When Should Your Daughter Begin To Shave Her Legs? Im In A Debate.. 9 Is Too Young!!!!

Kandice - posted on 09/17/2009

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My mother did not let me start shaving my legs until I was in the 8th grade. I was the last one in my class, and I was totally humiliated about it. I didn't have thick hair on my legs, but I am a brunette, so it wasn't blond either! I will not do that to my daughter. She is 10 years old right now and hasn't brought up the subject. When she does, I will definitely consider letting her. She is very fortunate that as of yet she has just the normal peach fuzz on her legs - you can't see it unless you are up close to her. She is very tan, so I think that helps from seeing it.

Jo Anne - posted on 09/17/2009

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I'm sorry but I feel that if our daughters feel embarassed by having hairy legs let them shave. I understand that we don't want them growing into womanhood too quickly. but this isn't about that. it's about having a layer of fur that is gross and unsightly and of course it's embarassing! I agree with Stephanie, if it's to the point where it's noticeable and the girl is self concious and is afraid to wear shorts and skirts, let her use an electric razor. In fact I'm getting my 10 r old one for christmas this year. The more you support your daughter the more she will come to you with other issues. Trouble doesn't start later. It begins now and when mom doesn't care or understand now, what's gonna happen when she is a teen? She won't come to you at all. Not only are you a mom, but you are her best friend too. expeiment with the electric razor now. let her make the choice after she tries it.

Melinda - posted on 09/17/2009

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I've never been a hairy person, but my dauther is. She's 14 and has been shaving her legs since SHE became conscience that she's too hairy around 10 years old. I feel if your daughter's not making a big deal out of it, then you shouldn't either. When she's ready to shave, she'll come to you and the both of you will have fun choosing the right product.

Lori - posted on 09/17/2009

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Nine is not too young... Simple fact girls get hair in places at this age and shaving is not an "age thing". The simple fact is I will remember the rest of my life raising my hand in 4th grade while wearing a powder blue sundress and the cutest boy in the class "Teddy" screaming "EEWWWW You look like a gorilla". So let your daughter shave - she can use an electric razor if you are concerned with her safety but do not let her wait until someone robs her of her self esteem .....

Bettye - posted on 09/17/2009

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My friend told me it was wrong to shave your legs so haven't shaved mine in over 30 years and I'm doing just fine. Don't shave underarms either. Use body powder for deodorant. Deodorant has chemical that causes alzheimers.

Kylea - posted on 09/17/2009

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Have you tried that new product out called "smooth away"? I would first try that on her and see if it works. I haven't tried it myself mainly because I never think to pick it up when I'm out shopping, but maybe someone else has and can let you know if it works or not....

Sarah - posted on 09/17/2009

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My oldest is 14 but when she was about 10 or 11 i told her to let me know when she wanted to learn how to shave and id teach her when she was ready. She let me know when she was ready, and i taught her. She was about 12 at the time.

Jenn - posted on 09/17/2009

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Funny how many people think shaving makes the hair grow back thicker and fuller - if that were the case don't you think balding men would shave their heads? LMAO! I started shaving when my leg hair started getting darker - I was probably around 11.

Andrea - posted on 09/17/2009

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I can't decide whether to let my daughter start shaving her legs. She is 9 and has very hairy legs. she has come home from school and said that the kids are making fun of her hairy legs. She did sneak in the bathroom one day about a month ago and shaved her legs. She came out and said " look mom, feel how smooth my legs are". She wanted to keep shaving but I wouldn't let her. I think it depends on the child and how the child acts. If the child wants to shave let her shave. It's part of growing up. Some girls start having there period at age 9. I started mine in 6th grade. I am a 33 year old mom of 2.

Cindy - posted on 09/17/2009

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Okay...so many people let their little girls grow up too fast...9 too young to shave legs...encourage her to wait until she has her first period (yes, blunt) first, then she can be a BIG GIRL. Not yet a young lady, but a young lady in training. Keep them young while you can. Who cares what the other girls are doing, why shouldn't she be more unique than them and better off for it?

Marilyn - posted on 09/17/2009

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I don't think its that big of a deal. I do agree, if she is bothered by the way her legs look with hair ( i am assuming that is the reason), then let her. I let my daughter shave probably around 10. We both sat in the bathroom, on the floor,with the shaver and shaving cream, and had a bonding time together,showing her how its done, Its gonna happen sooner or later... If necessary, i wouldn't make a big deal about it, and I dont think waxing at 9 is the way to go.

Rosemarie - posted on 09/17/2009

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Hi! I myself didn't shave my legs,coz I believed that if you start shaving then its always gonna grow long & bushier. So I don't recommend shaving at all!But if you daughter is the type who grows hair that it becomes unsightly,then maybe shaving is recommended;when it is necessary....

Beth - posted on 09/17/2009

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My daughters have recently hit this area of their life, too. My thought on this is that I can vividly remember wearing turtlenecks for an entire summer because I was overly self-concious about my hairy arms. If your daughter seems sensitive about how hairy her legs are, let her shave them. Make it a fun mother-daughter bonding time teaching her the right way to do it. If you are more aware of it than she is, wait until she brings it up. Either way she is getting into the age where girls are very sensitive about how they look and this is an easy area to let her into, as opposed to excessive makeup, hair styles, etc. Look at it as a right of passage to celebrate, like solid food and a "big girl" bed!

Felecia - posted on 09/17/2009

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Quoting Janet:

I believe that it is something personal for each girl, and nobody should try to set the age. I was in the sixth grade when some girl pointed out my hairy underarms. I hadn't really noticed - until then. Until attention was drawn to it, I was ok. After that, nothing would have stopped me! My daughter was 8 years old when we began waxing her eyebrows, nose, upper lip, and even the knuckles on her hands. Of course, my daughter is adopted and has Jamaican heritage, so she's not one of the blonde, blue eyed girls who may never require anything this major. She began shaving her legs (she uses Veet) the following summer because the kids on the bus called her monkey legs. At the beginning of this past summer, she began using the little buffer that removes hair on her arms. Again, attention was called to the dark, long hair she had. I believe that when a child becomes uncomfortable with the amount of hair on her body, that's the time for something to be done. Not because it's the "in" thing among the kids, or because some adult makes a comment about it. Let the child and the child's parents make the final decision. Ok, maybe just the girl and her mom. 'Cause my husband would prefer that my daughter remain the age of 4 and never grow up! :)

i jus think that maybe if u start shaving them early n the 1st place, that's what makes the hair grow back thicker & longer, but if u never shave, it doesn't grow believe me, I'm 39 yr old, & I've never shaved my legs & the hair on my legs now is no longer then the hair I had when I was 13 yrs old.

Felecia - posted on 09/17/2009

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I agree with Natalie. . .y shave at all, take it from a mother of 3, that has never shaved her legs, and nor do I have a problem with the hair, for every1 else. . .Don't like, don't look, there's other things to worry about!

Rita - posted on 09/17/2009

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I begged my mother to let me shave my legs because the boys were making fun of me. It was humiliating. I do not think 9 is too young, especially if she has dark hair. This is a very sensitive age and peers can do a job on self image. If you think she is manipulating you just because "everyone else is doing it" then stick to your guns. She is learning what works on you. She should not think she got her way by nagging you.

I liked the suggestion of an electric shaver. I used that for many years. My hair did grow back a little thicker but I do not think that is a good reason to say, "no". When she can handle a razor, I have found that using hair conditioner makes the blade slide easily. Depending on the hair type, the Nair-like hair removers can cause lots of ingrown hairs or rash. I cannot use them without getting infected hair follicles. Good luck.

Katherine - posted on 09/17/2009

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I agree. I caught my daughter, who is 9, out. I just explained to her that she was too young and she could when she is a teen. She understood and said that she will wait until then. Let's hope and see.

Janet - posted on 09/17/2009

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I believe that it is something personal for each girl, and nobody should try to set the age. I was in the sixth grade when some girl pointed out my hairy underarms. I hadn't really noticed - until then. Until attention was drawn to it, I was ok. After that, nothing would have stopped me! My daughter was 8 years old when we began waxing her eyebrows, nose, upper lip, and even the knuckles on her hands. Of course, my daughter is adopted and has Jamaican heritage, so she's not one of the blonde, blue eyed girls who may never require anything this major. She began shaving her legs (she uses Veet) the following summer because the kids on the bus called her monkey legs. At the beginning of this past summer, she began using the little buffer that removes hair on her arms. Again, attention was called to the dark, long hair she had. I believe that when a child becomes uncomfortable with the amount of hair on her body, that's the time for something to be done. Not because it's the "in" thing among the kids, or because some adult makes a comment about it. Let the child and the child's parents make the final decision. Ok, maybe just the girl and her mom. 'Cause my husband would prefer that my daughter remain the age of 4 and never grow up! :)

Cheryl - posted on 09/17/2009

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I just watch two moms go through this. Both asked my advice...neither listened. We women shave our legs for appearance sake..to be more attractive to our men So just because a 9 year old has coarse hair on her legs is not enough of a reason to start shaving. The longer you can put it off, the better. I would say usually, by 11 or 12, when the hormones start kicking in and she's dressing up more, then it's time. Our children are growing up too fast as it is. Try not to overeact to a little leg hair

Cheryl - posted on 09/17/2009

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I just watch two moms go through this. Both asked my advice...neither listened. We women shave our legs for appearance sake..to be more attractive to our men So just because a 9 year old has coarse hair on her legs is not enough of a reason to start shaving. The longer you can put it off, the better. I would say usually, by 11 or 12, when the hormones start kicking in and she's dressing up more, then it's time. Our children are growing up too fast as it is. Try not to overeact to a little leg hair

Yazbeth - posted on 09/17/2009

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I just shaved my 7 year old daughter legs yesterday for the second time. I made the decision after so many times she told me that her classmates asked her and made fun of her "hairy legs" the poor girl wouldn't even wanted to wear shorts!

Now, I shaved my legs for the first time when I was 17! I didn't have to deal with hairy situations.

After all, no one in our culture likes hairy legs, right?

Amadee - posted on 09/17/2009

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I had the same delema with my 8 year old! Her hair was very dark and thick and she was very embarrrassed about it. I got her an electric razor for men's facial hair. She can do it herself and there's no way she can cut herself.

Ashli Faye - posted on 09/17/2009

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dont shave at all she can shave when she wants to have sex with her husband shaving is hell for women why do it at all i shave at 12 i should never have my mom made a mistake by letting me shave my legs if her hair is not dark no need

Gena - posted on 09/17/2009

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My daughter has such dark hair that she could have shaved her legs at 9, but I didn't even mention anything about trying it until just recently. She is now 11 1/2 and decided on her own that it is time to start shaving her legs. She was so afraid of cutting herself that she was very nervous about it when I suggested it, but did a great job. If your daughter is pushing to start, I agree that you should find out why she wants to do it.

Laura - posted on 09/17/2009

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Quoting Keela:

When should your daughter begin to shave her legs? Im in a debate.. 9 is too YOUNG!!!!

I raise my granddaughter who is 10, she has real long blond hair on her legs, it was starting to bother her. She used the "smooth away" and took most of the hair off, I then bought her an electric razor. I just don't want her using a blade yet. When they are old enough for it to bother them, they are old enough to get rid of it. Good Luck

Laurel - posted on 09/17/2009

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I was 9 when I got my first period, so shaving followed soon. I grew fast and early, and it freaked my mom out. But that was when my body was supposed to get to that stage.

As far as how old is 'old enough' is what we argued with our moms about too. It does seem to be our job to make it easier on our children, right? So, when your daughter wants to try something for the first time, think about it before you say 'No! You're not old enough.' If she's asking, there's some reason for it that at least deserves some of your time to LISTEN to her thoughts and help her figure it out.

I rarely said 'No. You're too young" even tho it was hard. I figured growing up was so hard anyway, I should help her out whenever possible.

The simple side is: if all it takes is a little less hair to have more confidence, what the Heck!! Teach her how to do it using the least amount of resources!! and carefully!

Jenelle - posted on 09/17/2009

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My daughter just turned eight and she has had hair on her legs that shows good for at least a year now. There is no way I would let her start shaving now, she is way too young to be handling a razor. And plus, once you start you can't stop. I want her to be a kid right now and not worry about "woman" things and growing up so fast. She's eight, no one cares if she has hair on her legs, especially her!

Melissa - posted on 09/17/2009

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Nine is too young!! My daughter started at 12. It is so hard to raise confident girls with our society. It does not help that people start dying there girls hair, waxing, and wearing make up way to young. Let them be kids and teach them to love themselves for who they are!!

Wafaa - posted on 09/17/2009

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i started with my douter the same age 9..but i prefier waxing because it will keep the hear soft and by time it will become less ...belive me so let her use veet or something like that.

Sheila - posted on 09/17/2009

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My daughter wanted to start shaving in Middle scool because all her friends were doing it. She said she was being teased in PE when she wore shorts also. I thought she was too young and her motives to shave were wrong, so i said no. She didn't shave until she was 14 and entering high school. She was glad she waited.

Jo-anne - posted on 09/17/2009

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In terms of physical development it is suggested that you brush your childs teeth until the age of nine (very few of us do :))as they do not have the co-ordination to do it properly until then.... using a razor seems a little more important than a toothbrush so even from that angle 9 is too young.

Heather - posted on 09/17/2009

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I helped my daughter shave he legs for the first time the summer before she went into 6th grade. She had a lot of dark hair & she was being teased at the end of 5th grade about it. So we decided together that it was the right time. Kids are mean and they will find anything to tease other kids about. She is glad we did it before middle school.

Heather - posted on 09/17/2009

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I helped my daughter shave he legs for the first time the summer before she went into 6th grade. She had a lot of dark hair & she was being teased at the end of 5th grade about it. So we decided together that it was the right time. Kids are mean and they will find anything to tease other kids about. She is glad we did it before middle school.

Kerry - posted on 09/17/2009

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hiya,9 is too young i agree i made my daughter wait till she started high school before she shaved hers but the pressure your daughter will be under from her peers to keep up with them will be hard for her.if her legs are really noticeably hairy then try the johnsons hair minimizer lotion instead maybe?

Amy - posted on 09/17/2009

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I think the decision should be based on the inidividual.

My daughter is a blonde, but started getting very dark pubic and armpit hair at 10 and is on a swim team. It was very ambarassing for her so I taught her how to shave those areas only. I mentioned the lotion hair removal products to her, but using chemicals scared her so we didn't go there. Now that she has started her period (she'll be 13 next month), she has started to shave her legs as well, but only sporadically. She cut herself once and learned very quickly how to avoid that problem.

Jennifer - posted on 09/17/2009

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Shocked or not. Every situation and child is different. In my post I had mentioned there are alternatives. We are not talking about letting our young girls go out on dates n such but, sometimes there are situations that can and should be handled individually to each child. I have been stalling on this issue with my own daughter (1 of 4) but, when it comes time and I see it effecting my daughter in adverse ways then yes I will take safe measures as I am sure the other moms will. Each one of my girls were at a different age when shaving.

Genine - posted on 09/17/2009

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I am shocked by these replys. I have two daughters and would not allow either to shave until they were 13! Admittedly, that's about when they went through puberty. I would say a good guideline is when they have to shave their armpits they can start to shave their legs.

Kristina - posted on 09/17/2009

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My oldest started at about 10 but it depends I think on how much hair and how dark it is , you don't want kids to start teasing her. My daughter is mixed because my husband if Italian and Hispanic so she has darker hair so when she asked to do it I did not disagree. I would try asking your daughter if it bothers her and then go from there.Hope I helped!!

Lori - posted on 09/17/2009

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I think when a girl begins puberty and the hair on the legs is more noticeable is probably a good time. However, if your daughter is asking to shave her legs, maybe you could compromise and let her shave from the knees down. Of course, only after showing her the correct and safe way to do so. Under the arm hair causes odor as a girl begins puberty so maybe she would need to start there. My daughter is 24 years old and I would have loved it if she was more interested in shaving both then and now:)

Gay - posted on 09/17/2009

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If your daughter is only nine I would not allow her to shave her legs until she gets into junior high...unless she has such visible leg hairs it is becoming self-onscious to her..because the sooner she starts the more the hair grows and consequently she will have to keep it up...great grandmother...with 3 grown daughters.

Ann - posted on 09/17/2009

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My daughter is 8 years old and was very embarrassed by her legs and facial hair. She was getting teased at school and would not wear shorts or bathing suits because of it.

What started as just using the lotion stuff for the eyebrow and lip issue turned into that she wanted her legs done. I had not really taken a good look at how much hair was there but when I did I was shocked and instantly heart broken for her.

So what I did was I went out and bought some of that Neet hair remover and tried that because I was afraid of using the razor on an 8 yr old.

But that did not totally work so we had to use the razor the first time only and I could not believe the difference. Her legs were a different shade and her self esteem was instantly boosted! Now we continue to use the Neet for the touch ups and she loves doing that because it comes with its own razor looking plastic handle thing that she can use.

I would have never imagined I would be doing that for my 8 yr old so soon and I have a 13 yr old daughter as well and she waited until she was 12. So it really does depend on the situation. I am glad I was able to help my daughter feel better about herself.

Mendy - posted on 09/17/2009

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I agree I think 9 is young... but my daughter wasn't much older. Some girls start going through puberty at 9 or 10. We don't have a choice on when it's going to happen but when it does then it's our job as Moms to show them good hygiene. And I think shaving your legs is part of it.

Kimberly - posted on 09/17/2009

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Quoting Susan:

i have a nine year old and have wonderd this myself she has said to me she wants to do it as her legs are hairy but i think she is to young but this day and age things are done alot earlyer

My daughter is nine and she is biracial. Her leg hair is long and dark. She has mentioned shaving several times. I keep putting her off but I know one day it will be hard to say no...

Denise - posted on 09/17/2009

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Really look at your daughter, objectively. If the hair is something that she may be teased about or if you would be uncomfortable with as much hair as she has then discuss with her all of the available options and choose the one that you both feel the most comfortable with. I was teased when I was young about my hair so I took the matters into my own hands because my mother wasn't ready to see me as growing up.

Jennifer - posted on 09/17/2009

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I have been pondering this subject for a while regarding my daughter who is almost 8. In her situation she has so much hair on her legs that she is uncomfortable with it. I will say when I look at her legs it amazes me though I don't say. I am looking into non-toxic natural creams for her to use. There are alternatives out there other than using a razor.