why do treat a 5 year old like a dress up doll or a teenager. Let her be a child

it can def be real. I was getting my nails dont once and a woman came in asking about getting her 14 yo son’s moustache waxed. They were all no absolutely not but she had just assumed it was the correct course of action!