We all remember the scary experience of hitting puberty as we transformed from child into young adult. Hormones running wild and hair grown that seemed out of control, and having to talk to a parent about shaving – it’s a big milestone in life!
While these changes in body hair grown tend to start around a certain age, hair growth rates and patterns can vary greatly. Typically, girls start going through puberty between the ages of 8 – 14, while boys usually begin around 9 – 15. Girls usually start to experience the physical changes that come with puberty about two years earlier than boys.
When it’s time to talk to your child about shaving and hair removal, they can be experiencing feelings of nervousness and anxiety. For example, your children might be afraid of injuring themselves or feel uneasy about not shaving correctly, messing it up and making a full of themselves at school. They could also be bothered by the presence of hair, particularly if they experienced puberty at a young age.
Because of this, it’s crucial to remain calm and pay attention to what your teenager or child is worried about. Tell them of how normal this is, and discuss safety guidelines before they start shaving and reassure them that it’s an easy skill to acquire and part of every persons grooming routine – young and old.
Shaving for Boys
For boys, shaving is part of becoming a man, with most boys growing up feeling their father stubble and watching him shave every day – they are well aware that shaving awaits them in adulthood, and may be keen to get started.
It’s a tradition often handed down from fathers to their sons, seen as a significant moment in parenting. However, as years of practice make the act of shaving automatic, the question arises: where should you start teaching?
If you find yourself needing a quick update, you’re in the right place. Our guide on instructing your son on shaving will make sure they’re well-prepared with the necessary skills and advice for their first shave.
When Do Boys Start Shaving?
Boys are ready to start shaving once they experience puberty and show signs of “peach fuzz” on their chin or around the beard-line, over time this facial hair becomes darker and thicker.
This transformation usually happens between the ages of nine and fourteen. At this stage, they might also start growing hair in their chest, armpits, and pubic area.
Puberty can be a challenging and confusing period, but talking openly with your son about these changes can significantly help them understand and cope with the physical transformations.
Shaving for Girls
Girls are more discreet about body hair and shaving, unlike boys, who can grown beards and shape fashionable stubble across their face, girls hair growth is more hidden – under arms, legs, and is thinner.
The Right Time to Talk About Shaving for Girls
While there’s no specific age to discuss shaving with your daughter, you can look for clear indications that it’s time to have that talk. For example, she might ask you about wanting to begin shaving, or you might start noticing her body hair and feel the need to initiate that discussion.
Regardless, ensure she understands that the decision to shave is hers alone, and you’re available to support her whenever she’s ready.
As puberty approaches, your daughter might bring up the topic of shaving on her own. It could stem from curiosity, influenced by friends who are shaving, puberty talks in school, or from feeling self-conscious about her new body hair.
Transitioning can be intimidating, particularly regarding changes in the body. It’s crucial to reassure your daughter that having body hair is normal and shaving is a personal choice. Let her know you’re available to guide her through the process of shaving if she chooses to do so.
Shaving tools for Girls and Boys
There’s never been a time in history when we’ve had more shaving and hair removal tools to choose from – fancy electric shavers, wet shave razors, epilators, waxing kits, hair removal creams, and IPL lasers – there’s lots of options.
With an array of tools available, ranging from hundreds, and high-end products like foams, oils, and balms that enhance the experience, shaving has reached its pinnacle.
However, it’s always best to start with the simple tried and true shaving (cutting hair with a razor). Now the question is – should you go for a manual disposable razor blade or electric shaver?
When it comes to comparing electric shaving to the traditional manual method, there’s no definitive answer. It boils down to personal preference, and making the right decision begins with understanding the differences.
So, which is better for your child: electric shaver of manual?
The appeal of electric shaving lies in its convenience and modern function. These shaving tools are designed to provide a swift and efficient shave, thanks to advanced technology that simplifies the process of achieving a smooth finish without nicks, cuts, or razor burn.
Electric shavers like Braun or Philips are ideal shaving tools for teenager boys and lady shavers for girls as they provide a fast, smooth, hassle-free shave with features that prevents pulling, and moving heads that follow body and face contours perfectly.
These shaving technologies work together to offer a seamless experience, allowing your child to shave in any direction, whether wet or dry, for quick and thorough shaves that are gentle on your skin.
Epilation and waxing is an option for girls, but this an be very painful, especially on young skin. Going through puberty is hard enough without having to deal with a traumatic and painful hair removal method, you want to show you child that hair removal can be quick and painless, only later after gaining shaving experience should you talk about epilators, waxing, hair removal creams, and laser devices.
For busy teens and painless mess-free cuts, electric shavers stand out as the clear choice.
On the other hand, manual shaving offers a more traditional approach for young boys. While it lacks the cutting-edge technology of electric razors, it grounds your shaving routine in age-old traditions and rituals that will make boys feel like they’re becoming a man.
It’s a slower, more deliberate process, perfect for those who enjoy the tactile experience of feeling the hair being cut and guiding the razor along the contours of their face. This hands-on approach to grooming can be more satisfying for those who prefer a more natural and mindful experience.
Is Your Child Ready to Start Shaving?
A lot of young people, especially tweens and teens, are eager to start shaving, and there aren’t any major health reasons to delay it. The primary issues that come with shaving are skin redness, irritation, and dryness. However, once your child gets the hang of proper shaving techniques with a suitable tool, these uncomfortable situations become less frequent. It’s crucial for children to have control over their hair, and it’s perfectly fine to let them shave when they feel ready.
If your tween has noticed hair growing back, you can ask if they’re keen on learning how to shave. If they’ve already brought up the topic of shaving, they might be feeling self-conscious about their hair growth or feeling pressured by their peers to shave.
On the flip side, some youngsters might not be interested in shaving at all. In fact, it’s becoming more socially acceptable for young individuals to choose not to shave if they don’t wish to. If your child feels this way, don’t push them to shave or try to convince them otherwise. Shaving is a personal choice and not a necessary step in growing up.
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