A generation ago, being a kid meant grass stains on your knees and mud-stained hands. Now, those hands are manicured with makeup and hair to match.

NewsChannel5's Angie Lau takes a look at the trend -- the young wanting to be beautiful and why some experts are concerned.

Stephanie Kosec (pictured, below), 11, went to Raun Hairdressers and Day Spa in Willoughby to get a lesson in beauty. But compared to others, she's getting a late start.

"I saw it in sixth grade, some even in fifth grade that's how early I saw it," Stephanie said. "My friends and I always laughed about it, it seemed ridiculous to me."

It's a growing trend. Girls, 10 or even younger, getting their hair, nails and eyebrows done. Last year, American teens spent $155 billion to look just like their idols, Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson.

Dr. Donna Mehregany, author of "Raising Happy Children," is one child psychiatrist who says that parents need to know where to draw the line or little girls will get the wrong message.

"You're teaching these kids who are allowed to have idealized beauty at such a young age that again, that's what's important, that's what matters," Mehregany said.

That's why Stephanie's mother, Linn, wouldn't dream of letting her 11-year-old daughter do this.

"No, not at 11, I just think they look silly in it," Linn Kosec said.

When they are ready, Angela Mastroberti offers her teenage clients subtle looks appropriate for this age group. While there's nothing wrong with wanting to be beautiful, there are more important things in life.

"That shouldn't be your main concern right now. What is your main concern?" Mastroberti asked. "Just liking school and having friends, just being a teen and having fun," Stephanie said.

Here are some parental tips on teen beauty:

1. Instill a sense of self worth and confidence based on skills
2. Don't stress superficiality in general
3. Be careful of your own behavior