Q: Hi Dr. Mo. My 12-year-old daughter is really into nails, fashion, and beauty. She checks ingredient ratings on EWG and mostly plays with makeup for fun. But now she wants to try gel nails! I’ve heard they’re not great for nail health, especially for kids. Should I be concerned?
Dr. Mo’s Take
Hi! I love that your child is already thinking about product safety—sounds like they’ve got a great head on their shoulders! But when it comes to gel nails, there are a few things to consider before giving the green light:
🚨 Potential Concerns with Gel Nails for Kids
1️⃣ Chemical Exposure: A Cocktail You Don’t Want 🧪
Gel nail products often contain acrylates and methacrylates—big, scary words that basically mean they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Since kids’ skin is more sensitive, they’re at a higher risk of developing issues.
2️⃣ UV Exposure: Tiny Hands Under a Tanning Bed? ☀️
Most gel manicures require UV or LED light to harden the polish. A single session isn’t a big deal, but over time, repeated UV exposure adds up—kind of like tiny tanning sessions for fingers.
3️⃣ Weak, Peeling Nails = Not Cute 💅
Gel nails may look strong and glossy, but underneath? Not so much. Repeated gel applications thin out natural nails, making them brittle and prone to peeling. And since kids’ nails are still developing, they’re even more vulnerable.
4️⃣ Hidden Toxins in Some Products ☠️
Some gel nail polishes contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)—chemicals linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. While some brands are safer, it’s always best to check labels carefully.
5️⃣ The Not-So-Fun Removal Process 😬
Here’s what people don’t talk about: removing gel nails is rough. It requires either soaking in acetone (which dries out the nails and skin) or filing them down (which can damage the nail bed). Neither is ideal for kids.
🩺 What the Experts Say
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises limiting gel manicures for children due to the potential for nail and skin damage. Read more here.
✅ Safer Alternatives for Nail Fun
If your child loves experimenting with their nails, here are some healthier options:
✔️ Non-toxic, water-based nail polishes – fun colors, no harsh chemicals!
✔️ Skip the UV light – regular polish still looks great without the extra risks.
✔️ Keep nail painting for special occasions – let nails “breathe” in between applications.
✔️ Try press-on nails – a fun, no-commitment way to switch up styles.
It’s awesome that your child is exploring self-expression through beauty! But gel nails might not be the best habit to start at their age. If they really want to experiment, keep it occasional and opt for press-ons or non-toxic polishes instead.
Beauty should be fun AND safe—there’s plenty of time to try the fancy stuff later! 😉
🗣 What Do You Think?
Would you let your child get gel nails? Have you found any non-toxic nail brands you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇
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