My nine year old wants to shave her legs

Vicky - posted on 10/29/2010

Anything you can do to help your daughter feel more confident and secure in her own skin would be a wonderful gift.

Lisa - posted on 10/28/2010

Kids can be cruel. I say let her but go over it with her a few times to make sure she does it correctly. Let her know also that once she does it the first time that she will have to continue and that later it may come in darker and thicker. My eleven yr old wanted to and can all on herown. Sometimes they will sneak and hurt themselves, that is why I suggested teaching her the appropriate way. Best of luck on your decision.

Jennifer - posted on 10/28/2010

I like the Nair idea. I was raised by my dad and he wouldn't let me shave at all. I still remember the girls teasing me about it. And I have light thin hair. I would let my daughters shave if they asked about it because I remember how bad it made me feel to be teased by the other girls at school.

Claudine - posted on 10/27/2010

My 7 yr old daughter has hair on her knees so dark that I thought her knees were just always dirty! My 14 yr old girl has always had darker hair as well. I remember being in the 6th grade and being made fun of for my hairy legs... I hated it. I would go with the Nair though while she is still as young as she is. Although I am still debating on using Nair on my 7 yr old!!

Carisa - posted on 10/27/2010

It really depends on how responsible she is. Do you trust her to use a razor safely? I think I was 11 or 12 when I started, but I was self conscious before than. As long as you are comfortable with her shaving, I say let her go ahead. It's not going to hurt anything.

Barbara - posted on 10/27/2010

I was given Nair when I was around 9 or 10 and used it until I was 18. I LOVED IT (still use it sometimes when I am lazy and have the time). I would let her start using Nair if she is becoming self conscious about it. Hope everything works out for you and her.

Andrea - posted on 10/27/2010

I think I was in 6th grade when I started shaving my legs. I had started puberty by then so it was appropriate. I think that girls now start getting hair and what not earlier. I was allowed to shave from my knees down to kind of break the feeling of everyone seeing your hairy ankles. lol. When it became warmer I was allowed to shave from where my shorts started. (I didn't wear teeny tiny shorts either) After about 7th or 8th grade I was allowed to do whatever. I was also in sports so I was a little more self conscience in the showers if I didn't shave. I think my parent understood that. Its a big deal to start shaving. Make sure she wants to do it for the right reasons. Not just to be like everyone else or get attention.

Jackie - posted on 10/27/2010

i think my little sister in law started when she was eight...and she used to wax :S. I think it all depends on the sensitivity of your skin really. I dont think i would let my daughter do it very often. Only when need be really :)

Gabrielle - posted on 10/27/2010

Its not going to hurt you, so if she is really wanting to I don't think it would hurt to. I woud have a talk with her and make sure that she isn't doing it purely because of peer pressure though.

Kristi - posted on 10/26/2010

I personally think it's too early. I feel badly that she feels self-conscious already, but take a week of showing her on your own legs all the upkeep that shaving requires. Then take her to the department store and let her pick out several pairs of those cute footless tights and leggings to wear with her skirts. It's almost winter now anyway! Even in warm climates they seem to be in style. I LOVE them and skip shaving all the time now... :) I remember when it happened though, and after that life was never the same. Oh! Forgot to mention that I never shave my thighs! My cousin taught me that. The hair is lighter and softer, and it saves lots of time. Think of all the square inches you don't have to shave! Might be a good starting point... I wouldn't use Nair. I have been burned badly with that product!!

Carrie - posted on 10/26/2010

I don't know about your daughters genes, but my daughter has my genes. Her legs are rather hairy and the hairs on her legs are dark. I will not let her shave untill she is in the 7th grade. Because the more she shaves her legs, the darker and thicker it grows back. And so the earlier she shaves her legs, the sooner she'll have darker, thicker hair on her legs.

If I were you, I'd tell her to wear pants or I'd get her some thick tights to wear under her skirts.



I know from my own experience that the hair does come back darker and thicker. Maybe this isn't true for everybody, but it IS true for me.

Kassie - posted on 10/25/2010

I agree get her nair or something, I would say maybe let her do the nair instead of shaving. I was around 13when i was aloud to lol..I would say if shes self conscious of it, don't let her shave but give her nair so she doesnt cut herself. =/ or see if she will waita lil more.

Corena - posted on 10/25/2010

My daughter had very dark hair. I let her start shaving at 9 because she was very self conscious about it. I can't think of any logical reason not to. Its just hair.
The thing about it making your hair grow back thicker and stuff is a myth, by the way.

JESSICA - posted on 10/24/2010

me personally think its a lil young my daughter wanted to at 10 or so i made her wait till she was 12 but her armpits i let her do a lil earlier.

Allie - posted on 10/24/2010

I have a friend in a similar situation, and she only let her 10 year old daughter shave up to her knees (no thigh). And she only lets her daughter wear shorts, skirts, and dresses if they're finger tip length or longer (similar to schools.) Good luck!

Penny - posted on 10/24/2010

thats to young, the other day on the Dr.'s they told a 13 year old she was to young

Jennifer - posted on 10/24/2010

I agree with the nair.. i too had dark hair and my mom bought me nair..It's cruel what young woman have to put up with from others.. poor girl

Jennifer - posted on 10/23/2010

I would let her. Just make sure you tell her that once she starts shaving, she will have to all the time, because the hair will grow back thicker and darker. I think I was about 9 when I started. I would though, get her an electric shaver, so she doesn't cut herself.

Stephanie - posted on 10/23/2010

Thanks to all who have responded! Many of you have some great ideas :) I hadn't thought of Nair. We live in Iowa so the winters can be harsh so she won't be wearing too many skirts in the winter. We are going to Texas for Christmas and will have a pool to swim in, so I think I might try to do Nair for an early Christmas present to her (my kids love gifts that show them they are growing up, so it's not odd in our family).
Once again, thank you all for your positive responses, I really appreciate it!!

Tana - posted on 10/22/2010

whats the big deal...let her shave. I started shaving in second grade, not that i needed too, but i remember telling my parents that i didnt like body hair and i still dont today at 27 lol! let her...whats the big deal?

Bonnie - posted on 10/22/2010

Candi, that is the first thing that came to my mind when I read, "when July came around there was no July 31st."....July always has 31 days!

Adriane - posted on 10/22/2010

i just started letting my 12 yr old shave this past spring. but it was also the first time she had asked me about it. I think i was about the same age when i started too. I made sure i bought her a nice razor and some shave gel. i has to make sure she was changing her blade cuz she started getting little nicks and didnt know why!
every girl and every family is different so if you are comfortable with her shaving i would let her. especially since she does have a valid reason.

Brittany - posted on 10/22/2010

I have very dark hair and have always had dark hair on my legs. At 10 I wanted to start shaving but was denied permission. I did it anyway. When other kids are teasing you, it's hard to take it and not do anything. I would grant permission in the Spring. If not, it might be perceived as you not understanding her situation. (It's always hard for girls to understand that Mom was once their age :) Tights are a great option for the winter, and it will allow you all some more time to talk about it get some good Mommy/Daughter time to connect. Understanding is always a good connection. Take control of the situation and don't put anything between you two.
Hope we're all helping and not confusing :-)

Candi - posted on 10/22/2010

Kristy, July does have 31 days!

Kristy - posted on 10/22/2010

I would say wait! I remember at 12 my parents thought i was too young, so I asked my great aunt and she said you can shave on July 31! Well, I couldn't wait , until July came around and there was no 31st!!

Tiffany - posted on 10/22/2010

I would let her start. I remember as a kid that my Mom wouldn't let me shave when I wanted to and I was picked on for it. I know it's hard because she is so young, but it is really embarrassing as a child to have hairy legs and underarms and be picked on for it. Just bring her into the bathroom and take this time to have a special moment together and show her how it's done. =)

Candy - posted on 10/22/2010

I am not being rude here. i just want to know what is the big deal about letting them or not letting them? Some have said the girl has asked and they are 10 and you want let them. Why?

Candi - posted on 10/21/2010

Luckily my daughter has no desire to wear makeup. She hates having to wear it for dance recitals. As far as piercings and tattoos, luckily the age is 18. My mom never gave my sister and me an age when we could start shaving. We just got tired of having hairy legs, and shaved. The only time I get nervous about my daughter using Nair, is when she uses the same tub of water to wash her hair after she gets Nair in it. So far so good though. lol

Ida - posted on 10/21/2010

Wow~ my daughter is 9 and hasn't asked yet! I just think 9 is too young.. but I agree kids can be cruel but I just think 9 is young still. My daughter is only in 4th grade I am hoping I can hold off till at least 6th grade possibly 7th grade.. I was in 7th grade when I started shaving. and think that is a great grade and age.. I see 4th graders with make-up and highlights and think OMG what are they going to be like in High school and what are they going to want next belly piercings tattoos ect.. our girls are growing up faster in this decade that we did I say wait until you can maybe see if it eases up in Spring!

Kat - posted on 10/21/2010

Oh, I have throw in that personally, I'm wary of Nair. It seems like pretty harsh chemicals. It's strong enough to melt of hair - who knows what the long term effects of that stuff are. I don't think any major studies are being done.

Kat - posted on 10/21/2010

I don't see the problem with shaving. I like the idea one user posted about a compromise to start shaving in the spring. At least be happy that she is talking to you about it and asking your permission! :) Buying her the supplies, pretty pink shavers and shaving gel, and then teaching her to shave all the tricky parts like ankles can be a great bonding time for you - like boys and fathers shaving their faces together. My mother forbade me from shaving my legs until I was 16 (seriously mom???). As a result, I started shaving at 13 in secrecy along with dating, wearing makeup, and all that rite of passage stuff. I regret that she just flat out forbade it and we didn't get to do any of that stuff together like my friends and their mothers.

Kids are growing up faster now and that's sad, but not letting her keep up with her peers in the grooming department can hurt her self esteem. Good luck!!! :)

Pip - posted on 10/21/2010

My daughter had the same issue, I really wanted her to wait but at my Brothers afternoon wedding she had a beautiful dress on and I could see how hairy her legs were, the way the light hit her legs and I totally understood why she wanted to use hair removing cream. I almost felt embarrassed for her, the poor little chicken. That was a few months ago, she is 11 yrs old and now has smooth legs which has made a huge difference to how she feels, so I'm happy :)

Erin - posted on 10/21/2010

I would let her use the nair like someone else said. My mom wouldn't let me shave until I was 12 and 1/2 and I had to beg her, and before that I snuck and did it and she didn't know. The hair on my legs wasn't dark but defiantly noticeable. One of my friends was aloud to shave at 11 but she had very dark hair on her legs.

Corinne - posted on 10/21/2010

I started shaving when I started puberty at 11yrs old. My Mum showed me how to use an epilator the year after because I had decided to 'borrow' my Dad's razor (I didn't have a fresh one) and I took a 3inch long strip of skin off my shin. Bled like crazy and hurt like hell, also have a very pale scar there (I'm now 30yrs old). I'd wait til spring and then take her on a girly day out and choose the stuff together, be it razors, nair, epilator.... then SHOW HER how to use it safely, wish my Mum had had the time. :)

Candi - posted on 10/21/2010

When my daughter started with Nair, we tested a spot on her legs first. We aso bought the sensitive skin formula. It never worked for me b/c my hair is not normal. lol. But it works for my daughter when my 5 yr old is ready to rid herself of her extremely blond hair on her legs, we will use Nair. I don't think she will have to start as early as my 10 yr old though. Right now her legs are almost hair-free. I remember when my 10 yr old was about 3 and the comments adults would make about her hairy legs. No wonder kids feel the need to shave or whatever. Whatever will stop the teasing.

Emily - posted on 10/20/2010

be careful if you use the nair, i started shaving at 8 but thats becuase i started pubirty very early (7) and the hari was thick and very dark and i have blonde hair. my mom and i tried nair together and i had a bad allergic reaction. we tried a few other brands so i wouldnt have to use a razor but same thing happened so just be careful.

Rebecca - posted on 10/20/2010

Stephanie, I went through the same thing with my daughter, and I let her. If it made her feel good about herself, then why not. Kids can be mean and it can really have a big impact on their self esteem. I saw it as, my daughter wanted to look nice and neat. She even felt more confident!

Tracy - posted on 10/20/2010

Hi i have just started letting my daughter get rid of the hair on her legs ,just up to the knee.She has always had very dark hairy legs and was very upset about it.Just before her 9th birthday i found out she had tried to use my razor and knew it was time to do something about it

We talked about why she felt she needed to shave and i told her i wasn't comfortable with her using a razor just yet.We use a product called smooth away ,which you just rub on her legs,as her hair is still fine it works relly well.No chemicals either..

Her self confience improved overnight so i think it was

the right thing for her.

Amber - posted on 10/20/2010

Hi. I had the same problem when i was her age and i was very self-concious about it. My arm and leg hair was almost black and it popped out. My mom let me shave at that age and it made me feel better. If this is what your daughter wants i say let her, just let her know that the hair grows back, fast and darker that is something my mom 'forgot' to tell me.

Stacie - posted on 10/20/2010

my friend just bought her daughter a electic shaver so she cant cut herself and it works for the underarms too! I feel your pain....my 10 year old has been asking for awhile now...she has light hair so I say no...we will both know when the time is right...good luck!

Candy - posted on 10/20/2010

The Nair is a great idea. I was 9.It was the same reason for me. The other girls were doing it. I wore cool-lots all the time because my mom sewed them for me. I plan to buy my girls electric razors when they are ready. I am rethinking that for the Nair idea.

Candi - posted on 10/20/2010

yeah my daughter only Nairs up to her knees. I have to keep reminding her to Nair her ankles..otherwise she has the poodle puff of hair there. lol. She will even use Nair on her arms to reduce the hair there.

Ricky - posted on 10/20/2010

She can use tights like someone else said. Or Nair is a good option (like others have said). And if you are going to let her shave or use nair just tell her up to her knees. There shouldnt be any reason why she should have to shave any higher.
Honestly I think she is too young to start shaving but its your call. I think I started in grade seven. But times have changed (sadly)

Jennifer - posted on 10/20/2010

Aww! kids can be so cruel! i think she should wait. it's won't hurt. Kids need to learn their attitudes and actions have negative effects on others. Follow your instincts...

Renee - posted on 10/20/2010

I think I was in 6th grade when I started to shave my legs and that was because the other girls were already shaving and I would get teased in the gym locker room. The hair on my legs was always lighter color though. Does she change for gym class yet? If not I would maybe compromise with her and say after the winter she can start to shave. If she wears a skirt she can wear tights...that way it keeps her legs warmer and no one can see the hair on her legs. Not sure where you live for how mild or cold your winters get.

Good Day! - posted on 10/20/2010

Back when I wanted to shave at age 11, mom said that was too early. She made me wait until age 12. I was very self-conscience and would wear sweat pants during gym class in 90 degree weather. It won't hurt to let her do it if she's self-conscience about it. However, with winter coming up, maybe you can compromise and give her a date in the spring when she can shave. That way she has something to look forward to, and you can mentally prepare yourself for your little girl growing up!

Candi - posted on 10/20/2010

My daughter was teased when she was 8. I bought her Nair. It is wonderful. She is 10 now and still uses Nair. Her legs stay smooth for weeks! She had really dark hair and a lot of it. Once they start shaving, its a nonstop duty! Its frustrating when you have to shave constantly before wearing shorts. I would buy her Nair and follow instructions, use the little sponge and all and see how that works for her. Razors are way expensive and she runs the risk of cutting herself.

Bonnie - posted on 10/20/2010

If she is going to a complex over it than I would let her start. It's not going to hurt her in anyways if she does it. Honestly, I don't remember when I started, but I don't recall it being before I was 13 years old. Every girl is different though. Some care more than others and some start growing hair faster than others.