How Old Should You Be to Have Fake Nails?

Taking care of false nails is a big responsibility.

False Nails Require Extensive Care

False nails require extra care--even when opening soda cans and dialing the phone. If you bump or jar your nails, they may seperate from the natural nails. This creates a warm enivironment for bacteria or fungus to grow. Girls that are too young may not have the level of responsibility required to care for false nails.

False Nails Are Easily Repaired

In 2009, there were 739,042 establishments in the United States that featured the services of a manicurist. Most offer walk-in services and can easily repair damaged nails.

Bottom Line

Some manicurists will not apply false nails to girls younger than 12 because of the risk of fungal infection that can occur when nails are damaged--If your daughter plays basketball, for example, false nails wouldn't be practical. Other manicurists have clients as young as eight years of age and view maintenance of the nails as a parental responsibility. They feel that with regular maintenance, fungal infection won't be an issue. Allowing your child to wear false nails is a personal decision that should be based on the child's maturity and activity levels.

References

• Beautytech Info: Nail Enhancements Increasing, So Are Risks:
• IBIS World: Hair and Nail Salon Industry Report:
• Mayo Clinic: Adult Health: Can I harm my natural nails by wearing acrylic nails everyday?: