E.N. asks from Middletown, CT on July 13, 2009
My 10 Year Old Wants to Shave His Little Moustache
I need wisdom: My ten year old is very tall for his age and doctor and dentist say is headed for early puberty. Nice boy, kind, handsome. He also has a peach-fuzz but dark-ish upper lip hair. A few weeks ago he got out a razor and shaved it while we weren't looking. I talked to him about how that was a bit dangerous and also shaving might cause hair to grow in more. It has now grown in (about the same) and he wants to shave it again.
I want to honor his wish to look a certain way (and not get teased, which apparently he was getting light teasing). But shaving regualarly at 10 seems wrong, and I do fear it will grow in faster. Any suggestions for safe alternatives to shaving? Anybody try that TV-advertised "exfoliator hair remover?"
2 moms found this helpful
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M.H. answers from Springfield on July 14, 2009
I'd let him shave, too.
For years I left the dark thick hair on my arms because I didn't want it to get thicker, hence worse! Well, I finally went for it and now feel much more confident... my point. Teach him how to do it properly and let him feel confident!
Good luck!
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L.S. answers from Boston on July 14, 2009
I agree that you should let him chose to shave. I remember boys with fuzzy moustaches being teased and as the 1st girl in my class with boobs, I know what it's like to be an early developer (not so much fun). If you are concerned with his safety, start him out with an electric razor letting him know that he'll be able to use a regular razor in a couple of years.
D.B. answers from Boston on July 14, 2009
I think you have to let him shave. I agree on the "growing in thicker" being a misconception, and I agree on an electric razor - my son uses one still, and he is 20. I would be very careful about putting chemicals on a child's face. If he is going into early puberty, it could cause even more irritation with all the hormonal changes his skin is going through. Also, it is so close to his mouth, and at 10, he might not be that careful about getting it all off. You could also consider bleaching or waxing, but I would have it done by a professional to ensure that his skin doesn't get irritated. However, this can be uncomfortable for him, especially the waxing. I think you have to face the fact that he is maturing early and you are going to have to deal with all of the aspects of this. I hope someone has had the talk with him about other bodily changes he can expect - pubic hair, underarm hair, personal hygiene, and much more. He's ready. Good luck and try to enjoy the maturation process! It's an adventure!
S.S. answers from Boston on July 14, 2009
Kids are developing earlier these days. Some of it is diet and hormones in the food, for others maybe it's just evolution. Who knows? But regardless of the reason, if he wants to shave, I would let him do it. Celebrate his growth and willingness to attend to himself. (I have an almost-teenager, who is just barely becoming aware to comb on his own. I still have to remind him to comb his hair each day! Yikes!)
Personally, I would encourage a lesson from dad, if using a razor, or buy him an electric one. I'd skip the chemicals on the face for now.
Good luck!
C.S. answers from New London on July 14, 2009
Sorry, but I agree with everyone else. If he were a girl, you'd attend to her needs, so why not attend to his? Yes, 10 is early, but the hair is there and shaving is the best way to get rid of it.
A.C. answers from Boston on July 14, 2009
My son is now 18. When he was 12 he was getting teased about his unibrow so over the summer I started waxing it. When he went back to school in the fall a couple of his female friends told him something was different and he looked good. One that new me told me I was a good mom for waxing his brow. Please DO NOT start bleaching his facial hair it will just draw more attention to it. Also if he was a girl and needed a bra you'd get one or even if your daughter started menstrating you'd do what you'd have to. Alot of the males in my family shave early as did my son. Its hard to think your child is growing up so fast good luck
M.C. answers from Hartford on July 14, 2009
I'd say allow him to shave it. Why?
1. He's interested in hygiene. A rare man. (jk, sort of!)Encourage this!
2. It's not worth having this fight with him. It sends the message that you don't care about his feelings and would rather he got teased than that he did something so simple to stop it.
3. You say it "seems wrong" to shave at his age. Why? If his body is maturing, it seems right to me to acknowledge that and respond appropriately. Yes, it's early, but you can't wave a magic wand, right? So help him to deal with this! Every kid grows at his or her own rate. Helping them adjust gracefully is our job as parents. If he were a girl developing a chest, would you ignore it and not get her a bra? My guess is no. This is no different.
L.S. answers from New London on July 13, 2009
Hair doesn't grow in faster if you shave it just seems like it because it is newer and darker. I would give him an electric shaver. At least he is into hygiene. :)
J.S. answers from Springfield on July 14, 2009
Let him shave. It's his body, his hair, and he should be able to remove it if it's making him self-conscious. The whole 'it'll grow in thicker' thing is just an old wives' tale...not an ounce of truth!
I wouldn't put an exfoliator or bleach on the face of a kid...you could really hurt him. Just have his daddy show him to shave without slicing up his face :-D
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