Hairy armed teenager - what to do?!

[dottyaboutstripes]

My dd is 16 and has incredibly hairy arms, I think she can thank her daddy's genes poor love. Anyway, I've just seen that a local beauty salon offers arm waxing. I'm not a waxing expert so I don't know if it's a good idea or not. I've been having vague ideas about buying a Phillips Lumea but obviously it's pricey and I don't know if it would work

So - has anyone had to deal with this? And what did you do? Would the regrowth be dire with waxing? Etc etc!

[BetterOnACamel]

Waxing is probably the best option for the time being. Over time waxing reduces hair growth since it takes the hair out from the root. My mum started waxing when she was a teen and has just the odd hair now. She learned this from her Lebanese (fair skinned, thick dark hair) neighbours who apparently start their girls off waxing when they pre-teens, so by the time they're adults the hair just doesn't grow back. I wax myself at home, once you get used to it it's pretty quick and easy. With shaving or hair-removing creams you just cut off the top of the hair and it grows back looking thicker, and it'll be a nightmare in the long run. I can't afford a Lumea type appliance at the moment so can't advise- though they sound great. I have a Silk-Epil but find it excruciating (this from someone who waxes her own nethers!)

[naffedoff]

I was a very hairy-armed teenager and the situation only improved when I did two things: 1. Waxed my arms (only once). The re-growth was noticeably less. 2. Got pregnant. My arm hair seemed to recede quite a bit at this point.

Now option 2 is a bit drastic for your dd, so I'd say there was nothing to lose by giving waxing a go.

I still do have hairy arms compared to most people, but I'm not bothered by them now tbh.

[jeee]

Is she worried? Because I'm a very hairy woman but I've never bothered about my arms.

Mind you, as an entry for the world's worst chat up line, I did have a Russian come up to me, stroke my arms and say 'you have lovely hairy arms. In Russia, we know what that means.'

[porkypine]

Does your DD think it's an issue? I'd be tempted to do nothing about it if she's not bothered or if no-one's noticed (bar you of course).

A friend used to shave her arms - she did have dark black hair but she was the only person bothered by it. The problem was once she started shaving she couldn't stop doing it. I'd have thought if something has to be done, waxing is probably a good start, because you can see the results straight away rather than a Philips Lumea which is far more expensive and it can take a while for something to happen. Plus if she doesn't like hair-free arms, they'll regrow naturally reasonably swiftly.

[lambethlil]

What's your relationship like? Has she mentioned it to you? If she was worried would she? Don't do anything unless you know she doesn't like it.

[dottyaboutstripes]

She is bothered. I'd never suggest anything if she had no issue with it. She has her prom coming up in just over a fortnight so I was wondering about suggesting to her that she could have them waxed in preparation for it. Sounds like waxing could be worth a try then?

And much as I'd love grandchildren one day, yes, I do think it's a bit too soon!!

[chipmunksex]

jeez What does it mean?

What about an epilator? They hurt a lot less than they used to and can also reduce regrowth.

[ZZMum]

oh I know how she feels - I used to bleach my arm hair when I was her age - all it did was give me black roots.. I have waxed for years and thought that would be only approach until I read on here about Veeting arms and I have to say I love it more than waxing - cheaper and quicker as can do at home and regrowth seems better.. I have had a few years of weakening hair from waxing but now I just Veet ..

[suburbandweller]

I've been shaving my arms since i was about 14 - can't say I've noticed the regrowth being particularly bad. I need to re-do it about once every month or two, no more (and my arms were really hairy when I started). It has the convenience factor for me but I realise it's not a popular option on MN for some reason.

[Pinkglow]

When I was a teenager I used that hair bleaching stuff on my arms. Its cheap and it takes ages before the regrowth is noticable. I know it doesnt remove the hair but it makes it so light that it doesnt look like you have any hair at all.

www.boots.com/en/Boots-Smooth-Care-Hair-Lightener-2x25ml_1189205/

I dont bother now as it ceased to bother me as an adult but I found this much better than painfull waxing or the hassle of shaving

[ishopthereforeiam]

I used to get my arms sugared as a teen (similar to waxing) but now epilate. Doesn't hurt and is cost efficient... also the hair seems to grow back far less than it was.