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Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Teenagers

Shaving Legs

29 replies

AmberD5713 · 17/05/2017 22:54

Hi everyone, this will sound strange but I'm not a mum, I'm a girl that just turned 15.
I'm currently in year 10 at school and I still don't shave my legs, it's so annoying because everyone else at my school does apart from me. I hate it because I have to wear tights all the time, and during PE I just pretend I haven't got round to it that week.
I tried telling my mum back in the summer but she didn't listen so I used her razor and hair removal cream to see me through summer sports but I have used it since July because I thought she would have let me by now.
As mothers yourselves, what would be a good way of asking my mum to let me shave, how would you like to be asked?
Amber x

OP posts:

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BillywigSting · 17/05/2017 22:57

If I was in your shoes I would just say something like 'mum, I feel like my legs are really hairy and it's really embarrassing/upsetting. I hate that I have to cover them up all the time it makes me feel weird. Can I get a razor please?'

Either that or do what I did when my mum refused to believe me and continue to nick hers. She got so fed up of finding her razors blunt that she admitted defeat and bought me one.

Good luck lass, I know how tough it is!

elephantoverthehill · 17/05/2017 23:02

Amber, I think it depends on your hair colour, speaking as a Mum. If the hair on your legs is beautifully blonde leave the razor well alone. If it is dark and coarse then I think you have a 'case'.

MsJolly · 17/05/2017 23:07

Amber it is your body and at 15 old enough to make these decisions now. My daughter is 13 and asked to start shaving as she was embarrassed by her hairy legs. We discussed the best way of doing it for her, which as she has eczema is shaving. I showed her how to do it safely and away she went.

Speak to your mum. You're not a baby anymore and she should respect your changing needs.

BollardDodger · 17/05/2017 23:09

Just tell your mum that everyone else at school shaves their legs, and you don't like everyone seeing your hairy legs during PE. I remember when I was a bit younger than you having to do PE and other kids would take the mickey out of things like hairy legs!

ILoveDolly · 17/05/2017 23:17

My mum was always against me shaving my legs. You do need a good discussion with her, ask her why she is against it, explain you find it embarrassing to be hairy at school and if there are any compromises you could come to.
Personally I am a blonde and wish I'd not bothered shaving as they do grow back worse.

AmberD5713 · 17/05/2017 23:22

Thanks everyone. I'll try but I'm not sure she'll listen because she always tells me I'm too young, like sports day last year I told her that I didn't like going around in my shorts all day because I hated my legs and she just told me that I was too young to be having body image issues (I was 14 at the time).
I feel so self conscious and embarrassed about this because she hasn't told me anything about shaving or outright said that I should or shouldn't, but I'll keep mentioning it and see what happens.
Amber x

OP posts:

BollardDodger · 17/05/2017 23:24

Can't you wear tracksuit bottoms in PE instead of shorts?

Casz · 18/05/2017 00:08

Do you have anyone who could speak to your mum? An auntie, grandma or friend's mum?

I had a similar issue with my mum (about sanitary products) and my neighbour, who I babysat for, had a little chat with her.

PickAChew · 18/05/2017 00:13

Cheapst bic razors (assuming you're not allergic and simple soap.

Though king of shaves is nicer, if yourmuch allowance will stretch.

Agree about having a sympathetic female adult - dark haired, if possible, having a word with your mum.

shitgibbon · 18/05/2017 06:49

You don't need your mum's permission.

Men's bic razors are cheaper than the women's and work just as well, FYI.

PickAChew · 18/05/2017 06:57

I find the men's better. It's like us women couldn't be trusted with razors sharp enough to shave thick hair.

NapQueen · 18/05/2017 06:57

Do you have pocket money? If so, go out and buy some razors.

Feyenoord · 18/05/2017 07:03

I used to buy them myself. There are some really cheap ones and I used them multiple times.

metalmum15 · 18/05/2017 07:05

You have to be 16 and show ID to buy razors, some shops won't sell to under 18's. As others have said, explain to your mum how embarrassed you are and how others are commenting on it. I had exactly the same and eventually, at 15, my mum gave in when she really understood. Good luck!

NapQueen · 18/05/2017 07:36

If your mum wouldnt buy them would your dad or a relative?

Viviene · 18/05/2017 07:48

If you can't get a razor (age issues), can you get hair removal cream instead?

AmberD5713 · 18/05/2017 07:52

I don't get pocket money so I can't buy my own. My mum has hair removal cream that I can use but I want her give me permission so
I don't have to do it secret.
Amber x

OP posts:

NapQueen · 18/05/2017 07:52

How do you pay for stuff like days out with friends or little treats?

Ladyformation · 18/05/2017 08:34

Get a job, earn some money, do what you want with it. It's rubbish that she's not supportive, but you're 15 and it's your body to do with what you will.

BollardDodger · 18/05/2017 08:39

You have to be 16 and show ID to buy razors,
I think its actually 18. Not sure, though

TheFlyingFauxPas · 18/05/2017 08:55

You have to be 18 to buy teaspoons for goodness sake! OP. I have no idea why mums have a problem with their daughters shaving. Mine did and so did my friends'. Has she explicitly said you are not allowed? If I were you I'd just do it anyway. Just say it needed doing so you did it. No biggie. Is your mum a scary mum or you just don't want to go against her wishes?

dodgydonkeysdoodah · 18/05/2017 08:57

My legs have been very hairy since I was a teenager so I understand completely. No real answer but . Your mum sounds very unsympathetic and my heart bleeds for you. I'm 43 now and I'm still very self conscious; have just about come to terms with knee length skirts but could never consider wearing a mini skirt or shorts without tights.
Shaving is only part of the answer as it can leave you with a lot of fast growing stubble but a daily whizz over with a razor is the best solution I've found. If you can keep on borrowing your mum's razor til you're 16 then you'll be able to buy your own.... I've tried many types and have settled with the men's orange-handled Bic Sensitive single bladed - they are as cheap as chips - work out about 10p each. Or perhaps you could ask a friend to buy them for you?

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ElspethFlashman · 18/05/2017 08:57

You can get razors in the pound shop. You don't need shaving cream, hair conditioner is just as good.

Is there any way you can even get a pound or two together in bits and bobs? Is there any loose change in the house?

MycatsaPirate · 18/05/2017 08:59

I find this really sad. My youngest DD is 11 and has really dark coarse hairs on her legs and underarms. She has been shaving for over a year now and has her own razor.

I would just keep telling your mum that it makes you really self conscious and you would like a razor of your own. I hope your mum listens to you.

ElspethFlashman · 18/05/2017 08:59

My mum was the same btw. Mums can be wierd about it. She was convinced if you shaved your legs you got hairier (bollocks)

So she didn't even have a razor for me to use. I found an ancient pair of tweezers in the house and literally tweezed my legs for years.

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