Shaving Legs - Clearwater,FL

Hi C.,
I don't have a daughter, in fact my son is only 15 months..
I started about age 11 and it seems like I did because my friends were. I wish I had asked my mother for guidance, so I say if she wants to, let her but help her with it. Pick out a razor and shaving cream together, make it a big deal. She may not want to do it all the time but at least you'll provide her with the proper tools and technique. Good luck!

That sounds about right - I was in the 5th grade when I started shaving my legs & that was 1985. I think it is fine; you should teach her the proper & safe way so she doesn't just try it on her own & hurt herself.

I started in the 4th grade but my mom forbid it and I did it behind her back. The problem with that is that I didn't know what I was doing and really cut myself badly a few times. I think that if you feel like she is ready then show her how to properly do it. If you want to wait, then make sure she doesn't have any access to your razors so she can't try to do it on her own. Good luck.

I am not sure what the "OK" age, but I will tell you from my experience, that I wanted to start shaving in 6th grade (because all the girls were doing it). Well, my mom told me I couldn't and I did it anyway. Since she wasn't there to help me learn, I ended up cutting my leg pretty bad. Also, every time I shaved, I felt scandalous and that I was doing something naughty (for lack of a better term). But, I didn''t want to be laughed at at school for having hairy legs, so I continued to shave...

So...my suggestion is to allow your daughter to shave her legs (maybe just the calves of her legs) and take it as a mom-daughter bonding time. Show her the tricks you know to avoiding getting cut, etc. This will show her that you respect her and might help in the future when she has more important things to talk to you/ask you about (like boys!).

Good luck! :-)

I think that as soon as she has enough hair and is feeling uncomfortable, it is okay to let her shave her legs.

Thanks,

J.

I started shaving mine in 5th grade. I would go based on how hairy her legs are. Hope this helps.

my daughter is now 20, she wanted to shave at 10, but i explained that it is a gigantic pain in the butt and that once she started she would NEVER be able to stop so she put it off til the age of 12,(when peer pressure got the better of her).

I told my daughter that when she started middle school, she could shave her legs. 6th grade.

Wow, that's such a personal family decision but since you're asking...absolutely not. She should be encouraged to do age appropriate activities and to express herself openly. That includes questions about her body and the ramifications of sex. If she wants to shave her legs she already has some knowledge of her sexuality that she is unaware of. In other words, if she's body concious enough to want to shave her legs at such an age(9-10?), she definitely needs to know appropriate boundaries. Allowing her to shave her legs would exceed those boundaries. I wouldn't dream of allowing her to shave till junior high school. At this age, the hair on her legs should be a non-issue. Strong opinion but I hope it helps. Remember, you're in charge and she expects boundaries. It will make her feel more secure in your care despite her protest.

That's tough. I will admit, I was in the 4th grade when I started shaving. My mother forbid it until the age of 18, but I did it behind her back. I am hispanic and my hairs tend to grow thick and dark. I found it embarrasing. I cared about how others saw me. It was important for me to look good. I didn't think I looked good because everyone else was shaving their legs. And, there I was, a little hairy monster. These days I could care less. I know I have a stronger self-image.

Society has changed. These days kids have a lot more to deal with. There are a lot of artists, and actors setting trends and ideals for young kids today. I think it's important that you teach your daughter your values, develop, and strengthen their self-images.

I wish I hadn't started shaving so young. I have to shave almost 2x a day now. I think it could definitely wait, but your daughter should feel good about herself either way. If not, then try to connect with her. You could always make it a bonding experience. You would be the one to teach her to shave. And, it could be her rite of passage. Just make sure to teach her to sterilize the shaver with alcohol to prevent razor bumps. ;)

I have a 12 year old daughter. I started letting her shave her legs right after her 10th birthday, which I think was a good age. I would say if you're comfortable enough, let her start. Just make sure you help her the first few times. As women, I think we all have a story of that awful nick from when we first started shaving! Good luck!

I let my girls start shaving the summer before middle school. I would say when she starts getting hair under her arms or if the hair on her legs is dark and/or if she is getting teased. Pretty much it is up to you..

I was 11 or 12 when I started shaving my legs, but I think I was too young even at that age. My hair wasn't that noticeable and I did it only because I saw one of my older teenage cousins doing it. I wish I had waited because (as you know) once you start shaving, you have to keep doing it.

I started shaving my legs really early, probably about her age, and I really wish I wouldn't have. So I hear and have noticed the longer you shave the faster and more it grows back. I have a 5 year old daughter and she has very hairy legs and I think that if she was getting teased I might let her, not now but when she's older of coarse, but not just because her friends are doing it. I think that middle school is just the right age. Good luck:-)

I think going into middle school or 6th grade is a better age. I know it is exciting time, but I do believe 4th is a little young all though some parents allow it.

I would think that she should wait at least until she is a teenager. I didn't start shaving until I was 14, and I think that's the perfect age, unless as another momma said, she is getting teased. Really it is a personal choice for you and your daughter to make, and I wish you luck! Take care!