Nail art is a convenient way for children to express their creativity. These tips and tricks can help you teach them to do so safely.
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Thanks to social media, kids discover beauty trends earlier than ever. While that means many children are gravitating towards skincare and makeup, others are now diving into the world of nail art. But gone are the days of simple nail polish we all used when we were young; kids today now have access to an array of options, including press-on nail art kits and nail stickers to at-home gel manicure sets.
As a parent, however, you might wonder which fake nails are safe and appropriate for your child to use. That's why we consulted two dermatologists and a seasoned nail technician to answer all your questions about kid-friendly nail art and the various products you'll find on the market.
Curious about why fake nails are becoming so popular? One of the main reasons is their convenience. Many kits come with everything you need for application, including pre-sized nails, adhesive, a nail file, and a prep pad. This all-in-one approach means you don't have to purchase each item separately, making the process quick and easy.
Besides being convenient, Dr. Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, points out that fake nails are also popular because they let you get a salon-quality manicure or longer nails without the wait for natural growth.
However, fake nail kits for kids are different from those for adults. According to Collins, "Fake nails for kids tend to be softer and shorter and often come with an adhesive backing that is gentler on the nails. They also use more non-toxic, skin-safe materials compared to those made for adults, which may contain harsher adhesives."
Press-on nails are a popular option for children's fake nails. Unlike acrylic or gel nails, Collins says that they are considered safer due to their non-toxic adhesive and the absence of UV light exposure for curing. "They are also perfectly designed for kids, as they are smaller, shorter, and made with soft, flexible materials to avoid injury," she adds.
Press-on nails for kids come in various unique designs, whether seasonal designs or trendy prints. However, Collins suggests opting for fun, playful patterns that reflect their age and interests, like cartoon characters, animals, or simple floral designs. "It's best to avoid overly mature themes or very long nails that can interfere with daily activities or pose a safety risk," she explains. "Also, encourage practical choices suitable for their lifestyle—shorter nails are better for active children, reducing the risk of injury or accidental breakage."
To apply press-on nails safely, Collins suggests cleaning and drying your child's nails, gently pushing back cuticles, and selecting the correct nail size to prevent moisture trapping. When removing them, soak the nails in warm soapy water to loosen the adhesive before gently lifting them off with an orange stick or fingers instead of peeling them directly.
If you prefer that your child avoid adhesives and glue altogether, there are ways to create nail art designs with nail polish and a few tools. However, Vicki Ornellas, a manicurist and nail technician with Salon Perfect, says choosing age-appropriate themes and colours is important.
"Stick to simple and playful designs such as flowers, stars, animals, or polka dots," she suggests. "Avoid dark or bold shades and opt for soft pastels or bright, non-toxic, kid-friendly colours like pink, baby blue, yellow, and lavender."
For easy nail art, you can create at home, try any of Ornellas' ideas below:
Polka dots are a timeless and simple design that kids can easily create. To achieve this look at home, Ornellas recommends starting by selecting a base colour and painting it onto the nails. Allow the nails to dry completely, and then use a dotting tool (or toothpick) to apply white nail polish dots. Afterward, let the dots dry, and finish the look by sealing the design with a top coat.
This is another design suggested by Ornellas that is easy to create at home. Similar to creating polka dots, she recommends starting by choosing a base colour and applying it to the nails. Use red and green polish for the cherries, and add two red circles for the cherries with a dotting tool or toothpick. Next, Ornellas recommends using a thin brush or toothpick to paint two green stems and a small leaf. Finally, finish the look by sealing the design with a top coat.
Although this design might initially seem challenging to do on your own, Ornellas assures that it's pretty simple. She suggests, "First, apply a coat of pink polish to the nails and let it dry. Then, add a thin line of white polish to the nail's free edge. Finally, seal the design with a top coat."
Nail stickers, or nail wraps, are another type of fake nail option you'll likely find online. According to Collins, "These are decorative, adhesive designs that are applied directly to the nails. They are pre-sized for children's smaller nails and come in various fun patterns. These stickers work by simply peeling them off the sheet and pressing them onto the nail surface."
Unlike polish or glue-on nails, Collins says nail stickers for kids don't require drying time or adhesive application, making them a quick, easy, and mess-free option for nail art. "Since they also don't involve harsh chemicals like those found in nail polishes or acrylics, they're gentler on young nails," she adds.
Collins suggests that parents begin with clean, dry nails to apply and remove nail stickers effectively. She advises pressing the sticker firmly onto the nail surface to avoid any air bubbles. "When it's time to remove them, gently peel off the stickers," she continues. "If necessary, soaking the nails in warm water can make removal easier without damaging the nails."
Fake nails can offer a vibrant and stylish manicure, but there are important considerations to remember, particularly for children. According to Collins, one of the main concerns is potential damage, as many nail products can be too harsh for developing nails.
"For younger children, fake nails that use strong adhesives can potentially damage their nail beds, which are still developing," she explains. "Ideally, children should avoid long-term wear of fake nails until their nails are more mature, typically around the early teen years. Even for older children, fake nails should be worn for short durations, and the nails should be given a break to prevent damage."
If parents do choose to allow fake nails for special occasions, Collins, they should follow these safety guidelines:
Whether your child is interested in fake nails or nail stickers, teaching them about nail hygiene is crucial. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, maintaining clean and healthy nails helps prevent infections and promotes lifelong healthy habits.
"Nail hygiene is important from a skin-health perspective to prevent infections from bacteria and viruses, which can cause infections and warts, respectively," he explains. "Developing good nail hygiene—keeping nails clean, dry, and trimmed—is also important in establishing healthy habits involving how we take care of our bodies.
To teach your child about nail care, Camp suggests using simple steps that are easy to learn and repeat. "These include regular use of a nail brush in the shower or bath and routine nail trimming," he says. "General recommendations for nail care include cutting fingernails almost straight across with rounded corners and cutting toenails straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown nails."
Creating DIY nail art can be fun for kids of all ages. However, parents should follow any of Ornella's tips for a safe and successful experience:
When choosing non-toxic nail polishes, especially for children, Orenllas advises parents to look for specific certifications and standards that indicate the product is safe, free from harmful chemicals, and gentle on young, sensitive skin.
"These include "5-Free," "7-Free," and "10-Free" labels, which ensure polishes are free of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), xylene, parabens, and more," she says. "Additionally, parents might consider looking for cruelty-free and certified vegan labels if they want to avoid animal-based products."
If you plan on exploring the DIY route, Ornellas says parents can easily create a mess-free workstation at home. Follow her steps below:
Nail art offers a unique avenue for creative expression, but it's important to establish boundaries in certain situations. Camp advises against nail art for children who are still putting their hands in their mouths or who have eczema-prone or sensitive skin.
Additionally, Camp emphasizes the need to address the influence of peers and social media when discussing nail art with children. "Conversations about nail art and body expression can serve as opportunities to explore broader topics like social media influence and peer pressure and their impact on decision-making," he says.
Nail art can be a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity, but safety should always come first. Before using any type of fake nails, parents should thoroughly research the products. Some items may contain strong adhesives that are not safe for young children. When selecting nail art designs, choose those appropriate for your child's age. If they are feeling particularly creative, encourage them to design their own masterpieces. However, ensure you monitor the materials they use and set up a designated area for their nail art activities to minimize spills and messes.
Short on time but sick of smelly quick-drying polishes? Klee Kids has you and yours covered! This water-based, non-toxic, odor-free formula dries in 30 seconds and leaves a gorgeous, glossy finish. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, this polish is peelable, making it’s removal scent-free as well!
No bad karma can come from using this kid’s polish! Karma Kids non-toxic, vegan and cruelty free colours are mood-changing and chip-resistant, making them as safe and secure as they are stylish. It is also a quick-dry polish! With 100% organic soy-based product in 100% recyclable packaging, this is the perfect eco-conscious nail kit to get for your kids.
With a slogan that reads “safe as mud,” you can rest assured that Piggy Paint polishes will pose no problems to your little ones. Their cruelty-free, vegan, water-based formula has created a premium brand trusted by parents for over 15 years. With a variety of colours that are all virtually odorless and in super cute pink packaging, this is the perfect pretty present for kids that care about the planet.
With these 12 sheets of 3D self-adhesive stickers, all the wonders of the great outdoors are right at your fingertips - literally! These environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, water-resistant decals include art such as flowers, animals, plants and fruits. No watermark necessary for these single-use stickies.
Hugs and kisses galore for the xo Fetti Kids Nail stickers! With over 800 decals of butterflies, cats, flowers, fruits and other cute, hand-drawn designs, they are certain to help you nail your little girl’s birthday party for her and her BFF’s!
These pastel-coloured press-on fake nails are made of reliable, breathable, lightweight plastic that won’t burden your real ones. Five boxes of five different fun themes including butterfly, unicorn, flamingo patterns allow your little ones to liven up their look in a subtle but vibrant way. They are also effortless to apply and quick-to-dry!
These press on nails will keep your little one pretty in pink for as long as they please! With 120 pieces between packages - all made of non-toxic, green-friendly environmental material - these nails can be worn for as long as desired without damaging your child’s fingernails or skin underneath.
One of the most thrilling nail packages on the market! Thrilez kids press on nails come in brilliant, bright colours with cute design patterns such as flowers, unicorns and pineapples. They are also made with non-toxic, BPA free plastic material, and can be reused after wear.
Add a glamorous touch to your kid’s next nail set with the Laza Glitter Gradient nail kit! This 120-piece set is made from high-quality ABS material and matte / UV top coat, making it salon-quality, as well as environmentally-friendly. These nail designs are perfect for the upcoming holiday season or any glitz and glam event!
Want nail designs for any occasion? This 240-piece press-on nail set has you covered! With a wide variety of designs, tones, colours and details, your child can have their nails match any outfit. The high-quality ABS material of these nails make them durable, breathable, non-toxic and long-lasting!
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Courtney Leiva has over 11 years of experience producing content for numerous digital mediums, including features, breaking news stories, e-commerce buying guides, trends, and evergreen pieces. Her articles have been featured in HuffPost, Buzzfeed, PEOPLE, and more.