{"id":38362,"date":"2021-08-26T11:55:13","date_gmt":"2021-08-26T11:55:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nailknowledge.org\/?p=38362"},"modified":"2026-06-19T15:43:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:43:40","slug":"clavos-en-menores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nailknowledge.org\/es\/blog\/nails-on-minors","title":{"rendered":"Clavos en menores"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

with Sam Blake (The Safer Salon Geek)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have recently read a story about a family member putting UV gel enhancements (no, not a UV gel polish but full-on enhancements) on a 6 year old without parental knowledge nor consent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the situation with this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am going to explain from the science viewpoint and my friend, Sam Blake, from the legal and safeguarding aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minors in the UK are 16 but some insurance policies insist on 18. There is the first red flag with this situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A child of that age (and quite a bit older) has a very undeveloped nail unit. The nail plates are soft and full of moisture, the nail bed is weak, the skin delicate and the matrix a long way from maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Those delicate nails cannot take the extra weight of an enhancement, adhesion will be poor and any form of buffing during the prep will thin an already thin nail plate.<\/li>
  2. Any added length will put far too much leverage on the nail bed and down to the matrix. Even something as usual as scratching their head.<\/li>
  3. Any accidental upward force can rip the nail plate off the nail bed! They are just not strong enough<\/li>
  4. The leverage or accident can damage the development of the matrix temporarily or even permanently resulting in a deformed nail for life<\/li>
  5. The overlay may not be properly cured! e.g., wrong UV lamp, too thick. This will result in uncured monomers within the overlay that can leach out when washing hands as they are water soluble. They will definitely be released during removal.<\/li>
  6. The presence of uncured monomers is the beginning of a possible allergy that has many medical implications (dental and orthopaedic among others) If this happens with such an immature immune system if could be for life! Young children\u2019s immune systems do develop over time and childhood sensitivities\/allergies can go away. But this is by no means guaranteed and definitely not worth the risk<\/li>
  7. With such tiny nails how much of the product got onto the skin??<\/li>
  8. Then we come to removal! Those weak little nails cannot take the level of buffing required for removal. The chance of detaching the nail plate is high plus the movement in the nail plate can also damage the matrix. So, a soak off? Who would want a 6 year olds fingers soaking in acetone for 15-20 mins? It can be an irritant and far too strong for the delicate area.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    These are all \u2018worst case\u2019 but, really, is it worth chancing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is just one side; now Sam will explain from another side:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The story Marian refers to is not only shocking, but unfortunately not surprising. Many businesses provide services to minors without fully understanding their legal, as well as ethical obligations. This situation with the 6 year old child has such a high risk level to go very wrong, legally, financially and reputation wise.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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