High-school age, but during prom time, a lot of the appointments are no-shows. So if a teenager is under 18 years old, I will have her come in for a free consultation and I’ll ask for a deposit ahead of time.
Felipe DelLuna
Phase One Hair Design (Granada Hills, Calif.)
I’m most comfortable if they’re at least high-school age because they are more likely to be employed and able to afford nails. If a teen is getting her nails done for a dance, I won’t use primer so she can take the nails off easily.
Ruth Thomas
The Beachcomber (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
The youngest client that I’d apply nail enhancements to is 16 years old. I’ll have her sign a client release form and have written permission from her parents if she’s under 18. Not only are teens in this age group paying more attention to their appearance, but they usually have jobs and can pay for their nails themselves. However, I would strongly advise active teens, such as cheerleaders and gymnasts, not to get nail enhancements. Their activity level is too high to be risking injury to their nails.
Kiniberly Flohe
Studio e Salon and Spa (Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.)
The youngest client I applied artificial nails on was an 11-year-old girl who was attending a special occasion. I applied tips with a resin gel. As a rule, I don’t think girls under the age of 16 should have artificial nails because they’re too young to be able to afford the upkeep.
Joanne Boice
Nails by Joanne (Santee, Calif.)
I think that if they’re under 16 years old, girls tend to be hard on their nails. At that age, they’re basically nail inept.
Aimee Ginsberg
Salon 544 (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)
I think manicures for little girls are fine for special occasions because it teaches them to take care of their nails later on in life. I wouldn’t apply an artificial product on a girl younger than 16 years old unless she had parental consent. If she doesn’t take proper care of her nails and a problem arises, if her parents didn’t know about the nails, they might hold me responsible.
Renee Steele
Endless Sun (Barstow, Calif.)