Gel Polish is not a product I recommend and/or offer as a service on children, not so much for a moral reason - for choice of a better word - but more for safety reasons, such as childs nails are different to adults, in most cases they wont be mature enough to follow aftercare advice, childs nails are generally thinner than adults, their activity level is different, effecting longevity/wear and if the child picks or bites at their nails or the product, it could either be ingested or cause damage to their nails. Also I have a concern about the childs exposure to chemicals in the removal process.
I was asked by a client about having Gel Polish applied to their child, as their child was taken by another adult to a NSS where "Shellac" was applied to her 10 year old. Not as bad as a 3 year old but still, too young I reckon. They peeled off in 2 days anyway, waste of time and money.
I was curious for an official recommendation from my supplier, so I contacted them for their recommendation(s) about the suitability of Gel Polish on a child, on such young nails...what age do they recommend Gel Polish may be suitable?
Their response:
"Hi Rhyanna,
...Please see below what our regulatory person has written below regarding your question about Gel Polish on children.
"I completely agree with the tech on the reasons why it is not appropriate on children, especially the fact that nails are thinner and softer, and the amount of time a child's softer, more sensitive skin will need to be exposed to acetone. There are a few other reasons listed below (as noted by Columbia University school of nursing). If I had to pick an age, I might say 12-13 (well into puberty when the difference between adults and children is less prevalent).
Children have thinner skin than adults. Their epidermis is thinner and under-keratinised, compared to adults. As a result, children are at risk for increased absorption of agents that can be absorbed through the skin.
Children have higher respiratory rates than adults. Higher respirator rates lead to proportionately higher minute volumes. As a result, children may be more susceptible to agents absorbed through the pulmonary route than adults with the same exposure.
Children may also respond more rapidly to such agents."
That's more than enough reason for me not to offer and I just refer to this info when Mums ask about Gel Polish for their little one. I agree with one of the other techs, I only offer Gel Polish, enhancements and most other beauty treatments on girls 17 years and over, only with parental consent and the adult must be present during the treatment.
Hope this provides a bit more info