What Age to Shave

Hello...i am a mother of three and grandma of 10..i felt the way you do until i realized this was an embarressment to my daughter at age 10. For her personal comfort and self worth i bought the neet remover so i didn't have to worry about razors. I wanted her to have a good self image and it was the best thing i did for her. She is a mommy of two teenage daughters and they were allowed to remove leg and underarm hair when they brought it up. Best of luck to you and for being a concerened mother.

V.,
My daughter is still an infant, but I went through something similar when I was your daughter's age and I am also an elementary teacher. Nine seems a little young, but remember that kids can be brutal. While you want to be careful about teaching her to give in to peer pressure, she will be shaving her legs for the rest of her life. I would find out if the other kids in her grade really are shaving this early, if they really are making fun (not that I'm suggesting that your daughter isn't truthful, but sometimes they exaggerate)and if they are, consider letting her start. Starting to shave a little early won't do nearly as much damage as the bullying she might be getting every day at school.

If she is self conscious about the hair on her legs, don't force her to live with it like some of the other mother's seem to think you should do - ignoring it is not going to make it go away, and more than likely, telling her "no" will just drive her to do it herself and possibly cut and/or scar herself rather badly.
I started going through puberty at 9 - I was that 3rd grade girl with the little breasts and the extra weight on me that looked strange, because my body had started looking like a woman's body before any of my friends (though it wasn't until the summer between 5th and 6th grade that I started my period). Around the time puberty started, I started noticing that I had dark leg hair, and my friends at school started to notice too. A happy alternative to allowing your daughter to use a straight razor is an electric one - she can do it herself, she cannot cut herself or get razor burn, and the hair still grows back pretty thin and light so that she wil not have stubble and feel like she needs to be shaving all the time. My mother went out and bought me an electric razor, and shaved my legs FOR me the first time. After that, I did the electric razor when I was wearing a skirt or shorts or something, and used a regular razor once I got into jr high. I wouldn't allow her to use any dipilatories like nair as it can be very aggravating to the skin, and she is DEFINITELY too young for wax (however, as one of the other mothers mentioned, many Indian women and young girls do wax all the hair off of their bodies (legs, arms, lips) and it IS a cultural thing).

Hi

My youngest daughter is 10 years old. She has very dark hair and her legs were very hairy. She was about 8 years old when she asked me about shaving her legs. I was not prepared for that at all. What I did, was I decided that if she was old enough to be self-conscious about it, then maybe she was old enough to take care of it. I explained to her that I thought she was too young to shave at this time. However, I would be willing to check out alternatives. We decided to bleach the hair on her legs. We used an over the counter product. (I cannot remember the name) It worked great. That worked out until she was 9 years old, and then she really wanted to start shaving. I bought her an electric razor so she wouldn't hurt herself. Then after a few months she was ready to use a disposable razor. She has been shaving since. I have no regrets on my decisions. I feel that life is hard enough, and the things we can easily fix or overcome, we should.

I have two daughters aged 11 and 13 1/2. My 13 year old shaves and the 11 year old does not yet. We made a rule that you can shave your legs either when you begin to get hair under your arms or on your privates, or when your period starts, whatever comes first. For my oldest that was at 12.
This solves the problem of setting an arbitrary age for something that may need to be earlier for some girls than for others. I explained to them that the need to shave generally occurs with puberty and that is different for everyone.
I also started my daughter with an electric razor. It is very easy for her to use and can be used right in her own bedroom if she wants.
I hope this helps!

No way would I let her shave at age 9, you are right on target. And I still have scars from stealing my mom's daisy razor when I was 10 and stripping my shins off in the bloody tub.

What kids are making fun of your kid for not shaving their legs at age 9? Time for a parental "tea party" where you chat with the moms of these little twerps about appropriate aged behaviors!

V.,

I think that you should pick an age together such as 13 as kind of a rite of passage type thing. Let her know that its ok not to shave your legs and some women don't. Peer pressure can be brutal, but just let her know that at her age its fine to be just the way she is.

Molly

Go ahead and teach her. I started my 9 year old daughter with and electric razor. I then showed her how to use shaving cream and a regular razor. Being made fun of is no fun and teaching her how to shave is the best way. As my daughter gets older, I hope she can continue to come to me with more questions on how to do things the right way. I am sure I will have more important battles to pick as she gets older. I had hairy legs as a child and hated it, I was not allowed to shave until 6th grade, so since my daughter was uncomfortable with the hair on her legs, I decided that I would not put her through what I went through. Hope that helps.

Well this is how I look at it. She should be comfortable in her own body, but as much as we would like different to be cool, in most cases for kids it causes more problems that it helps.

I am 32 (ugh in two weeks, lol) and I started shaving when I was in Jr High. That is what my mom allowed, it wasnt a huge deal for me given the fact that I am blond, and have very little hair even when I don't. I would see what other girls in her class are doing. While we don't want our kids to be followers, this isnt really an issue of huge implications in my mind, and if the other girls are, (and none of the girls in my daughter's class are and they are 9 as well) then you may want to let her do it. I would definitely do an electric one at this age though since the thought of a razor in the hands of my 9 year old freaks me out! LOL

J.

I agree with what others have been saying and I like JoAnn's idea of giving your daughter a difinative age that she will be allowed to shave but I just wanted to add one thing. If your daughter has dark hair and/or hits puberty early you may want to consider letting her shave at 11 or even 10. As a kid I had been blond but when puberty hit my hair darkened and my leg hair got really dark. So my mom let me start shaving just before my 11th B-day and only from just above the knee down. It made me feel much more comfortable in shorts that summer.

Hi V.,
My 12 yr old daughter started asking about shaving at about the same age. She also said she got made fun of.
We sat down & talked about it. I informed her that once she started shaving it would be something she would have to do EVERY DAY for the resst of her life! Not just when she felt like it. i also explained that once she started that it would come in darker & more of it,so she thought about it for a couple days.
Then we talked again, she wanted to be like the other girls. I understood, if she had darker hair naturally, or if she was starting to get under arm hair, I would have let her but since she is fair skinned & haired i thought it best she wait.
This summer she has brought it up again. Since she has been shaving her under arms I thought fine. Then she suprised me & said she thought she might try to wait a lil longer cause her hair color is so light it is not obvious.....
WoW.....I am always suprised. Given all the information she has decided to wait (if she can get away with it). So now I have told her whenever she's ready. The puberty issue is enough for her to deal with right now, but it just informs me that she is ok with her own body and does not feel the peer pressure to do what all the other girls are doing...That is one of those "mommy" moments, when you know you must have done something right to have such a bright self competant young daughter.
Good Luck, and given all the right info I'm sure your daughter will make the decision that is right for her......
L.

Hi V.,
I have two daughters who started shaving their legs in middle school - probably about age 12. Something I did not consider then, but do consider now, is the safety of shaving cream ingredients that could be absorbed into the body through the skin. If you would like to check for a good brand with no toxic chemicals or harmful ingredients, visit www.findgreenhere.com and go to the Safe Cosmetics page - click link at bottom of page - you can insert the brand you use and see its "score" on the safety scale. We check this now for all personal products now, including lotions and makeup. I think hair removal is important to girls once they reach a certain age and if your daughter is asking now, it is at least time to start planning! Best of luck to your and your family! :o)

Hmmm I'd have to disagree with the other mommies here. You know your daughter and if she has dark hair on her legs... let her try it and see if she likes it. If she sees what a hassle it is she might let it grow back out on her own. If it's sticking out over her socks then let her shave! I know what it feels like to be teased and it can do a lot more damage than shaving can at her age... it's like piercing ears. Some mothers do it when the baby is born.. tell me that's not forcing the child to grow up quickly. Or letting the girl get her ears pierced at 5-6-7-8 whatever age. It's all the same.

9 is way too young! Girls are always in a big hurry to grow up and look like the models in the magazines and on TV. Try encouraging her to just be a kid, maybe show her all the great things kids get to do and grown ups don't.
I would give her a definite age, say 12 or 13 when she's in Jr. High. If you just say "When you are older" she will constantly be asking if she's his the "older" mark yet. If you give her a definite time and stick to it then she'll have something to look forward to. (We certainly don't look forward to it anymore though do we?)
My mom told me 12 was the age, then for my 12th birthday she bought the razor with refills, the shave gel, and the lotion. It was a very cool "rite of passage".

I started shaving when the hair came under my arms. That's when my mom thought it was time. I had hairy legs too.

I didn't let my daughter start until 13 yrs old. Just tell her and show her that once you start shaving the hair comes back dark and really stiff and pokey. The kids at school will tease her throughout her school years for everything and she can't make everyone like her. Real friends don't treat friends like that. You have the junior high and high school years to look forward to. Girl drama is so awful.

Hi V.,

My daughter already has hairy legs and she is 6. I told my husband a few years ago, when her hair came in, that when she starts to feel uncomfortable about them, I was going to let her shave. He didn't like that, but agreed. When I was young, my mom didn't want me to shave. I had hairy legs, I was in 6th grade, and i did it behind her back, then told my mom on a note :) Because I know how uncomfotable it is, I would not deny my daughter when she is ready. 9 years old may seem young, but it will make her feel better about herself, it did for me, and that's why I told my husband it will be ok with me when both my daughters ask.

I think it is important for your daughter to feel like she fits in. It is hard enough to be a child these days, letting her feel more comfortable around her friends by shaving shouldn't be a problem. I am sure she will learn to be a leader in other aspects of her life.

I started shaving my legs at age 10. I'm very pale with very dark hair and I personally didn't like the look of it. If she is uncomfortable and ready I would let her do it. I have a niece who is seven who has a very large, and very hairy birthmark on her leg that she recently started shaving. As far as cultural meaning, this is a culture where we value hairless-ness. We're are definitely not the only country in the world that likes it this way, but it is also a matter of personal aesthetics. I would instruct her on proper shaving techniques, get her waxed, or perhaps an electric razor for safety. I cut my legs many times growing up so I would be very cautious about that with a 9 year old. Good luck.

I agree that shaving is just a silly thing we do in the states, but I too at your daughter's age started to be concerned. Personally I shaved under my arms, my legs, and when I was at camp my pubic area because I was horrified to discover I was the only one who had hit puberty at 10. Looking back on it I think I was totally silly but I remember being totally petrified that someone else would notice I was so hairy when they weren't. It can be hard to feel different at that age, and even though it would be nice if she could flaunt the "I don't care if I have hair" attitude, she probably won't be ready for many more years. Just inform her of how it will make her hair more coarse and darker in color and then back her up in what she chooses- these are the years she'll need you more than ever.

Please support her in desire to remove body hair. I was teased unmercifully due to excessive body hair. I was allowed to shave early and that only made the condition worse. Nair or cream hair removals have their place but for me the only solution was waxing which I didn't start until I was 30. I now don't even need to wax because the hair is almost all gone from my legs...I only wish I had started at your daughter's age.

Good luck,

P.

I can only tell you that when I was a kid, my Mom did not let me shave my legs until after 6th grade. I was the last girl to start and I never wore skirts or shorts because I didn't want to get made fun of. I am a strong woman, comfortable in who I am but I do wish that I had been allowed to start shaving when everyone else did (which was apparently the summer prior to 6th grade).

If this will boost her confidence and empower her, I say go ahead. I honestly can't remember when I started shaving but it's just part of growing up. She will feel validated by you and thus appreciate the bond she has with you. A lot of younger girls just go ahead and do it by the advice of their friends, you should feel proud she consulted you and that you have that type of communication. Good luck.

This was a tough issue for me, too. My daughter was always asking to shave - and she is blonde. I put her off as long as possible; one day she took it upon her own hands and just shaved. She told me that all of the other girls were shaving and she didn't want to be made fun of - She was about 5th grade. I didn't make a big deal out of it; it was obviously important to her... I only wish that I would have given her an electric razor to start with. Now, she is 15 and shaves only when it's important... and it's not that big of a deal.

Good luck
R.

As sad as it is, the influence of media on the self-image of girls is showing up at very young ages. Your daughter is asking for your support to help her "fit in," so you can talk with her about your resistance to shaving - how it will be a drag to keep doing it, and explore all the options for hair removal with her. There is a great article by a teen at: http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/hairremoval....

My own 13 year old has her legs waxed every 8-16 weeks, which is a pretty easy way to go. Good luck!

I don't really have advice for you but would love to know your responses. I have 2 girls one is 11 and still doesn't shave her legs (however she hardly has any hair) but started shaving her underarms right before she turned 11--I also have a 8 yr old that is already asking about when she can shave her legs (she unfortunately has my hairy legs) In asking around to friends that have girls older than mine the answer is quite different---one friends daughter started shaving in 4th grade...one not until she was going into high school! Good luck!

My daughter had the same problem, she was 10 and the other kids started to notice and comment on her leg hair. Realize that girls are developing faster than they used to so we can't expect that they will wait until they're 12/13 to have certain physical aspects start to "pop" up. I bought her a really good razor and gave her a bottle of very thick goopy conditioner (a fabulous way to shave w/o razor burn) and told her what areas to avoid. She's done a great job of shaving (except there were a few band-aid needs after the first couple of times) For me, the idea of her being ridiculed for something we can easily take care of is a no brainer. Other things which aren't changeable can be a good opportunity to teach them to learn to be happy for who they are. My daugher is built like her dad, broad shouldered, strong boned, teaching her to be thankful for her strong, sturdy frame has been a challenge, but it's important because she can't change her frame. Good luck! K

Hi V.. I remember going through the same thing when I was her age and my mother refused to let me shave my legs....just because I wasn't "old enough". It was very traumatic for me. And I still get very sad when I think about the experience....and not to mention very mad at my mom! I'm sure you don't want your daughter to feel this way when she is older.

My advice is to just let her do it. It's great to teach them to feel comfortable in their own bodies. But let's face it, we all do things to feel better about ourselves, like getting manicures, dye our hair, wear make up, etc. Does that mean we are not comfortable in our bodies?

Good luck!
E.

that's a tough one, that falls under a judgement call. I have a daughter who is getting ready to turn 13 and she still doesn't shave her legs. But if I were in your situation, I would try and let her know that girls are very cruel sometimes to each other and seem to like to make fun of each other these days. Maybe she is not quite ready for that, in my opinion I would not have her start til she is at least 11yrs old and with supervision until she is good with the razor and won't cut herself. Hope this helps and good luck!

V.,
This is a very up close and personal response. I have 9 year old twin girls and 1 has very dark hair and her legs are also very hairy and dark. They are in level 6-7 competitive gymnastics and she has to wear a leo everyday. She asked me last year age 8 if she could shave for the same reason. I hesitated at first and then remember how I felt with the same problem at that age. My legs were the same way. After months of contemplating it, I finally brought myself to buy Nair hair depilitory and we used it on her legs. It was actually very easy and have only had to do it maybe 4 times in a year. It comes in very smooth and not too stubby. I am glad we did it and so is she. She is much more confident about her legs. They are very muscular for age 9 so she is now proud of her legs. Need more let me know.
Good Luck, Trish

My mom made me wait until I had hair under my arms. Until then I had to use an electric shaver. I think she was just scared that I would cut myself. I feel your daughters pain though. I think this day and age girls grow up way to fast. Are her friends/classmates shaving?

Hay V.. My Daughter is now 11. She also NEEDED to start shaving at about 9 (PUBERTY...GGGGRRRR). I shaved her underarms the first time, showing her how. On her legs. I got the AVON Hair removal and plastic razor (no blades). She did this for about a year and then we transfered her up to a regular razor. Yes, there have been a few nicks and cuts, but they eventually learn the proper/comfortable way for them. Basically be very open and honest and let your daughter know the importance about being safe/cautious with the razor. I also got a flower with a razor hook that has a suction cup on it so that when my daughter is done with the razor she puts it up where my younger 2 (boy 6 girl 5) can't reach it.

Hope this helps. Good Luck

J. J.
Pittsburg, CA
www.shortnsassyshopping.com

In Europe most women don't shave at all. Here in the US, many of us don't (including me). You could try telling your daughter that not shaving is a way of asserting her individuality, her free choice. And when people make fun of it, she can give them a steely look and say "So I don't go along with the crowd, that makes me unique. IF you have a problem with it, don't make it my problem too." People will respect her if she expresses her individuality without worrying about being judged for it. How hairy can a 9-y-o be?

HI V.,
That is a tough one. I think that it depends on wether or not her hair is dark and if her freinds really are shaving. When i about 10 me and friends got together one sleep over and bet each other in a game of truth or dare who could get there mom to let them shave first. we were all convised that it was the coolest thing ever. Well are moms got wind of our little plan and all of them said no. I personally used i was getting teased. I wasn't lieing just not really telling the whole truth if you know what i mean. So talk to the other moms and see what they think.

If they really are letting there girls shave and she is getting teased i would go ahead and let her. But maybe make it a bit of pain in the butt so she might not want to do it again for a while. things like you have to be there or worse your husband has to be there. Just an idea.

Hope this helps
A.

Shaving legs and underarms is something we do to conform to the aesthetic conventions of the society we live in. There's nothing inherently "adult" about it. If your daughter is being teased because she's got hair on her legs, what's the harm in letting her shave them? It's just a practical act; it's not going to make her grow up any faster. She'll be a lot more comfortable in her body if people aren't making fun of her. If they are, it will make her want to cover up.

Hi V.,

I would take her in and have her waxed, in the long run she will thank you. Regrowth will be slow and be softer and over time she will not need to go as often. I have three daughters that were introduced to waxing at a young age.

T.

I looked at this way, how important is it to "her"?
I've two daughters (18 & 22). I'm blonde & have fair skin, & their hair & skin is darker than mine. Both of my daughters participated in Gymnastics, Dance, & Swimming. At age 9, my older daughter initiated this discussion. The Dance Recital was the main reason, but as time progressed, this was really important to her. After the first shave, it's easy. Their are many options available, take a little time & choose what will work for her.
I was challenged by Auntie & Grandma. Here again, I said, "It's important to her!" Good Luck!

That one was hard for me too, my daughter started bugging me about it at 12, and since she's alone in the shower I finally had to give in. I tried showing her the scar on my leg from when I shaved at 12 but she didn't care. Once she began shaving it didn't seem like such a big deal. Nine seems young, though, but it's your call.

I have a 10 year old who started shaving at 9 years of age. She had alot of hair on her legs (and arms)and was going to a new school. Some of the kids at her old school had made comments about the hair on her legs, so I let her shave before she went to the new school. It hasn't been a problem and she doesn't make a big deal about it. She started shaving mostly from the knee down every few days. I'm glad I let her shave because I think it spared her some teasing.

Hi V.,
I started doing it about that age. I had a lot of friends who were older and I wanted to be like them. I didn't know how and I put some awful scars on my legs. The best thing you could do is to teach her the correct way to do it. Yes, puberty is starting, hold on to your hat!! Take a deep breath, let it out....be brave!

try using some sort of liquid or lotion hair removal for this summer... then next year she will be 10 and can start shaving

My father was a single parent of 3 girls, as myself being the eldest I was the first to experience this. As my father told me. "When you start looking like an animal, it's time to brake out the razor."
So, no matter what age, if she is uncomfortable with the amount of hair she has on her legs, I think it's time to start.

I was 12 the first time I shaved my legs. Girls get black hair on their legs at different ages. Your right about being young. She needs to understand that razors cut. Nobody should be making fun of her legs, she should tell people to stop looking at them. Talk to her about excepting her body for what she has. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

I was a little bit older, maybe 12, but before my mom was comfortable with me shaving my legs I was allowed to use Nair or one of those cream products. Same effect but a little safer and you only do it like once a month so it wasn't a big focus--just saved me from some teasing at school.

I can't tell you how horrible it is to look at your legs and see they need shaving and have your mother say, " I didn't shave until I was (such and such an age), so you're too young." You have eyes, right? Age has nothing to do with it--look at her legs, for Pete's sake! Then have a reasonable discussion based on the facts.

My daughter is almost 7 and I let her shave. I didn't want to but she was crying because people made fun of her dark hairy legs. Even on the hottest days, she would not wear shorts. Now she is much happier and has more self confidence. I get a lot of greif over it but it makes my child feel so much better. Do what you feel is right. Shaving is not the end of the world and it is the least of our worries of the long scary battle of raising girls.

I am surprised that she is being teased about leg hair at such a young age! My 11 year old began shaving (unbeknownst to me) last Summer soon after she turned 11. When I found out, I decided if she were going to do it, she should do it right and have her own razor. However, it was after a huge growth spurt in oh so many ways and I felt it was O.K. to give her this "grown-up" responsibility given she was definitely beginning puberty. Many other things are still off-limits and she knows it (no cell phone, make up, etc...)
Personally I think 9 is too young, and I would be more concerned about her being made fun of over a behavior that is definitely more adult. I feel sorry for so many kids who rarely have a chance to just be kids. I told my girls (especially my eldest who wanted to hurry up and become an adult) that "childhood lasts for only a short while, just 4 to 13 years old do you really get to be a kid! Enjoy it while it lasts, because once it's gone, you can never get it back." They really took it in, and I am grateful for it. They won't have the regrets I have of growing up too fast and missing out on the quality carefree fun kid time.

I had one blonde daughter who didn't have to shave until she was 12 but my youngest daughter born with dark hair had to start shaving at 8. It was life changing. Before the kids teased her and made her life living hell, kids can be so cruel. It's not that big a deal to start shaving and to let her do it will be life changing. Just remember this is shaving not sex or drinking or doing drugs. I think any suffering that can be stopped with a good razor and a can of shaving cream is a no brainer. Let her shave but be sure to help her the fist couple of times and I do recommend shaving cream and a venus razor. Good luck.
L. S.

I finally let my daughter start shaving in 7th grade. I feel 9 might be a little young. Let her know that it is very time-consuming and once you start, you have to keep going. Unless she has very dark hairy legs, I would stand your ground. There is plenty of time for all that stuff.

I am a mom of 4, ages 14, 10, 7 and 4.

I'm a mom of 2 boys so thankfully, I won't have to be confronted w/this....shaving is Daddy's area! But, I am also a woman w/VERY dark body hair....even tho I'm a natural dirty blond. As a child, I was 'fuzzy wuzzy' & somewhat teased about my hairy legs & at that age, the hair was really blond....only darkened once I started shaving. I don't know what advice I can offer except I sympathize w/your daughter's feelings. I shaved, unbeknownst to my mom, around age 12....only my lower legs. Got teased in high school for the blond fuzz on my thighs so then started the full leg shaving by about 15....big mistake. I am now obsessed w/having smooth legs. Like some of the other moms, I really think 9 is kinda young. As others have said, girls seem to be in such a big hurry to mature & I say, while it would be hard for her, you might want to set a 'shaving age.' I like the one mom's idea, her girls can do those things once they start their periods or get hair in their armpits or privates. This is peer pressure & as much as we don't like it, it's a fact of growing up & something that will always be presented to kids. This is a chance for her to be confident & tell those teasers to leave her alone. Just the beginning of many times she'll need to stand up to peer pressure! Good luck!

I have to say, I sympathize with your daughter. I have very dark hair and then of coarse my hair everywhere else was really dark; so I do remember when I was in the 6th grade....I started getting made fun of. I remember having to wear these long socks up to my knees just so I can hide my hair. To make things worse....it wasn't even the style so that made it even harder to deal with. I know that image shouldn't be important to people; but when you're a young child and still more vulnerable to what people may say, it's important to think about what the harm is in letting them shave at that age? My mother was not going for it and said that I had to wait until 7th grade for everything....even makeup (which was fine with me since I had no use for that stuff anyway); but needing to shave was so big for me. I first shaved my legs the summer after my 6th grade year when I spent the summer with an Aunt and Uncle, and I did it myself. No one taught me or showed me on their legs. So, I would think if it's that important to your daughter....show her how or even do it for her. I have a 5 year old daughter myself and I do not let her do anything she wants, nor will she be able to do it in the future; but there are some things that children are more cruel about and I guess I'll do what seems reasonable at the time. Then there are some things that you have to live with....like a couple of boys calling me gorilla because my arm hair was dark as well. Oh well....I wasn't about to start shaving my arms along with my legs. LOL Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Hi V.,
If your daughter has hairy legs and she feels uncomfortable, let her shave (or wax, or use Nair, or whatever). My daughters go to an Armenian school here in Fresno and I've noticed that many of the little girls in 3rd or 4th grade are already into hair removal - they don't have hair on their legs, and their upper lips are completely smooth as well. It seems to be a cultural thing, as I've noticed the moms all look like they spend a good deal of time on grooming as well. These ladies are completely pulled together at all times! So it seems to vary depending on culture and background.

My girls are both blessed with blond, sparse hair on their legs and arms, so they may not need to shave until a bit later, but I will let them shave at whatever age they want to start. No need to go through grade school getting teased about what is, after all, only an issue of grooming.

I just relay my own story of being a hairy-legged nine year old girl. I was embarrassed of my hairy legs and also envious of an older friend who was already shaving. My mom just explained to me the additional time and effort involved and made sure I knew how to do it safely. I even had to use my allowance money for the supplies. I started with an electric razor and eventually moved on to a regular blade. Of course I cut my ankles but I still do that sometimes. Looking back, I could have spared myself the hassle for another couple years, but it wasn't really a big deal and it made me feel grown up. There are so many things kids feel self-conscious about, at least leg hair is easily dealt with.

Why do you think it is too young? Does she need to? My sister and I were talking not long ago and she said she remembers wearing tights or pantyhose for a school/church youth dance and feeling sad that her hair was sticking out through it and still visible. My mom handed her a razor and taught her how to use it. To this day she needs to keep up on her shaving because she has thick dark hair, while my other sister was one who begged to start shaving (a few years older than the first) more out of vanity than necessity, I think.

My own experience is that I was a bit older (I am fair, light-haired, hit puberty very late, etc so not like I *needed* to shave) but did feel self conscious about my blonde fuzz and a friend lent me her razor and cream and I shaved (this was 8th or 9th grade, possibly 10th!) but after I had already shaved my lower legs and the tops of my legs she came back and said oh no, you're only supposed to shave up to your knees because it grows back thicker and darker! I really wish someone had sat down with me (preferably my mom) and told me what shaving entailed and all that. Who knows, I may never have shaved my thighs to this day because I sure dont like shaving!

So please do it for your daughter, talk to her about where to shave, and the fact that it grows back stiffer and pokier, and becomes a chore after that. Would she rather live with a little bit of blonde fuzz or have to shave every time she wants to wear a special dress or go swimming or wear shorts?

And remember, sometimes kids may be teasing her because they wish THEY had waited to start shaving!!

I dont think there is a right age for all girls to start shaving, it does need to be on an individual basis. If her hair is long enough to notice and cause discomfort/self-consciousness and cause some self-esteem issues, let her shave! (but first sit down with her and have the "shaving talk" and then let her think about it for a little bit) But if she is wanting to do it just beause all the other girls are doing it, and not because she needs to, then I'd tell her whatever age you want to tell her (12, when she has puberty hair, whatever) and make it a rite of passage. 9 year old, without the need to, is too early IMO. But not too early if she does need to.

Additionally, use this as a teaching moment in telling her to not talk about it in a gloating or rubbing-in way that she's started shaving, since that is a personal thing, and it's HER body, not to be compared to others or to pressure others to do something THEY are not ready to, etc.

I had a similar problem when I was young and I was in ballet (the hair on my legs would irritate my legs when I wore tights and I 'd get all these red bumps). My mom also thought I was too young for shaving so for a couple years we used Nair. I would highly recommend this, if she doesn't have sensitive skin. There are also plenty of other brands out there now besides Nair.

Good luck,
K.

The same thing happened to my daughter, she has a lot of hair on her legs and arms and the kids would make fun of her all the time. she would come home crying, so what i let her do was use nair hairremoval,it worked great!! she just used it on her legs not her arms, she is now 13 and knows how to shave her legs. she wants to do her arms but that i forbid! she is now in junior high and i feel she is more comfortable with the situation. good luck

I have alot of body hair and I was the same age when kids at school started to make fun of me. My mother was kind enough to say easy problem solved. She bought me an electric shaver and she taught me to shave my legs. If you look at our social
community at large..EVERYBODY...shaves, waxes, creams...whatever...EVEN MEN. I am sure you wouldnt go to the beach without shaving your armpits or legs. Dont hold your daughter to a standard that you wouldnt hold up yourself. If you want her to feel confortable in her boby let her shave, it is really no big deal. Kids can be mean and I went through exactly what she is going through now. It wont change the older she gets. People still to this day comment on how much hair I have on my arms. This is an easy way to help her feel comfortable...its not breast implants.

I had hairy legs at that age and kids would tease me about it. If it were my daughter I would let her shave. My dad was totally against it but my mom let me do it anyway. She showed me how and I was grateful and still am to this day. Kids can be so cruel at school and to give them one less thing to make fun of will save your daughter from a lot of heartache. If my mom hadn't let me shave I can almost guarentee that I would have resented her for it because even down the road when she would have let me shave, the damage would have already been done. let me know how it goes. As far as being comfortable in her own body, ask yourself how do you help yourself feel comfortable with your own body? for me, i like having my toes done (weird i know) but i dont look at is as my wanting to please others, i do it because I want to feel comfortable with my feet. your daughter is just realizing that she doesnt like her "natural" legs and she wants to feel better by shaving them.