Are you curious about how old you have to be to get acrylic nails? Whether you’re a young person curious about acrylics or the parent of such a child, it’s important to do a bit of research and have a conversation about whether acrylic nails are a safe or age-appropriate choice.
There are a variety of factors that impact the age cut-offs at local salons, not to mention other lifestyle and health factors to consider. In this post, we'll cover everything you should know about age limits for acrylic nails.
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Acrylic Nail Age Limits
In the US, there are no legal age restrictions for salon manicures, including acrylic nail extensions. Instead, it’s industry standards, insurance policies, and the individual nail technician’s standards that guide salon age limits. Most nail technicians and salons will not provide acrylic nail applications for children under the age of 16 without a parent or legal guardian’s consent.
With consent, many salons don’t have any age limits, while others still choose to turn away clients below a certain age. So how do you find out how old you have to be to get acrylic nails at your local salons? Since different providers have different guidelines, your best bet is to call around and ask.
That said, even if getting acrylic nails is possible at your age, you may still want to take health and safety into account.
Potential Risks for Younger Individuals
There’s a reason why so many salons put an age limit on acrylic nails — there’s a lot of room for error. Here are some safety considerations you should keep in mind.
Maintenance and Responsibility
Even adults need to learn to adapt their lifestyle once making the switch to acrylic nails. Aggressive activities, from gardening to playing ball games, can cause acrylics to get pulled off, which can also pull, lift, or damage the natural nail.
In 2018, reconstructive doctors reported an increase in children 12 and under being admitted for traumatic nail bed injuries as a result of acrylic nails getting pulled off during regular activities like play. Depending on the nail style, the acrylics could also put other children at risk, especially in the younger years.
Allergic Reactions
The most common complications from acrylic nails are allergic reactions. They usually result in dermatitis, a form of irritation that impacts the skin around the nails. Being younger isn’t a factor in the likelihood of developing an allergy, but it can still be deeply unpleasant.
Nail Damage
Over time, acrylic nails may weaken the natural nail, especially if worn for years starting at a young age. A one-off experiment with acrylic nails isn’t likely to cause lasting damage, but there can be a temporary period when the nails are thin and brittle due to filing during the removal process.
Infections
One of the most common complications with acrylic nails is a fungal infection due to moisture getting trapped between the acrylic extension and the natural nail. While young people are not necessarily at greater risk, parents and children should be aware of this risk and follow proper aftercare to prevent it.
Additional Considerations
Whether you're a parent or a young nail enthusiast, there are some important considerations you should be prepared to talk about before making a decision about acrylic nails.
- Price: A one-time acrylic set only lasts for about a month and usually costs $60-$80, which can be very expensive for the average young person.
- On-going upkeep: Most people who get acrylics commit to the style, which requires monthly salon visits and recurring spending. For young people, this consistency can be harder to manage.
- Aftercare: It can be tougher for young people to follow aftercare requirements such as not using their nails as tools, using cuticle oil consistently, or keeping their hands dry. It’s important to consider how tough aftercare will be based on the young person’s lifestyle and level of maturity.
- What's behind the desire: While some young people may simply love the look of acrylic nails, peer pressure can also play a role. It’s important that parents talk to their kids about what’s driving their desire, and both sides should consider whether it’s coming from the right place.
- Rules and policies: Are there any rules, policies, or even stigma against acrylic nails that might cause issues? Certain afterschool activities, including sports teams and jobs, may also prohibit acrylic nails.
Alternatives to Acrylic Nails for Young Enthusiasts
There are other options that can let young people enjoy nail extensions without risking the health of their nails or their wallets!
Press-On Nails
Press-on nails are a fantastic alternative to acrylics, not just for young people but for everyone. Press-on technology has come a long way, and designs like you’ll find in our Lilac St. press-on nail collection easily pass for professional extensions!
Most of the damage from acrylic nails comes from removal. Since press-on nail adhesives are much gentler, they're easier to remove, while still easily delivering up to 10 days of wear. For young people participating in activities that can be hazardous with press-ons, there are also tab adhesives for easier removal and reapplication.
Gel or Dip Manicures
Gel or dip manicures are great alternatives that let young people enjoy the salon experience while being less harsh on the nails. While neither offers a nail extension, both techniques create a thicker, more durable layer over the natural nail, for a long-lasting manicure. Young people can enjoy nail art with these techniques, as well! Compared to press-ons, these options are still pricier, but they can be nice as an occasional, age-appropriate treat.
Keep This In Mind for Your First Acrylic Nail Appointment
Acrylic nails are a fairly serious nail extension, so if you or your child are still planning to get acrylic nails, it's important to choose a reputable nail salon with high standards for hygiene.
During an appointment, your manicurist will first clean, buff, and prime the natural nails. They will roughen up the top layer of the nail, so the acrylic mixture can adhere to it — this step can be quite damaging, and it’s best to choose a salon where a manual file is used rather than an electric one. It’s also important to ensure your manicurist will push back the cuticles instead of cutting them.
Once prepped, the manicurist will apply forms under the nails, or potentially attach a pre-made tip. Then, they'll dip the nail brush into a liquid monomer and use it to pick up the powder polymer, transform it into a paste, and smooth it over the nails. Through this careful, painstaking process, they will slowly sculpt the acrylic extensions, potentially using powders of different colors to create nail art or using a base color to later enhance with appliques or gel polish.
The pliant mixture will dry into a hard acrylic extension, which your manicurist will then file into shape. For young people, most manicurists recommend opting for shorter, more natural-looking extensions that are less likely to get in the way of your daily life. Instead, let your manicurist get creative with nail art and design.
Bottom Line
To summarize, there are no strict guidelines on how old you have to be to get acrylic nails. Policies can vary from salon to salon, and many providers place no age limits if there’s parental consent. That’s why parents or legal guardians and their children must discuss the potential repercussions of acrylics.
Responsible teens who are dead-set on getting acrylic nails, are aware of the risks, and have the funds should be able to decide for themselves — but it’s not right to ask your parents to pay for a cosmetic service that can cost $600 a year or more. For children 12 and under, the risks of complications from daily activities are greater, and most manicurists will likely turn you away.
No matter how old you are, take a look at the press-ons available today. With so many stunning styles, you can achieve a salon-like manicure without excessive damage or cost.
