AIBU to think nail extensions are inappropriate for a nine-year-old?

[Earpaloma]

I think I know the answer to this, but honestly interested in others' views on it...

I've changed my name as I'm pretty sure the Mum in question is on here, and posts under my usual username would make me easily identifiable.

A friend, not particularly close, but we are schoolgate Mums and have DCs of similar ages, has a just 9-year-old daughter, whose birthday was in the last couple of weeks. Apparently Mum had promised her that she could have her nails done for the first time during the school holidays, and booked a surprise appointment for her yesterday at a local nail place. When she told me, I assumed she would just have a file and polish or a kid's manicure....but no - she has just posted on social media a picture of her daughter's nails, complete with 'her first little extensions'. She has clearly had BIAB or at the very least gel, and tip extensions. The nail art consisted of pink flowers and leopard print tips. The length and style of the nails look totally out of place on such a young girl's hands.

Am I being totally unreasonable to be really bloody angry about this? I'm cross with the Mum for allowing it. and I'm even more angry with the shop for agreeing to do it. All those chemicals and weight on young fingers, and the girl in question isn't of the most delicate and gentle persona - she loves her scooter and skateboards, and plays rough and tumble with her older brother. I can see something really horrible happening here....

Surely this isn't right? And I know it's sod all to do with me, hence I am ready to be told I'm being v.v. UR and need to keep my opinions to myself!

Personally I would save my anger for something that actually mattered.

IMO extremely inappropriate. Encourages sexualisation of children and teaches them the shallowness and flashiness of mock celebrity life. Maybe I’m a miserable old cow 🤣

What's wrong with the stick on one's? No strong adhesives and easy to peel off ( if they dont fall off first)

Nails are a sexual thing now? Give over. I wouldn’t let my 9 year old have false nails but some of these replies are a bit silly

Of course they are sexual … Oh I can’t be arsed arguing 🤣

Oh me neither, absolutely daft even for mumsnet.

Should be illegal

Personally I think they are inappropriate for everyone. They look awful.

Ridiculous.
Maybe the mother wants a real life Barbie doll to play with.

It look ridiculous.

It goes with all those silly mum obsessed with pamper parties and make up etc for their little girls. If you can't find anything more interesting for your child, it's a bit depressing.

I agree with the people saying it’s stupid, but not something to be really angry about.

Re: “long nails are sexualizing”: I don’t see the logic here. I’d think long nails would be more anti-sexual, because who would want those type of claws anywhere near their genitals?! Not everything that women do to be “fashionable” or “glamorous” has to do with sex.

Ah its never too young to teach a girl that her primary function in life is to be decorative OP.

Ugh.
Personally I can't bear the whole high currency focus on how you look and what you do to look that way, and hate children being drawn into it and adults encouraging it.

A 10 yo child's life should be incompatible with nails that have to be protected or which could damage themself or another child.

But I wouldn't be 'bloody angry' with another Mum acquaintance, I would just roll my eyes, secretly judge, and despair.

My local salon has a notice on its website and in the salon itself that some treatments are restricted to those aged 16 and over. They do a 'princess' manicure for younger children.

I’m really surprised a salon did this, it would invalidate their insurance. Definitely a place to avoid!

The use of acrylic and gel nails has caused issues to people … I can’t imagine a child being allowed to do something they have no way of researching the potential side affects … fucking idiot parents

I agree with you OP 9 is defo too young.

A gel or a paint and some art fine but tips is a no.

I would be more disappointed in the salon that did it.

The mum was in the wrong but it isn't your problem at all so let it go!

X

A case of mum trying to be a bestie instead of a parent. It will end badly.

I teach plenty of yr7 girls with really long, decorated acrylic nails. It seems to start very young. Same with those big eyelashes.
It's definitely getting younger

Think it’s a bit obscene to let little girls wear make up and nail varnish, let alone have nail extensions. I used to get really annoyed if people gave my daughter make up sets for her birthday when she was still at primary school and they always went straight to the charity shop. At nine, she was still playing with her Sylvanian families, not having beauty treatments !

I think it's nice that she was like that. Childhood is important, and some children are forced to grow up too soon. Makeup, nails, pierced ears etc. plenty of time later on.

I think it's gross and tacky as hell but I don't think you should feel so angry about it

Risk of infection from poor hygiene in salons

Risk of setting off lifelong allergies which can compromise medical treatments in future

Risk from intense UV exposure to developing tissues

Restricting movement and ability to play normally; risk of injury to the child’s natural nails if ripped off during movement and play

Damage to the nails if incorrectly removed

All good reasons for not allowing a child you love to go this route at such a silly age.

I think you're massively overreacting to something which in the scheme of things is pretty innocuous which is absolutely none of your business and I wonder why it's upset you so much. Your post makes no sense either. If manicures are really as dangerous as you seem to be suggesting they are as bad for adult women as they are for kids.

As others have said I'd save your anger for people who abuse or neglect their children, as opposed to those who don't parent exactly as you do.

YABU. It literally makes no difference to your life whatsoever