Expert interview: Nail design for minors?

At what age are you allowed to go to the nail salon? Are children allowed to wear nail models? We asked our nail designer Stefanie and are providing you with the answers to all your questions about nail design and nail modeling on minors:

How old do you have to be at least to get nail modeling in your nail salon?

💅 Nail designer Stefanie: “From the age of 18, all nail designs can be carried out without parental consent. We only treat younger customers in exceptional cases and only with the written consent of their legal guardians and their copied ID card or in their presence. Otherwise, in addition to the health risks for the young people, I risk angry parents and possibly legal difficulties.”

What are the reasons for nail modeling for people under 18?

🤔 Nail designer Stefanie: “One reason for nail modeling with gel or acrylic for young people under the age of 18 can be severe nail biting. The artificial, very hard nails make chewing difficult and protect the natural nail. Failure to do so may result in painful damage or infection to the nail or cuticle. We then discuss these protective treatments very specifically and individually with the young people and their parents.”


What is the minimum age for nail modeling in the nail salon with parental consent?

✋ Nail designer Stefanie: “I personally do not carry out nail modeling with gel or acrylic on young people under 16 years of age in the studio. Not even with the consent of the parents.”


What do you do when young people suddenly show up in the studio to have artificial nails done?

🛂 Nail designer Stefanie: “I ask for ID – at the risk of the young adults feeling embarrassed, but I find it difficult to tell how old someone is. I become particularly perceptive when someone starts fussing when asked about their age.”


Why should there be a minimum age for artificial nails?

🎂 Nail designer Stefanie: “In children, the nail bed still has to develop and form, so it needs space. A rigid nail design permanently impairs this development and can cause irreparable damage. Furthermore, there are always major hormonal fluctuations during puberty, which negatively influences the adhesion of gel and acrylic. In the worst case, the artificial nails can become detached again and again, which can damage the natural nail.”


What nail designs would you do on children under 12?

🛑 Nail designer Stefanie: “None at all, not even a pedicure or manicure with nail polish. Although I use high quality products, I would protect growing children from any unnecessary chemical treatments such as nail polish removers.”


Do your customers bring their offspring to your studio for nail designs?

👩‍👧‍👦 Nail designer Stefanie: “Yes, that happens quite often. Young people in particular often find their mothers' nail designs very appealing and would like to try them out themselves. Many mothers and daughters have a girls' day in which, for example, they go shopping together, come to our nail salon and then drive to the restaurant. While the mothers get nail modeling from us, the young people then receive a pedicure with polish or simply a nourishing manicure without subsequent polishing, depending on their individual preferences and age .”