How old to shave legs?

Sala - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter was twelve (between primary and high school). She has never shaved her legs though, we have had her legs waxed right from the start - probably due to my experience - with dark hair, shaving had made my hair even darker and thicker and I didn't want her to have the same problem. She is now almost fourteen and she already has less hair on her legs - the beauty salon has suggested that by the time she finishes high school she won't have a lot of hair regrowing and this has already started happening. The other thing is that her leg waxing appointment is a great opportunity for us to have some girly time!

~Jennifer - posted on 07/07/2010

Thank you for your responses.
=)

Angela - posted on 07/07/2010

I would make sure she is mature enough to keep shaving once started, cause you can't start and then decide you don't like it, It is something you have to keep up on. So, if she is not good at keeping up on other things, would not let her shave yet. I was around 12 when I started shaving, and plan the same for my daughter, or around the time she starts her montly cycle. I started mine at 11, so if she is 11, I will probably let her shave then. But definately not before.

Jamie - posted on 07/07/2010

I didn't start until I started my period. Mom's rule... I hated it, Here's my thought. I didn't ask because I was curious I sked because the other girls were doing it, and I wasn't. I was luck enough that my hair was light, but I remember getting made fun of for not shaving yet.

Maybe talk to her about why, and explain that it's not 'fun' it's something that starts here and keeps going. That you need to be careful and patient.
Best of luck!

Nikki - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter was 9. She had extremely hairy legs and the hair was also very dark. She started getting teased in school and I couldn't stand it anymore so I let her start shaving.

Carrie - posted on 07/07/2010

I'm not really sure, but my daughter is almost 11 and she and I talked about her starting next summer. But, if she feels uncomfortable about the hair or it is conspicuous I would start now. Also, I explained that once you begin you have to do it for the rest of your life. That seemed to slow her up a bit!

Glenda - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter is 11.5 and her cousin is 12, but neither of them have started shaving yet (even though her cousin is much bigger and physically more "mature"). Seems like I started shaving mine around 12, but that was a LONG time ago (LOL). Try talking with the moms of some of her friends and see what their daughters do.

Anna - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter is 10 and she is shaving. She has dark hair and is noticable. She just finish 5th grade and other kids at school were teasing her about her legs. I live in Arizona and my daughter will not wear shorts in the summer because she feels embarrassed so I now allow her to shave. (and still she will not wear short) She is not a girly girl but her self image has taken a hit by this. So I say age should not be a factor but consider her self awareness and ability to do things and care about her self. If she asks or if other kids are making her feel bad because of this, just let her shave.

Wanda - posted on 07/07/2010

I think I was around 12 too. But, I had to wear tall socks for my uniform, so it wasn't too big of a deal as far as teasing.
However, I think that the Nair option was a really good one, or maybe even Veet, of it has to come down to shaving.

What about the bleaching kits??

Danielle - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter has dark hair on her legs and she had a lot of it. She asked about shaving her legs at 10 (she will be 11 in a few weeks), I did not want her to start shaving her legs at that age. So I comprised, I bought some Veet and used that to remove most of the hair on her legs and we only go up to the knees. This helped with her not getting teased. In the last year we have only used the veet 3 times. It is a suggestion

Lorinda - posted on 07/07/2010

I wouldn't worry about when -- if she is co-ordinated and wants to, and if she understands that she has to keep going -- it doesn't really come in thicker, but it looks like it does because of the blunt, shaved ends and because that is an age when the hair is getting thicker anyway. BUT talk to her about why she wants to do it now, and then "give in." Because there are probably going to be way more important issues later, and if you let her reason you into this, she will see that you will listen to reason and don't give a knee-jerk "No." This will lay ground for both of you to have conversations instead of battles when you get to other things.

Michelle - posted on 07/07/2010

I was 10 when I started shaving. Kids were making fun of me at school for the hairy legs and I told my Mom. She got me an electric shaver and from there I was all good. My daughter is 4 and has alot of hair on her legs, so its looking like she gonna start at 10 too.

Jenny - posted on 07/07/2010

I think and electric razor would be best, no worries of cutting herself or of a reaction to a chemical

Jacqueline - posted on 07/07/2010

It's sounds good to me and smells better now a days. My niece uses it on her husband back all the time, with no problems or bad smells.

Laurie - posted on 07/07/2010

I think she should be at least 12 to shave for safety issues. Why not use a cream hair removal product such as Nair or Neet before that. It is smoother and safer. Try it in a quarter-sized spot first to check for allergies.

Barbara - posted on 07/07/2010

I will tell you now that I was humiliated that I was not allowed to shave my legs till I was 13. I'm a brunette and that was true of my arm and leg hair. I believe it should not be according to age, but more on the basis of "does she need to shave?" If they were your legs would you shave them??
I know that 10 sounds young, but being teased by schoolmates can be a huge reason that she wants to shave.
Good luck....and try cream hair remover rather than a razor in those young hands. I remember when I shaved off my shin skin!!!!

Jenny - posted on 07/07/2010

I think 10 is fine, since the hair is so ncticable. I started shaving mine about then because someone at school noticed it and was makin fun of me. Kids have enough things to be made fun of and its not like it makes her a woman or something if she does shave them now it just avoids being made fun of. and i dont think it would matter if i had started a few years later than that as far as its thickness now.

Tracy - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter was 10 almost 11 going into the 5th grade i think that was a good age..she also had dark hair..and it was in the summer so if she cut herself for the first time it was than..

Kristine - posted on 07/07/2010

My daughter is 13 and has dark hair and pale skin. She started shaving under her arms a year ago, but we are still waiting for her period. She is in Jr. High and right now does not seem to be bothered about her legs. My husband and I agree that once she starts being bothered or asking questions about her legs, she can start shaving. She currently using a razor with the built-in shaving cream, and has had no problem with that razor, so I feel okay with her using it on her legs. Hope this helps somebody!

Jacqueline - posted on 07/07/2010

I agree!!!

Kappy - posted on 07/07/2010

My mom told me that once I start, I will have to do it FOREVER, so I thought carefully about whether I wanted to start shaving or not. You could suggest she can shave, but only up to her knee, no thigh. You can try bleaching her hair also, and that might work too. Blonde hair is not very noticeable. She can always begin shaving if that doesn't work.

Jacqueline - posted on 07/07/2010

I think I am a little older, but my child it 16. I didn't let her shave her legs until she was in junior high, but the make-up came slowly. Although, she was on the honor role, the black her and dress came in the 8th grade. She was expressing herself. Since we moved back to California from North Dakota, all is normal, (hair, legs, clothes and make-up). THANK GOD!!!!

Jennifer - posted on 07/07/2010

Does she want to shave just to shave? My mom had a year 13 rule for everything shaving, makeup, earrings you name it I had to be 13 and in 7th grade before i could do anything. So good luck!

Naomi - posted on 07/07/2010

its a hard one! i remember asking my mum if i could start, and she said no,.......but i did it anyway! and cut my thumb quiet badly to boot!

Jacqueline - posted on 07/07/2010

It wasn't until I was 13, I did it without knowing how and I cut myself all the way up the front of my leg. Even with dark hair, (I had monkey legs, as one of my friends told me.), why would a 10 yrs old need to shave her legs. The sooner she starts the longer she will have to do it. Have them waxed once and she probably won't ask again, for a while.

Ana Maria - posted on 07/07/2010

Hi, twelve years old used to be a good and appropriate age when I was growing up, however kids now go to junior high or middle school sooner and don't want to be made fun of for being hairy. It's really up to you to give your daughter permission, and show her how to shave when you think the time is right. You can also consider letting her use nair the first few times since she is so young. I hope that I have been helpful. :)

Cheri - posted on 07/07/2010

My 9 yr old had really dark, long hair on her legs. We used nair on hers-checking first to make sure it wasn't gonna irratate her skin. She is very happy with the results and hopefully won't have to deal with the hair again for about a month. She also had a mustache & unibrow that we used the nair on. I think she is more confident now.

Tanasha - posted on 07/07/2010

I think i was about that age (6th or 7th grade maybe) when i started shaving. Even though the hairs on my legs at the time were blonde and light, there was a lot, and I was teased by the other girls (who were shaving). So I told my mom they were making fun of me and she bought me an electric razor that I used for a couple years until high school. Perhaps she is being teased also and that is why she is pressing the issue. I don't see any harm in letting her start now, but definately dont let her have an actual razor blade.

Mendy - posted on 07/07/2010

I would use nair or have them waxed. If she is self conscious I would definitely use one of these two options. I remember getting teased mercifully when I was 11 that I hadn't started shaving yet and all the other girls had been shaving for quite some time. It was embarrassing so my mom let me start shaving then. My daughter is 9 and has been asking for over a year to shave and so far I have not let her, but she seems to be getting quite a large amount of hair growth lately on her legs so I am also considering one of these two options just for the summer.

Kate - posted on 07/07/2010

I think if it is really bothering her, I would let her shave her legs but use an electric shaver. My daughter is very fair, so didn't start shaving until she was around 12. I would mention though, that once you start your hair grows back thicker!

Holly - posted on 07/07/2010

I was 12 or 13 when I started. Just remember that once she starts it is hard to stop. That might make her want to wait a few more years to start.

Pamela - posted on 07/07/2010

Honestly, I remember when I started shaving it was because I was getting teased at school. My mom's rule of thumb was as soon as you had armpit hair you could shave your leg hair as well. Yet if it is an issue where her peer group is all doing it - this is one instance where I would suggest following the crowd - since by not doing it she could be ostracized by her friends and peers. I personally hate shaving so I use Nair or some other depillatory. I know there are organic ones out there as well so you can discuss that with her as well.

Allison - posted on 07/07/2010

I was about 11...in the 5th grade when my mom started letting me shave my legs--that and the fact that I have dark so---I am thinking about letting my daughter who is 9 now, letting her shave her legs soon too cuz she also has dark hair on her legs--but I am going to start out with an electric razor just so she can get used to the fact of having to shave her legs!! Hope this helps a little---Have a great day!

Jan - posted on 07/07/2010

I am the mother of 3 girls. I had the problem of the dark hair myself. I would let her shave now with your supervision at first.If she is uncomfortable with the hair it can be a real self esteem issue. Happened to me. A boy i had a crush on asked if i shaved i said no and he said you need to. talk about embarrasment and esteem droppage. My mom didn't know about that then but she let me shave soon after that. good luck

Sarah - posted on 07/07/2010

I think that the age at which to shave depends on the girl. (or boy) I was very fortunate and have very light, thin hair. I sometimes go very long periods of time now without shaving because the hair on my legs is still not dark or thick. I started shaving at about 12 and I am now 26. My cousin started shaving around 10 because she was a naturally hairy person - she even had hair on her back. Unfortunately for her, she has dark brown hair. My brother had to start shaving at 13, because he had a full beard/mustache. He was also 6'4". The coach of his wrestling team refused to let him try out for the team until he showed his birth certificate to prove he wasn't older than he really was, since he looked so much older. The terrible thing about teasing is that it happens to anyone who is 'different' from the majority, and it doesn't always have to be 'teasing' to make someone feel bad. The coach was just looking out for his team members, but my brother was a bit embarrassed by the whole thing. Fortunately, he embraced his large size and hairiness and his team name became 'Sasquatch' lol. I think that if you think she's ready to shave, then let her do it.

Patti - posted on 07/07/2010

If your daughter is asking you for help, I say give it to her. It isn't so much about the shaving, but about trusting Mom to help her with all the changes puberty brings. When my (now 16) daughter came to me about shaving, we went out and bought some Nair -- she was about 10 or 11. I taught her how to use it. Our lines of communication are still open, because I don't think as much about if I think she is ready -- it's more about if SHE thinks she is ready.

Wydalis - posted on 07/07/2010

I know what you're going threw. My daughter is 7 and had dark thick hair on her legs. I've let her use that smooth away only a few times, not to often and now she doesn't ask as much about shaving. I also like the idea of the Veet. It's safer for younger girls and I might just consider that for my daughter if she starts to ask again.
Hope all goes well.

Anne - posted on 07/07/2010

My oldest was 9. She had very dark hair that could be seen from across the room and she was bothered by it. Our youngest daughter was about 12, lighter hair more of a tomboy. Both girls are adults now and very beautiful young women. Not just on the outside but also because of how they act and react to things in their lives.

I let our oldest start that young for 2 reasons. 1, it bothered her 2, I went to school with a girl from 6- 12 grade that her mom felt she was too young to shave her legs, under arms and wear deodorant until she was 13. However she needed to do these things much younger. She lived for years being teased about them.

Jennifer - posted on 07/07/2010

I just had this talk with my 11 yr old...i really wanted her to wait but ..she came to me and asked ...she does have dark hair and alot of it .So we both got on the edge of the bath tub..and i showed her what to do in steps .I didnt want her getting teased either.I was 12 but im blonde hair so ...its dif ..

LISA - posted on 07/07/2010

i would let her shave her legs but get her an electric razor so she dosent hurt herself or if you feel like that she is not safe you shave them for her then if she sees how you do it then she will know how it is done.

Helaina - posted on 07/07/2010

That is funny my daughter is 11 and we just shaved her leg hairs for the first time yesterday !! I made her wait a while she did start asking me when she was ten and then I told her when she started in Middle school she would get more responsibilities and one would be shaving legs and underarms. I try to take steps each year and give her a little more to worry about like shaving. I told her shaving is not fun but necessary and we didn't want to have to do it too soon.

Christine - posted on 07/07/2010

I let my daughter shave at 10. If she is bothered by the hair, shaving will help with her confidence. My daughter just turned 11 and very happy. Kids can be cruel so your daughter may be getting teased because of having hairy legs

Tiffany - posted on 07/07/2010

I let our start at age 10. She was begging me for the longest time. "She was the only one left at school that hadn't!" (her words) I finally gave in. We had shaving lessons - I helped her w/ one leg and she did the other. I told her once she started it never ends! She has been shaving for almost 2 years now!

Renee - posted on 07/07/2010

I started about 9-10.I had excessive hair growth from what we now know is polycystic ovarian syndrome.I was shaving under arms at 7

Michelle - posted on 07/07/2010

My mother thought I should wait til High School. I n Jr High the teasing was unbearable and started shaving (sneaking around to do it) When my daughters started being uncomfortable with the dark hair on their legs I bought electric razors and gave my blessing.
I still remember how bad I felt with the teasing and I didn't want my children to also feel that. Children can be very cruel and growing up is tough enough ~ why add to it

Angela - posted on 07/07/2010

I was in middle school when I first started shaving. One of my friends asked me why I didn't shave. I went home that night and shaved. I wish I had asked my mom to show me how. I have light hairs, so I wasn't as self-conscious about it as some of the girls who had darker hair. Mary Kay has a great 2 in 1 Body Wash and Shave. I use it and don't nick myself. I would definitely let her with a safety razor. It will build her self-esteem, and if you show her how to do it properly, she will be less likely to cut herself and do it behind your back. Good luck!

Helen - posted on 07/07/2010

You could suggest waxing!! I know this sounds crazy but waxing encourges finer softer regrowth where as shaving brings courser and darker regrowth,plus it will need doing a lot less often. Yes it hurts but so dose the slice of a razor, and if she is willing to go through the pain of waxing you know she is really serious and not just trying to grow up too fast or follow some sort of trend at school.

Amanda - posted on 07/07/2010

let her do it from now,i let my daughters do it from this age,it is the last year of junior school,i think we should help them alone into womanhood :) xx.

Loren - posted on 07/06/2010

Whenever she is self conscious about it is fine. Teacher her to do it safely.

Celena - posted on 07/06/2010

I was 11 when I started. I had dark hair on my legs and the other girls made fun of it (gotta love middle schoolers). But I think if she is self conscious then go ahead and let her.