Nail care has become a part of everyday life not only for adults but also for children. Modern young fashionistas are increasingly showing interest in manicures, imitating their mothers or being inspired by social media. However, the safety and health of children's nails remain key factors when deciding whether to go to a salon or stick to home care.
At What Age Can Children Have a Manicure
Nail service specialists note that the basic hygienic treatment of nails — trimming, filing hangnails, and shaping — can be done at an early age, as children's nails grow quickly and require regular care.
As for cosmetic coatings, the approximately safe age is around 6–7 years, but with a number of restrictions: the thin and still forming nail plate is not ready for aggressive procedures and products used for adults.
Features of a Safe Procedure
Experts recommend:
Gentle polishes: preference should be given to water-based colored coatings or special children's options that can be easily removed without aggressive solvents.
Avoid harsh techniques: procedures with gel polish, strong bases, or hardware treatment of the cuticle are not suitable for children before adolescence, as they can disrupt the development of the nail plate.
Simple technique: nails are carefully filed to shape, without deep shortening, and the cuticle is not cut, only gently pushed back with an orange stick if necessary.
It is also important for the technician to understand the features of children's anatomy: not every adult specialist is skilled in gentle manicure methods for toddlers and schoolchildren.
Why It Is Important to Consider Age and Techniques
The children's nail plate is soft and thin, making it more vulnerable to mechanical and chemical influences. Procedures with strong coatings and aggressive removal can lead to thinning of the nails, splitting, and increased sensitivity.
Therefore, cosmetologists advise limiting decorative elements to types that do not require filing and harsh impacts, and not to turn manicure into a regular procedure for the child.
...Children's manicure is not just a trendy fashion, but also a matter of health. Hygienic and cosmetic care procedures are permissible if age recommendations are followed and safe materials are used. Parents should choose gentle techniques and consult with a specialist about the appropriate format for nail care to preserve the natural development and health of children's hands.
