Taking care of a child’s tiny and delicate nails is a very delicate and meticulous procedure. It’s probably one of the scariest parenting moments. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep an eye on the length and condition of your child’s nails. In this article, we will talk about the features of children’s manicures.
Why is nail care important for a child?
Trimming nails is an essential part of health and hygiene. They accumulate dirt from time to time, so they need to be regularly cleaned. If you miss this moment, nail infections won’t wait long. Considering that children have a habit of putting their fingers in their mouths, bacteria can serve as a breeding ground for diseases.
Older children become interested not only in the hygienic trimming of nails but also in their aesthetic aspect. Modern abundance of nail polish manicure techniques attract girls practically from elementary school. But are beautiful children’s nails always just painted? Let’s figure it out.
Manicure for children’s nails for younger school-age children
Of course, there are certain limitations for manicures on short nails for children. During this period, the nail plate is actively forming and until the age of 14, it needs delicate care. The root of the nail plate, the matrix, is very easy to damage if a child constantly cuts their nails too short. Over time, the nail becomes thinner, its growth slows down, and the quality significantly deteriorates. This is because the skin in the nail area is more sensitive in children than in adults. And children usually tear off hangnails. Preventing inflammation is another important task of children’s manicures.
So, what can’t be done with the nails of younger school-age children:
- It’s recommended to start doing a manicure from the age of five;
- It’s not necessary to grind the surface of children’s nails. Firstly, it can lead to their delamination. Secondly, there is a possibility of damage not only to the nail plate but also to the matrix and the finger itself.
- Hardware and trimming methods are unacceptable for children.
Then the question arises: what kind of manicure can be done for children? The optimal option would be a non-cut manicure, the essence of which is in the neat removal of hangnails after steaming in a warm bath. Professionals do not recommend cutting the cuticle and using drills to prevent damage to the nail.
Important to note, the uncut technique is a good option for boys and teenagers’ manicures. Men’s nails should also be neat and aesthetically pleasing. It is important to explain to teenagers that there is nothing shameful about hygiene manicure. It is the same self-care ritual as brushing teeth or washing hair.
Important! When doing a manicure for young children, it is important not to damage the developing nail plate, thereby avoiding inflammatory processes and allergic reactions.
Manicure for teenagers
During puberty, the child’s nails are strengthened, and the cuticle becomes harder. At this time, you can already start practicing the cuticle manicure, which involves cutting the cuticle. To give the nails shine and strengthen the cuticle, jojoba oil can be used.
What can you decorate a child’s nails with?
Of course, children also want to be beautiful, and this is understandable. Let’s consider creative manicure ideas for children in school, various events, and vacations:
- Slider designs. Beautiful manicure for children can be done using stickers. Patterns, cartoon characters, or flowers will surely find their place on short nails. The big plus of sliders is that they allow you to decorate nails in a couple of minutes.
- Additional decorations. You can boldly add rhinestones, glitter, and foil to manicure ideas for children with short nails. They are absolutely safe and suitable for all ages, so use them boldly to create creative designs.
Yes, there is no nail polish in this list. The question arises: can children have their nails painted? We will tell you more about the nuances of nail polish.
Can children paint their nails?
Beauty industry manufacturers have a secret that they don’t want you to know: toxin-free nail polishes are not actually toxin-free. Some of these nail products contain high concentrations of dangerous chemicals. They can cause various diseases, including nosebleeds and rashes. And in severe cases – asthma and other life-threatening conditions. Of course, manicure salon workers are the most vulnerable to toxins, but without a doubt, customers are also at risk. The most vulnerable category is children.
The three most harmful substances in nail polish are toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
- Toluene can be found in paint thinners, fragrances, and household cleaning products. Its prolonged exposure can have a negative impact on the developing nervous system of the child, cause eye irritation and upper respiratory tract irritation.
- Dibutyl phthalate is often referred to as a reproductive toxin because it is linked to developmental issues and birth defects. Europe banned its use in cosmetics production since 2003.
- Formaldehyde acts as a preservative. It is known that the impact of this chemical over time can cause breathing problems and may increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. It is a known carcinogen.
Unfortunately, without these components, nail polish is unable to bond and adhere to the surface of the nail plate. So before applying nail polish during a manicure for your child, think about their health.
Now you should have no doubts about whether children can get a manicure. They should! It is important to do it with caution and following all rules. You can seek the help of a professional or do it at home. And give your child good reasons that nail decoration is not limited to nail polish. Besides, naturalness is always in fashion!
