Hair Removal for Children

As your child grows and goes through puberty, he'll go through many changes. He'll be full of hormones, have acne and may begin to have body odor. Another unpleasant part of puberty is often the body hair that comes along with it. When this time comes, your child will need to know how to deal with hair removal 7.

As your child grows and goes through puberty, he'll go through many changes. He'll be full of hormones, have acne and may begin to have body odor. Another unpleasant part of puberty is often the body hair that comes along with it. When this time comes, your child will need to know how to deal with hair removal 7.

When to Start Shaving

The age at which your child starts removing unwanted body hair is ultimately a personal choice that should be decided by you and her. Some kids may not be as bothered by this hair, so they may opt to leave it as it is for the time being. If your child is comfortable with this, it's perfectly fine, notes Kids Health 37. When your child becomes embarrassed by unwanted hair, she should come to you and share her feelings. Boys will likely not have to start shaving their face until into their teens, according to Kids Health 347. Girls often start growing hair on their legs by the age or 10 to 11, but may not need to start shaving it unless it's dark or bothersome, notes KidsHealth.

Boys Shaving

When it comes time for your son to take the step to start shaving, you'll need to help him select the best type of razor for him and show him how to safely use it. Standard razors are generally the least expensive, with those that are disposable and some that have replaceable blades. If you opt for this type of razor, make sure your son uses a clean, sharp blade, advises Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Dull blades can cause your son to cut himself and can leave hair behind. Tell him to replace the razor or the blades often for the best shave. Using an electric razor is a quick and simple way for your son to shave but it may not give him a close shave. Ultimately, it's a matter of preference.

Girls Shaving

If your daughter is ready to start shaving her legs or underarms, she can try using a manual razor, disposable manual razor or a manual razor with replaceable blades, according to Indiana University Bloomington 2. Shaving is an cheap way to rid herself of unwanted underarm or leg hair, since all she needs is a razor and warm water. She can also use a shaving gel or cream to help protect her skin and give her a smoother shave, advises Kids Health 345. For best results, your daughter should do her shaving while in the shower, while her skin is softer. Remind her to change out her razor often, since razors dull over time and can cause her to nick herself.

Alternatives to Shaving

Your child has options other than shaving to remove unwanted hair, especially when dealing with excess hair in the pubic area, around the eyebrows, on the upper lip and on the breasts 6. In the pubic area, your child can remove embarrassing hair by getting it waxed or using a depilatory cream, suggests Kids Health 367. Your child can pluck excess hairs around her eyebrows, using tweezers, to keep the hair away for 3 to 8 weeks. She'll need to sterilize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol to reduce her risk of infection first though, notes Kids Health 37. Unwanted hair in areas, such as above the upper lip and on the breasts of girls, can be removed permanently by electrolysis or semi-permanently with laser hair removal 7.