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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To remove DD'S leg hair permanently....

128 replies

newmum0808 · 21/04/2019 21:28

So, my DD is ten and starting puberty (boobs, hair and hormones). She's asked to remove her leg hair which is already noticeable as she's pale with dark hair. My Mum refused to let me shave mine when I was her age. Instead she let me dye it - thick blond leg hair glinting in the sun still haunts me.....
Now I spent years dealing with my thick black body hair (shudders), until I invested in an IPL machine. I haven't had to shave my armpits for years.... (ditto, leg, bikini etc). Anyway, I don't really want DD to start shaving as it's a bind (when I think of how many hours I wasted hacking my leg jungle...). Waxing is a pain (literally and time-wise to getting her booked in to a salon (I work full time)), so I'm considering using my IPL machine on her. Now, I'm aware it might not be permanent (hormones etc), but on the other hand it might be. But is there any chance she'd want leg hair in the future? Am I overthinking this? What do you do?
Thanks!

OP posts:
Samind · 21/04/2019 21:32

I have no idea about your machine. I was 12 when I started

My mother told me not to do it as that would be the start of it all but I had black hairs all over my let's etc and I was mortified and begged her to let me. I've been shaving for 17years now and I am sick of it- shaving, waxing, the lot!

Maybe talk her through her options? Explain to her how often she can expect it to come back etc then see it she'd be happy to try shaving. If she is unhappy with this then you could consider your machine. Give her the opportunity to shave though as I looooooooved my smooth hacked to bit legs the first time I'd done it. 😂

mammmamia · 21/04/2019 21:35

Is IPL safe for that age? I have no idea.

whatacrapusername2306 · 21/04/2019 21:35

Ditto here too. I was horrified in primary school about my hairy legs. My daughter came to me just before starting secondary school. Shes dark haired, so obvious body hair. Asked me if I would shave her legs for P.E. So, I started using my home IPL on her too. I don’t see a problem with it and she is so happy with the results. So much easier than her tackling a razor by herself.

Veterinari · 21/04/2019 21:36

Talk to her about it. I doubt very much she’ll be disappointed not to have leg hair in the future though!

furtivefeline · 21/04/2019 21:39

My DD is younger but I'm following this as was wondering whether to let her use my lumea when she's a bit older. Are there any potential risks, apart from the possibility of wanting the hair back?

Ohyesiam · 21/04/2019 21:40

I’d research it. You could call a salon that does IPL and ask why they won’t do under 18 s, it might be a legal thing rather than a safety/ efficacy thing.
Your dd will be forever grateful!

tinysnickersaremyfavourite · 21/04/2019 21:40

You need to talk through the various options with her and see how she feels.

Those with IPL machines, how often do you need to do it? I'm sick of shaving/epilating now and I'd love something longer lasting.

KneelJustKneel · 21/04/2019 21:42

Whats IPL?

furtivefeline · 21/04/2019 21:42

I've been wondering the same though my DD is younger so we have no need for hair removal at the moment. Interested to know whether others are using it on their DC. Does anyone know if there are any risks aside from regretting the loss of hair?

BentNeckLady · 21/04/2019 21:43

It says on my lumea instructions that they’re not to be used on children.

GorkyMcPorky · 21/04/2019 21:44

I'm thinking of offering to do this for DD too, but I suppose there really is a risk that she might not be happy with permanent removal in the future. I've never regretted shaving my legs but I do have misgivings, for example, about bikini hair removal - not that I'd suggest this for DD. What if she wants to go natural in her adulthood?

Wolfiefan · 21/04/2019 21:45

Most of your post is about your feeling and your memories. Not hers.
I wouldn’t be doing anything permanent to a child of that age. Discuss other options if she’s unhappy with the hair.

GorkyMcPorky · 21/04/2019 21:45

I've used my Lumea twice now and I barely need to shave my legs btw. I'm hoping that after the next session I'll be pretty much done. Going to do DH's back next, he hates it!

Croprotationinthe14thcentury · 21/04/2019 21:45

Any recommendations on a good, moderately priced home IPL machine. Sorry to derail

Original poster
newmum0808 · 21/04/2019 21:46

This is all very reassuring - thank you for your responses. I did some research which seems to say that it's fine for pre-teens, but the results might not be permanent due to hormones. I'm okay with that as it'll still be less demanding/fewer issues than shaving.
I have spoken to her about it and given her the main options (shaving, waxing, ipl). Her main concerns were about pain! I mentioned that she might never have leg hair and she looked confused and asked why she'd want it (I replied warmth lol. Such an idiot).
We'll pop out tomorrow and buy shaving cream (and maybe a razor with protective bars?).

OP posts:
Whatsername7 · 21/04/2019 21:47

I wouldn't. I'd invest in a electric leg epilator instead. Allow her to use it herself.

MoniqueTonique · 21/04/2019 21:48

I still have a scar on each leg from my first attempt to shave my leg hair. I wish my DM had helped me learn how to remove it safely. Whichever method you choose, you're doing the right thing in guiding her.

Footle · 21/04/2019 21:50

Your daughter already sounds bothered about being hairy. I'd ask the manufacturer for advice about using the machine on a child.

Original poster
newmum0808 · 21/04/2019 21:51

Crop - mine is a Philips - whichever model was on an Amazon deal! Highly recommend as I use it everywhere (downfalls of my forties seem to be my thick black hair spreading to my face, toes and hands 🤢). Have got rid of my armpit hair and tidied my bikini line completely.... Only done my legs about three times but it's got rid of 90% of the hair. Face, hands and toes are work in progress...but def big improvements made.
Sometimes I hate being dark haired.....

OP posts:
RomanyQueen1 · 21/04/2019 21:51

I know so many women who have bought these and the pain was so unbearable it sits in the drawer.
YABU imo, nothing wrong with her shaving, ffs she's a kid.

Ated · 21/04/2019 21:52

I have yet to meet any woman or girl that wants to be seen as hairy. As for going back to looking like a furry monkey is not everyones' wish.

IHateUncleJamie · 21/04/2019 21:52

Why wouldn’t you consider Veet/Nair? The hair doesn’t seem to grow back thicker like it can with shaving. You could try the sensitive veet just on lower legs and see how that goes.

Dressless · 21/04/2019 21:54

You shouldn’t be making permenant changes to her body which she is too young to consent to. I often grow my leg hair out (also dark haired pale skinned) because I like to and I think it’s important for my sons to see what women’s bodies look like without cosmitic grooming. I wouldn’t be thee d of the world if I couldn’t grow it out but likewise it’s not someone else’s decision to make

Dressless · 21/04/2019 21:55

@Ated waves