There’s no right time or age to start learning to shave. So, how do you know when to talk to your teen daughter about shaving? Learn answers to common teen shaving questions.
There’s no right time or age to start learning to shave. So, how do you know when to talk to your daughter about shaving? Learn answers to common teen shaving questions. Puberty can hit earlier in life or later, and with it comes thicker hair growth on legs, as well as new hair growth under arms and around the pubic area. Since puberty and developing body hair hits girls all at different times, how do you know when to teach your daughter how to shave?
Although there isn’t a set age to talk to your daughter about shaving, you can look for noticeable signs that it’s time to have the conversation. For instance, she may approach you about wanting to start shaving, or you may start noticing her body hair and want to start that conversation. In any case, make sure she knows that whether or not she shaves is her decision, and that you’re there to help when she’s ready.
Especially as puberty hits, you daughter might bring up shaving on her own. It could be out of simple curiosity or because her friends are starting to shave. Or, she could be feeling self-conscious about her new body hair.
Change can be scary, especially when it comes to body changes. It’s important to remind your daughter that there is nothing wrong with having body hair and shaving is entirely her choice. Let her know you are there to teach her if and when she wants to start shaving.
If your daughter is growing more body hair, but hasn’t tried to talk to you about it, that’s fine. She may not be interested in shaving. However, she might also be scared to talk to you about it, in which case starting that conversation may help her feel more comfortable.
You can wait and see if she approaches you, or you can bring up the topic in a subtle way. Let her know if she wants to learn how to shave, you’re there to help her along the way. And if she isn’t interested, reassure her that not shaving is perfectly OK, too.
First and foremost, make sure your daughter knows that sharing razors is not hygienic and can cause infections to spread. Because of this, it’s important that she has her own razor blade.
Help your daughter build her own razor. That way, she can choose which handle, colour and number of blades she wants.
In addition to not sharing razors it’s important to throw away disposable razor blades or change blade refill cartridges when they become blunt. She may be nervous about getting scratches, but assure that her a sharp blade leads to better results and less chances of scratches and skin irritation than a blunt blade. If her blade pulls at her body hair or feels rough on her skin, it’s time to replace it. In general, razor blades last 5 to 10 shaves depending on how frequently she shaves.
Another safety tip is to always use shaving gel. This helps maintain moisture and allows the razor to glide easily across the skin, which reduces chances of skin irritation. Applying a moisturising lotion or oil, one that’s preferably alcohol-free, after she finishes shaving will also preserve moisture and keep her skin hydrated.
You can show her how to shave or walk her through the process.
Regardless of the location — whether it’s the underarm, legs or bikini area — she should soak the area in warm water for at least three to five minutes by taking a bath or shower, and apply shaving gel. And, make sure she knows how to shave each individual area for the best results:
