ALTHOUGH some people may flinch at the idea of young children going for beauty treatments, Elyna Effendi, owner of a specialised salon for children, says there is a positive side to the issue.

The owner of Cheeky Monkey Cuts in Great Eastern Mall, Kuala Lumpur, which offers facials, spa treatments, haircuts, manicures and pedicures for children, said it’s a way for them to learn about personal hygiene and the importance of looking presentable.

She said there’s a demand from children for such services, which their parents will accede to.

“Most parents I know appreciate these services. Many have said they wished there were such services when they were young.”

Elyna believes demand for such services will grow and she is already set on opening a second salon in Mont Kiara.

As for spa treatments, the whole concept is something children already understand from observing their mothers, she added. And given that children also suffer from stress and anxiety, such pampering sessions are a way for them to relax and unwind.

“It can even be a treat when they perform well in school or in other activities,” she said.

Most children who come for beauty treatments are from upper-middle class families with trendy mothers who also enjoy such pampering sessions, said Madaline Teh, owner of Glitters Nails & Waxing Salon in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Teh said children’s manicures and pedicures are popular, especially during school holidays or special occasions like weddings and birthdays.

Some mothers even drop their children off for a session while they run their errands.

“We even have parents who send their children for manicures so their nails look presentable prior to a piano exam,” she added.

But a child’s nails are more fragile and caution must be exercised during any nail session.

With many young girls involved in ballet or other performing arts, it’s important to look good right down to their toenails, said Christine P’ng, owner of Cu’s & Do’s, a nail and hair outlet in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

But P’ng said parents should also use such opportunities to educate their children about caring for their nails and maintaining good hygiene.

Some children turn up at salons with nails which are improperly cut or cut too deep and this can lead to problems. P’ng also doesn’t encourage her young customers to colour their nails all the time and when they do, special non-toxic polish is used.

“Taking proper care of nails is just as important as making them look pretty and that message should get across.”