10yo embarrased by hairy legs and wants to shave. i am at a loss.

[Anonymous]

My DD come to me one day when she was 8 and asked to shave her legs. She had hairy legs but luckily the hair was very light. I had no problem with it. I taught her how to do it and left it at that. Wanting to shave last a few weeks.

I remember growing up and my mother thought it was ridiculous to shave legs and arm pits (and she was born BEFORE hippies!!!!). Imagine my embarrassment when I was the only girl to have hairy armpits as we didn't even have razors in the house. Starting steeling my dad's electric razor to shave until I had my own money and means to buy shaving cream and a razor.

[Anonymous]

Awww, I went through this as a kid and it's terrible. So embarrassing and it really sticks with you. I'd let her shave!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, my daughter is 13 and still doesn't shave. Most of her friends don't either. Why does a 10yr old care? I find that sad. She is just a kid.

I'm surprised at this number-- 13 seems pretty old for starting to shave.

[Anonymous]

As someone who experienced something similar to your DD, I'd let her shave or even ask her to consider waxing professionally. Either way, don't just say no. The embarrassment will lead her to trying to figure it out herself and it's better that she have your guidance and resources.

[Anonymous]

Actually, it's not necessarily for the rest of your life. I have dark hair and light skin, and post menopause no shaving is necessary. Maybe once a month.

Something to look forward to!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let her shave. You'd rather her feel so self-conscious that she won't wear shorts. Trust me, I've been there.

If you're worried about her wielding a razor, get her an electric razor.

Yup.whats the biggie? She is uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

My mother made me wait til high school, for legs, bikini area and armpits. If she wants to get rid of body hair, help her. Personally, I vote for no shaving cream or gel, as I always managed to cut myself with those, but was fine if I shaved with just water then used an after-shave gel (intended for bikini area only, but I used those tubes everywhere).

[Anonymous]

Let her, but show her how to do it the first time. The first time I shaved, I had no clue how much pressure to put and cut my leg right open. Never made that mistake again

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother made me wait til high school, for legs, bikini area and armpits. If she wants to get rid of body hair, help her. Personally, I vote for no shaving cream or gel, as I always managed to cut myself with those, but was fine if I shaved with just water then used an after-shave gel (intended for bikini area only, but I used those tubes everywhere).

Yikes! Ouch!! YES to shaving cream or gel with a razor!!!

[Anonymous]

Get an electric razor. I have had one for years and my girls just run it over their legs with no risk of cuts.

[Anonymous]

I was 10 when I started shaving under my arms. My mom is not into beauty stuff, but was fine once I asked. At the time I used an electric until I got a little older. Legs are not much different. I would leave it up to her.

[Anonymous]

Please take her to get waxed. So much better than shaving and ingrowns etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get an electric razor. I have had one for years and my girls just run it over their legs with no risk of cuts.

Question re: electric razor - doesn't it leave a slight stubble? I've never used one...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would let her shave- I was too chicken to talk to my mom about girlie stuff and tried it on my own- big mistake, much blood and sillyness when I could have just had her show me the right way!

I have the same story. My mom wouldn't let me shave so I took matters into my own hands and borrowed my dad's razor and shaved off a long strip of skin. I think I was 12? My mom relented after that and bought me an electric razor.

If you try Nair, just make sure to do a patch test. I had a horrible rash in reaction to Nair, though that was back in the early 90s so I hope they have improved their formula! The only thing worse than being teased for hairy legs is having a crazy rash covering your legs for a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let her shave. What's the problem?

My daughter has been talking about shaving for a couple years now and she's only 9. Luckily her skin is very tan with light hair so I keep telling her she can wait a while. However, if she were light skin and dark hair I'd def let her do it.. And with a razor. I don't understand why you say no razor. What else would a ten year old use?