Daughter Now Having to Shave Legs Need Suggestions About Hair Removal Creams

Wow, its a big deal when your little girl starts shaving her leg's. I would recommend doing the following things. I absolutely love Veet, however you're right it can leave a kind of chemical smell. 1.) Have your daughter use try using a sugar scrub prior to shaving, this will make the skin feel smoother.

I work in the chemical industry, and what you need is a neutralizer for the "acid", or acidic smell. 2.) Try using an oldie but goodie Jean Nate after bath splash. It smells good and clean and will seal the pores on ther body. It removes the smell for me.

You can also use a little baking soda after using Veet. When using the baking soda try about 1-2 tablespoons depending on the area to be covered, in a hot shower. Its gentle and effective. Good Luck.

4 moms found this helpful

I commend you for allowing your daughter to start shaving her legs. I had the worst time when i wanted to and my Mom did not want me too. i finally did it without her knowing. Ido not think it should be that big of a deal...if they need to , they need to be allowed to do it. Kids have enough to gothrough growingup now days without being teased about somethingthat canbe corrected.
My little granddaughter is eight and her mom (my daughter) started shaving her legs at 7. She is olive skinned like her dad and has black coarse hair. She shaves her arms too because they are so hairy she was getting teased very bad about it.
she uses the razor and it works great....she uses a skin-so-soft cream from Avon. I am proud of you for handling it this way..
L.

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I know I'm a little late, but when I was really young, I used to get teased from hairy legs - well before any of my classmates shaved because of my very pale skin and very dark black hair. My mom let me start shaving my legs when I was in 2nd grade - years before I had any hair anywhere else.
We talked about it for a while before I actually started shaving - explained to me that once I started - I would have to keep it up.
She bought me an electric razor and showed me how to use it and then when I was older - the disposable razor.
It was great that she let me make that decision at such a young age and I was able to go to her with any questions.
Many of the other parents gave her an attitude about it, but she stood by her decision to support me.
Kids can be horrible and I probably would have found a way to shave even if she had said no. So please if any of your kids are getting tormented and they want to shave - help them.

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J.,
My daughter is 11 and going into the 6th grade. Her legs were very hary. So I had to have her start shaving last summer before 5th grade. We went and purchased an electric shaver that could be used dry or wet. the first couple of times she was nervous so I did it for her and the 2nd time (I was not at home) daddy had to help (LOL I laughed at the thought of the sight). then she took over, at first dry shaving, and then she went to the tub herself and figured out it was much easier to shave in the tub and she got a closer shave. We have gone through 3 shavers, but they were only $20. This summer I shaved her legs with a razor for the first time. We were out of town and she forgot her razor. I shaved one leg and I watched her shave the other. She said she was not ready to do that on her own with the razor so she wanted me to help her 1 time a week and the rest she would keep it up with the electric. So she shaves 2-3 days a week with her electirc and on Sundays we shave her legs with the big girl razor. Since she has started shaving I cut myself 1 time and walked out into the living room to get the bleeding to stop. It was not bad (just by the ankle bone), but she asked questions and saw the amount of blood. So now she knows that these are not toys and you can cut yourself easily. I also showed her a couple of scars from when I was young shaving. I had told her this is why we were starting off with the electric.

I wish you the best! It is very hard to watch my daughter mature and grow! She is our oldest and only daughter! Can't wait for puberty!! YAY!! LOL!

Have a great day!

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To help your daughter with shaving her legs and making sure she does it well, AVON has come out with a hair shave gel - so it stays on until she shaves it off - it helps to make sure she gets it all.

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=9971&from...

1 mom found this helpful

WOW! It was YOU who decided to have HER shave HER legs how did she feel about that? maybe you should talk to her and see how she feels about it. this is her boby and maybe she feels comfortable with her body the way it is at this time. PEER Persure come from everyone. My olderst daughters are 21yrs.old and 16yrs. old and they started shaving on her own we did talk about the importance being that there is nothing wrong with not shaving there is no age to start only when YOU feel it is time and to also remember once you start the hair will grow back thicker and darker on any part of your body you shave. my youngest daughter is 7yrs.old and she kinda has hairy legs (fine hair nothing thick baby hair) we talked about shaving and i told her that it is normal for LITTLE GIRLS to have hairy legs and she could shave her legs when she is older. how much older? I don't know. i just didn't want her to try anything at this time she still is to young. Razors are scary but im hoping by the time she starts they would come up with something less scary. nair has a bad smell and she has sensitive skin i wouldnt want her trying something to will end up burning her up. Good luck with your daughter.

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I know you want to stay away from razors, but Venus is awesome (the older model that's white and turquoise... I guess you could get it in any color, but the razors that go with that one). I always knick myself with any other type of razor. I have been using this type since I was a teenager, and won't try anything else anymore. Something about the way the handle and razors are designed... I have never cut myself with this one. Plus, the stuff like Veet can be harmful. You're not supposed to use it while pregnant even. Just thought I'd share what worked for me as teen... my daughters are two and six months. I have a while to go, and then I'll be contacting you again... Help! What do I do for my pre-teen daughters?!!! ;o)

Good luck!

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i use a wet/dry electric razor by remington, they work really nice, and they dont cut either!it saves time too, i can do it right in the shower and be in and out in mins

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My daughter is 8 and is shaving her armpits with a razor. She has dark hairs and is aware of them. She is on a swim team and is in her bathing suit all the time. I showed her how to and we have not had any problems wih the razor. Good luck. I am not ready for the legs yet. UGHHHH

1 mom found this helpful

Try the Venus razor. My daughter loves it.

Mom of 4

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I am so glad you wrote in...My 9 yo has always always had hairy legs and I've been trying to figure out when to let her start shaving. She's starting to get self-conscious about it now, so reading some of these responses, maybe it's time...maybe she can wait till next summer?

1 mom found this helpful

J.,

First of all -- Thanks for asking a question .. even though it does not pertain to me at all -- three boys (9 to 6) LOL... but I read it more for myself (yup ... 41 and still learning). I feel that the kids are growing too fast also and I hope ALL OF US MOMS teach our kids -- not to tease and make fun of other kids because of the way they look/talk/whatever..... I know my kids know that -- I will not tolerate it .... I volunteer a lot and I was amazed how many third grade girls are already into make up and jewelry, and looking good .... where are these messages coming from? WE, PARENTS need to do a better job. I was shocked when my son told me that no one wants to be a partner for a girl in his class who was a bit chubby -- are you kidding me? I am just thankful that up till now my kids have behaved the way I would like them too and I only hope and pray that they use good judgement in the future. I try to teach them all the time -- Judge people/friends by how they treat you and others and not how they look. I also tell them that True Friends will like them no matter how they look. They see me going many places without make-up. Proper hygeine is important, but fashion is not. It is sad that a girl that young has to worry about that in today's society.
Take Care

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Hi J.,

I started with shaving as a teenager, and didn't like how, since you are bluntly cutting off the hair, it grows back prickly, and with dark hair, you soon have little black spots, so you basically have to shave every day. Shaving also makes the hair get thicker, so the problem tends to get worse over time. I spent some time overseas in my late teens and learned that the teens/young women there wax (Portugal, and sounthern European countries, Iran too). I was afraid at first, but decided to try it and I'll never go back to shaving. Since the hair is removed by the root, a new hair has to grow back, so the end is tapered and not blunt as it grows in. It also takes a lot longer to grow back in, and it grows in thinner, so after numerous waxings, your hair gets lighter and lighter (thinner). You can bring her to a salon to do this (which can be pricey, but it'll last 4-6 weeks) or you can do it yourself. My favorite product is MOOM which is a mixture of lemon juice and honey and other natural ingredients, some with essential oils. It works really well. The mother of one of my roommates in college had her own family recipe which all their girls and relatives used, so it's quite a female/family ritual in some places... I think the best course is to get it done professinally a few times, and if you want to after that, do it yourself, since you'll have seen how it's done. The first time will hurt the worst (which is not too badly), but each successive one will be less painful, and the rewards are great (time saving and smooth).

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Hi-

Just be sure she is careful with depilatory cream.
I once knew a girl who itched her eyebrow while applying it. Half her eyebrow was blank for several weeks after.
Threading is a lot less messy, doesn't smell, inexpensive, more eco-friendly and she can do it at home.
You use common sewing thread.
For more info, Google: Threading techniques hair removal.

-C.

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I was her age when I started shaving my legs and mom started me out with her double edged razor because back then they either hadn't come up with disposal safety ones yet or they were just coming out on the market. They bought me an electric one that came with a manacure/pedicure and facical massage kit..The Ladybug Set. I had that from age 13 to 42 when I split from my husband, he kept most of my stuff...but I digress here. I was considered "advanced" by the other girls whose mothers said no to them shaving. When my daughter asked if she could start shaving her legs, I got her some safety razors and taught her how to use them, she was around 12 or 13 at the time. You think they grow up fast now...wait until they to you and tell you they're getting married or that you're going to be a grandma...THAT'S when you go somewhere by yourself and cry a little because you know your baby is really grown up. She is my youngest, but they are all now and forever will be my "babies"...despite the fact they are now 29, 23 and 21, and each with a little one of their own.
Good luck with yours, now if you'll excuse me, think I will go and cry again. :)

1 mom found this helpful

Get her an Intuition razor. It is quick (because the cream is built in) and my 10 year old never cuts herself.

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I personally do not like these creams, so I did start my daughter on an electric razor. If she really does not want to use that, I'd go for the razors with wide head and have 3 blades, these are great for young girls and much less likely to cut:)

Schick Intuition at RazorsDirect.com

Buy Gillette Venus Vibrance, Razor for Women with Soothing Vibrations Online at drugstore.com

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I'd show her the razor anyway. My 11 year old started not too long ago and I buy her the razor with the wire guards on it so she can't cut herself. I can't think of the name but it's purple and white. It's the only one I've seen that has those guards.

Personally I like VEET. Razorless, nice smelling, easy to use.

Hi J.-

I know I'm coming in a bit late with my answer, but I just went through the same thing with my 11 year old daughter...my mom suggested an electric shaver...which you can get at walmart or kmart...and its relatively cheap (about $18). It doesn't make them smooth, but they aren't used to smooth and it is safe and no smell. :)

did anyone suggest an electric razor? they make them really cool for young girls. they DO NOT cut the skin and best of all i think those smelly creams are not healty to use as they are all chemicals.

my daughter just turned 11 and has been asking to shave. i told her when the time comes that i would get her an electric shaver.......thought she was too young, but i must be wrong b/c i'm hearing more and more about her age and the shaving of the legs thing.
C. b

Unless she really has too, and it sounds like she might, no shaving above the knees! Best grooming advice my mom ever gave me! Or is it too late...? -S

Is there a particular reason she can't use a regular razor if you show her how to be careful and the proper way to do it? I'm just asking. Have you tried different kinds of Veet? I know they have different smells depending what you get.

I'm sorry i missed this one, but i guess i behind the times, i really didn't realize that our girls are having to shave so early in their lives. Is this more a need or want? I'm african american, my daughter is now 15 and just inquired about shaving, actually she had shaved before even discussing with me, i just happened to notice one day. I believe it was her legs, now she's not that hairy, and i'm not sure if this is yeat another one of those fads. My neice is 16 now, but she is very hairy and started shaving at maybe 14, her legs. I don't know it's just kinda scary to me that our babies are shaving at 9, 19, 11..Maybe i'm just not with the times, but they are growin gup way 2 fast for me..Good luck, some very good advice given. I shave under arms, and sometimes the female area, but only if i'm wearing a bathing suit, and i'm not very hairy.

J.;

I am so glad you got your responses... I did not see this one, or I would have had my suggestion.

I am so happy you decided on a razor - the creams are indeed convenient; however I have been burned by them, had allergic breakouts and it honestly scares me as I know there is nothing natural about something burning your hair off. (what we place on the skin only takes 20 minutes to get into our body.).

I had a few cuts on the beginning of learning the razor - perhaps note extra caution around the ankles and knees (as I still have my issues when going too fast to this day!)

My son is practicing with dad on the weekends as I found a play kit with all the trimmings in them. Dad takes his time showing him just what to do with the razor and dipping it in the sink...

It's unbelievable how fast they grow up...

You can use a "personal trimmer" or "bikini trimmer" that is almost like a mini hair clipper. It is almost impossible to cut yourself with the thing and it doesn't cut so close that the stubble is likely to irritate the arm area. I have a nine year old daughter with dark hair and we use this method. She is Mexican-American so the hair is obvious and she is early to mature also. The trimmer could also work on the legs with no water, shaving cream, fuss or danger of cutting the kid.

H.

Hi J.,
My name is L. and my daughter is 11 and has been shaving since Christmas. I bought her a razor by Schick that has 10 thin metal strips that come down over the blade. It works very well for her and I started with that same style razor.

I hope this helps. Me myself I was against the creams.

L.

you may want to check out the nair line. they have added many different types of hair removal cream. from normal to sensitive skin to purfumie.

My experience with hair removal creams is that they all stink even the scented ones. I would recommend showing her the proper way to shave as it's great practice for her, and shaving cream doesn't leave that bad odor behind. I use a man's razor blade, since it has 4 blades and flexes with curves.

Glad you got the responses you needed. My husband and I have full custody of his 15 y/o daughter and 11 y/o daughter. The 15 y/o did not start shaving until she was 13 and started with an electric razor. The 11 y/o started at 10 and wanted to use Veet. She now switches back and forth between Veet and a razor and shave gel. I thought 10 was rather early, but I look at my own daughter, who is 6 and I'm already thinking she needs to shave. Her dad/my ex (and many of the members of his family) are extremely hairy...and it's dark, coarse, hair. She unfortunately has inherited this and at 6 is already dealing with the comments of other little girls (including my stepdaughters) about her "looking like a cave woman" or a "wooly mammoth". She tells them to mind their own business and she likes her legs the way they are right now, but I know soon that will change.

Hi J.---I remember having to start shaving when I was 11 because I'm Italian and had dark hair too. I remember I used that round razor called a Flicker. It was great because the blade was positioned "inside" so it was almost impossible to cut yourself. And when the blade became too dull, you just "rotated" the disc-shaped razor to get a new blade. I was so excited to use it and can still remember how amazed I was at my smooth legs. My daughter is only 7 so I have not had to cross that bridge yet...so I have no idea if they even make them anymore. But I would definitely look into it. There is something really unsettling about the hair removal creams (all of them). Something that "disintegrates" (spelling?) hair where it comes out of the skin can't be all that healthy/safe to put on....or have absorbed into her skin. It's just something to think about. Although it may be (very) unsettling to have a traditional razor in her hands, it may be better for her overall health in the long run. I would check to see if they still make Flickers, and if not maybe consider teaching her how to use a disposable woman's razor (or the Venus disposable-blade because it doesn't cut you that easily)??? Good luck...this is the kind of stuff I don't really look forward to :)

My daughter is 14 and starting shaving last year. She is fanatical about it now and also just got her monthly visitor and told me shaved her lady business too so she wouldn't get the blood in her hair. Something she read in a book I bought her. Of course once we start shaving the hair grows back faster and darker. I do laser removal now which is great. Expensive at first but now only about $150 every 6-9 mo.

Please think about all those chemicals being absorbed into you child's body by using the Veet! If it smells toxic it probably is. You don't know what kind of harm can be done to her before she is even fully developed by putting that on her then letting it sit to absorb for a few minutes. A small cut would do far less damage to her in the long run.

Jen,

I have a daughter 13 now. She has been shaving for a year now. I started her out with the cream..... YEEEOWWW... she said it burnt her and when we rinsed off teh scream her legs were beat red. Just be careful. That stuff is deadly.. Razors are the way to go. And she did much better than I thought she would. I thought to myself "oh here we go.. shes not gonna wanna keep up with it" but she really does. She shaves at least every other day .

Nair smells like rotten eggs, even the rasphberry one. I say let her shave. There is no hard in shaving. The Venus razor is great.

I am no expert on hair removal creams. But I know they used to make razors with blades that have these tiny wires that go over the blades and you can run your fingers back and forth on a new one and it won't cut you. I used to use them when I was in high school. Maybe that would be worth looking into.

My daughter is 14 and has shaved for several year, we never used the creams. I buy her shaving cream and blades at costco so she has them when needed. I never keep track of when she shaves, that is her business. (personel business) :)