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11 yo wants to shave?

post #1 of 6
5/14/10 at 2:48pm
Thread Starter 
OK, I did a search and found several threads a few years back about when to start shaving. Elizabeth just turned 11. She has dark hair, including on her arms and legs. She has asked several times when she can start shaving.

I saw that a lot of people started about this age (I can't remember when I did). But I have a few concerns:
1) are there risks if she starts too early? (other than razor burn)
2) I don't want to reinforce her current belief that her dark hair is ugly.
3) Once you start shaving, you can't stop because the hair grows back so coarse.

Now that I am in the role of mom, instead of just aunt, these things are a big deal. She's growing up so fast! I'd appreciate any feedback! Especially suggestions on how she should start - blade or electric razor?

Kim
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post #2 of 6
5/14/10 at 3:14pm

Re: 11 yo wants to shave?

I started shaving when I was 12 which is not much older than she is. I would start her with an electric razor, because I cut the living crap out of myself many times back then. Sometimes, I left a blood trail all over the house because I didn't realize I was bleeding. Are the kids in school making fun of her? If so, I would assure her that they are totally wrong and mean for doing that. Then, I would probably let her shave under supervision until she gets the hang of it. I would also get her a battery operated razor and emphasize the importance of not using an electric shaver in a bathtub full of water.
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post #3 of 6
5/14/10 at 7:42pm

Re: 11 yo wants to shave?

Kim, even if she starts shaving, it's not going to be an everyday thing. I was 12. Of course you will have to help her, but she's a quick learner. Just expect the nicks and cuts that come with learning (let her know it will probably happen) and go from there. Let me check my stash. I may have one of those conditioning razors she can have. They are the only ones I have never cut myself on.
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post #4 of 6
5/14/10 at 8:32pm

Re: 11 yo wants to shave?

If it's the fact that the hair is dark, and showing up more than if it were blonde, meaning if it were blonde it would not be that noticeable and she might not be so eager to shave, you could always have her bleach it using lemons/lemon juice. I have a friend who does this simply because it makes the hair on her legs less coarse and it bleaches the hair so she doesn't have to shave as often.
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post #5 of 6
5/14/10 at 11:50pm

Re: 11 yo wants to shave?

not quite there yet, but Tessa is getting close.
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post #6 of 6
5/21/10 at 12:46pm
Thread Starter 

Re: 11 yo wants to shave?

Thanks everyone. Elizabeth and I are going to talk about it more, and I figure summer is a good time for her to practice.

Brenda, there's a razor that you never cut yourself with? I thought that was impossible!
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