What is the legal age for nail services? - NailKnowledge (2024)

What is the legal age for nail services? - NailKnowledge (1)

This is a question that often gets asked. But what is the answer?

Firstly, in many countries a ‘minor’ is considered to be under the age of 18. But it can depend on the context e.g., drinking alcohol in the UK is legal at 18, but in the US, it is 21.

Well, there is no legal requirement in force concerning nail services (not it the UK – I am not sure about other countries) but there are several things to consider.

  1. The National Occupational Standards recommend that any person under the age of 16 needs a parent or guardians written consent and they need to be accompanied by an adult for the appointment.
  2. Your insurer will have a view on this, and it will usually be in line with the NOS. Always ask them if you are considering taking a minor as a client.
  3. Like the rest of the body, the nails and nail matrix are not fully mature at that age. They can be thin and weak. They are often quite oily so can be very bendy. I rigid overlay or enhancement could work against them. Their attachment to the nail bed could be weak. Many have childhood allergies that could make them susceptible to becoming allergic to nail products.
  4. As with every client, a certain amount of care and maintenance is essential. Would the child take that daily care and return to their nail professional for maintenance or removal? Or would they not bother and pick them off making what is probably a relatively weak nail even weaker?
  5. If they are still at school, they are probably engaged in sporting activities. If they have enhancements and there is any length on the nails, they will be very susceptible to breakage that is very likely to damage the nail plate and even the nail bed.

In conclusion, it is worth asking your insurer if you are covered to provide nail services for a minor. When you know this, you will be able to answer the question immediately if it should arise. If you are covered and choose to take on a minor as a client, then make sure do the following:

  • get a written consent from a parent or guardian
  • ensure they are accompanied by an adult for the appointment
  • carry out a thorough consultation by looking at the condition of the nails and surrounding skin PLUS their lifestyle e.g., sports
  • have them agree that they will take your advice on the daily homecare and return to you for maintenance or removal and NOT pick them off!
  • give them sound and professional advice on exactly what service is likely to suit them even if it is not exactly what they want.

By doing all of this you are safe guarding both you and your young client.

What is the legal age for nail services? - NailKnowledge (2)

Also read ‘Nails on Minors Blog’ for additional information.

What is the legal age for nail services? - NailKnowledge (2024)

FAQs

What is the legal age for nail services? - NailKnowledge? ›

The National Occupational Standards recommend that any person under the age of 16 needs a parent or guardians written consent and they need to be accompanied by an adult for the appointment.

What is the minimum age to get your nails done? ›

National Occupational Standards and Insurance Protocols:

Nail techs should prioritise consultation with insurers to ensure adherence to NOS guidelines, safeguarding both practitioners and young clients. HONA aligns with the NOS and recommend the minimum age for a manicure or pedicure is 16 years of age.

Can a 14 year old get a manicure? ›

It is generally safe for girls of any age to get a manicure or pedicure. However, due diligence on the part of the parents is necessary to ensure that the salon follows proper sanitation practices. Avoid salons that don't use disposable tools or those that don't disinfect their tools properly.

Can 13 year olds get their nails done? ›

Shellac manicure I will go for 13+,because any younger and I can bet 99.9% of the time the child will pick it off and ruin their still growing nail plate. My regular polish is vegan and baby safe, still in fun colours and stickers and art can still be applied.

How old do you have to be to get acrylic nails? ›

Because there is no legal restriction on the age of a client who can receive nail enhancements, you should discuss you concerns with you employer and together draw up a release form for young clients' parents to sign.

What is the youngest age to be a nail tech? ›

Nail tech licensing requirements differ in each state, although they usually require applicants to be at least 16-17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

Can a 12 year old get gel nails? ›

Kids under the age of 12 should not use gel polish without adult supervision. When using gel polish on your child, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. This will ensure that the polish is applied and removed properly, without causing any damage to your child's nails. And don't forget to have fun with it!

Can a 12 year old get a pedicure? ›

We've created this Teen Pedicure for 12-16 year olds. As long as you've got 20 minutes to spare, you can leave the spa with beautiful-looking toenails. A filing of the nails, cuticle tidy, buff nails and polish for perfect toes in a hurry. This pedicure is carried out dry – no soaking of the feet.

Can 10 year olds do nails? ›

He should be able to use fine motor skills to do more detailed activities such as painting, skateboarding, and dancing. They'll have a lot of endurance and can do things such as riding their bike, running, and playing for longer periods.

Can I take my 2 year old to the nail salon? ›

Though the fumes were not bad, I could still smell them. One mom online had suggested if the fumes bother you, they will probably also bother the baby. I didn't get a headache or anything, and my baby didn't cry or fuss much, but again, I would probably not make a regular habit of mani-pedis with him.

Are fake nails safe for 12 year olds? ›

We would advise children to use nail varnish in place of artificial nails – it is much safer, can be just as fun and colourful, and save them from potentially having an operation.”

Do acrylic nails hurt? ›

Poorly applied acrylics can be painful, especially if they're too thick or the technician hasn't used the glue properly. It's also essential to ensure that your nails aren't too long - overly long nails can cause pain when walking or doing everyday activities.

Are gel nails bad for you? ›

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

What is the age limit for fake nails? ›

While there is no legal age for nail treatments, any person under the age of 16 is considered a minor, and many insurance companies require written parental consent and a parent or guardian present for all standard treatments.

Do acrylic nails fall off on their own? ›

Will acrylic nails eventually fall off? Acrylic nails won't necessarily "fall off," but they can start lifting and cracking at the corners, which can cause them to peel off.

Do acrylic nails damage your nails? ›

Acrylic products can cause damage to the nails themselves. They may cause a condition called “worn-down nail syndrome,” which involves the thinning of the nail after exposure to acrylics and nail filing. One 2020 case study examined a woman with nail damage after acrylic use.

Should I let my 11 year old get acrylic nails? ›

She said that some children under the age of 12 required surgery to repair their damaged nail beds. Nugent said: "We would advise children to use nail varnish in place of artificial nails—it is much safer, can be just as fun and colorful, and save them from potentially having an operation."

What age can kids get their nails done? ›

Nail salons typically allow 11-15-year-old children to get them so long as they are somewhat short, and mom, dad, and guardian agree. Children under the age of 16 will need parental consent to receive Nail treatments. Yes, it is okay for a 12 or 13-year-old maybe even 11 years old to get acrylic nails.

Is nail glue safe for kids? ›

Personally, I would not use any nail glue on a child under 10. They need to understand how strong it is and not use it alone until the parent is sure the child can handle it.

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