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Children's health

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Original poster

hair removal, how young and how?

20 replies

tigerl1ly · 18/01/2011 22:37

Hello, I'm new here and have a dilemma. I'm of Mediterranean descent with dark hair and my 8 year old daughter has inherited the good and bad points of having such dark colouring. She's recently expressed her discomfort at having visible, dark hair on her upper lip and I think that she may be being teased about it. She's a confident, bright girl and she's recently started a new school, it breaks my heart to think that this is preying on her mind but is 8 too young to remove hair? :(

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sneezecakesmum · 18/01/2011 23:02

Have a word with the chemist regarding their hair removing products, but they are designed for adults. Have you considered hair lightening. Have a word with a beauty salon, but again they probably have age limits. Its not doing it thats a problem its finding the right chemical agent. You could look into laser removal but again children?? Asking wont hurt tho. I think you are doing the right thing as your dd is aware and a bit embarrassed about the hair.

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 18/01/2011 23:24

Thanks. Yes, she's never mentioned it before but now she has I'd like to deal with it before it becomes a real issue to her. I hadn't considered the chemist but will give it a go, the salon too. It's quite a tough one as she's so young..

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bambiandthumper · 18/01/2011 23:25

I'm not speaking from experience but I wouldn't bother bleaching as (depending on how dark her skin is) can keep the problem the same, just in reverse iyswim.

I would go for waxing or hair removal cream, definitely ask a pharmacist as her skin will be sensitive.I would definitely look into electrolysis once she is old enough to get it. One of my friends who has the same colouring as your DD got her upper lip and area between her eyebrows done last year and said it's lifechanging, facial hair is something no one wants to worry about , and though she's 8 you don't want to tie her something to potentially worry about when there should be nothing.

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 18/01/2011 23:33

You're right, bleaching doesn't really work on our colouring. My poor dd has the eyebrow thing going on too! This evening was the first time she's brought up the subject so I think I'll strike while the iron is hot and deal with it pronto so that it doesn't become huge in her world.

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ledkr · 18/01/2011 23:40

my dd 8 has VERY hairy arms and legs,also very dark and long,she seems less bothered now but in the past has been very upset by it and restricts what she wears.

I have so far just reassured her and told her it doesnt show but unsure how long it will be before it crops up again.

tomhardyismydh · 18/01/2011 23:45

can i suggest silky mit. can buy from boots or supperdrug it is very similar to nail file but finer and gently rubs the hair away.

I have quite a dark tash and bleaching looks terrible and my skin is very fair so would not advice for your dd. chemical bleaching is just to harsh for my top lip and chafs the actual lip. silky mit is great.

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 18/01/2011 23:45

Thanks ledkr, does your dd have facial hair too? My little dd has hairy arms and legs too but that doesn't seem to bother her at all.

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Original poster

tigerl1ly · 18/01/2011 23:47

Oh thanks tomhardy... would a silky mit be too rough for young skin do you think? What's the hair like when it re-grows?

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tomhardyismydh · 18/01/2011 23:47

sorry was also just going to add if you are sure she is not being picked on for it, ask school if they noticed. I would put it off a whils as she is quite young and In my experience any hair removal does tend to thcken regrowth.

tomhardyismydh · 18/01/2011 23:48

I not thik it would it is very fine and removes with out having to rub hard.

tomhardyismydh · 18/01/2011 23:49

sorry not sure what happened with my typing there.

tomhardyismydh · 18/01/2011 23:51

it doesnt seem to be as stubbly with this as chemicals, also as it comes through it comes if you keep on top of it it can be redone at first signs of regrowth.

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 18/01/2011 23:52

Well she's just started a new school and I think that there was a little bit of teasing from one boy in her old school which I really think has made her aware of her hairiness. She said that she doesn't like the way it looks. I would love to leave it as I know what a life time's commitment hair removal is but I can't bear the thought of her being teased.

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tomhardyismydh · 19/01/2011 00:00

I would just see how she goes with it tbh and have quite a grown up conversation with her about the comitment etc if she appears to have issue with it.

My dd is 4 and has been very aware from even 2 that she has very hairy arms and legs compared to her friends. and asks when she is alowed to shave her legs. I have just told her randomly when she is 11. and she seems to accept this. with her it is more obviouse in the summer months.

some children do point it out to her and I have told her just say that we are different and that doesnt matter.

I would talk with her about how woman from a mediteranian back ground have more hair and that is where her genes are from etc and that although may look different it is very normal for her.

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 19/01/2011 00:07

Oh wise words! It is just how we are with our genes but I really don't like it so I can imagine how she feels when all you want to do is blend in and be exactly the same as everyone else. Time for a grown up chat me thinks. Great advice, thank you.

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tomhardyismydh · 19/01/2011 00:12

good luck I hope she is not being made to feel self overly self concious about this.

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 19/01/2011 00:20

Thank you. I was very matter of fact and cool when she mentioned it this evening, I put her to bed and privately paced the floor! I'll keep it in perspective for her. Cheers again.

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tomhardyismydh · 19/01/2011 00:23

I ment at school not you of course.

sneezecakesmum · 19/01/2011 18:25

When you do the hair removal would it be possible to give her a new look in a different area, eg new hairstyle? That way it probably wont be noticed by the other kids so no comments on it!

Original poster

tigerl1ly · 19/01/2011 20:27

Oh thank you, that's such a great idea. I've just suggested a haircut and something different from the usual trim. Great psychology.

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