Pedicure and Manicure for Children: Safety Tips, Minimum Age, How to Do It At Home, And More

When I took my 6-year-old for a pedicure and manicure session, she was excited beyond measure. Her joy knew no bounds, so much so that when she was made to wait, her impatience hit the roof. She constantly asked the salon owner when her turn would come. And finally, when it was done, my kid had the most satisfied smile on her face, beaming with delight. For me, it was an awesome bonding experience with her and also made me realise that I just instilled a sense of self-care in my daughter, eventually making her feel more confident and relaxed. However, whether pedicures and manicures were safe for children was a pertinent doubt in my mind. We asked a couple of experts, one salon owner, and a dermatologist, and this is what they said.

Pedicure and Manicure Sessions Are Fun for Children

A pedicure and manicure session can be an enjoyable treat for children and is “an engaging way to teach them about hygiene and self-care while offering caregivers a chance for bonding and relaxation,” says Aditya Sharma, CEO of Noida-based Cut & Style Salon. Our other expert, Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Founder, of Eden Skin Clinic, feels the same.

“They are fine as long as the focus is on hygiene and bonding with the parents, rather than considering it as a beauty treatment. When done with care, manicures, and pedicures can be safe as well as entertaining,” she opines.

While Sharma feels the ideal age when children can be introduced to manicures and pedicures is between 5 and 7 years “when they can sit still and understand basic hygiene concepts,” Dr Mahajan puts it at 3-4 years of age “when your child is capable enough to understand your instructions.”

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Precautions, At-Home Steps, and More

No matter how fun a session is, we should exercise caution when it comes to anything related to children. “It's essential to focus on gentle, non-invasive care rather than cosmetic enhancement,” Sharma suggests. They share 9 effective tips to ensure a child’s safety during a pedicure and manicure session:

1. Use mild, child-safe products—preferably natural or fragrance-free.
2. Go for kid-friendly, non-toxic, and water-based nail polishes. 
3. Avoid harsh chemicals or sharp-edged tools like electronic nail filers. 
4. Ensure all tools are clean and sanitized.
5. Opt for rounded nail clippers to prevent injury.
6. Instead of pushing or cutting cuticles, soften and gently wipe them.
7. Avoid gel polishes or acrylics at a young age, as children's nails are still developing and can be easily damaged. 
8. Respect a child's comfort level.
9. Never force them into grooming routines. 

“When done thoughtfully, these sessions can become moments of positive reinforcement, helping build confidence and a healthy attitude toward personal care from an early age. Keep sessions short, fun, and educational to teach kids about cleanliness in an enjoyable manner,” points out Sharma. 

If you want to do a pedicure and manicure session at home, Dr Mahajan mentions the following 5 steps:

1. Soak hands/feet in warm water with a mild soap for 5–10 minutes.

2. Trim nails straight across and gently file the edges.

3. Use a soft brush to clean under nails.

4. Apply a child-safe moisturizer.

5. (Optional) Apply non-toxic polish.

“Make it a fun, calm experience. Use storytelling or music to keep them engaged. Avoid salon visits with very young children, as they may involve harsh chemicals and unsanitized tools. Always prioritize safety and keep the process gentle. Teaching nail care early helps build lifelong hygiene habits without exposing children to unnecessary risks,” wraps up Dr Mahajan.

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