Hair removal options for teens

[wonderstuff]

After some advice. Dd 13 has declared she hates swimming when I suggested buying a swimsuit and I've not seen her legs for some time, I suspect that she has no issues with swimming but isn't wanting to get her legs out.

I'm very hairy and it honestly blighted my summers for years and years. I really want to support dd to not have that experience.

The only thing I've found that works for me is laser removal, but I think that this might not be suitable for teens?

When I wax I get instant regrowth, I think my hairs must break rather than be pulled by the root, is this common? Shaving I find high effort for short term gain, but I'm imagining dd isn't quite as hairy as me, dh is less hairy than me.

Dd has dark brown hair, not quite as black as mine and slightly olivey skin, whereas I'm very pale.

Anyway what are the options and how do I address it with her without making her any more self conscious?

I personally would take her to an Indian / Pakistani / Bangladeshi beautician and ask them for guidance as they are often highly experienced at hair removal for children. Mine offers sugaring, plucking and threading options for girls as young as 8 but girls over 12 get everything adults can except laser.

I personally think threading or plucking is best at that age for hair removal but she may need a couple of paracetamol an hour before her appointment. Sugaring and waxing is better for pain but only if you don’t have thick hair.

Interesting thank you, not sure we have anything like that locally, I'll investigate. I've never had threading done, sounds painful!

@wonderstuff

Interesting thank you, not sure we have anything like that locally, I'll investigate. I've never had threading done, sounds painful!

It hurts the first time and then is fine with shorter hair

Personally I'd go with shaving because she can do it regularly - for waxing you have to let it regrow to get it done again and that's not ideal during the summer months when it's bare legs most days or if she's feeling self conscious. It's also something she can just do as and when she needs to and she's not reliant on booking appointments or having money to do it.

Have you had a chat with her? I think it's pretty normal for teens to struggle with body image. I don't think I went swimming at all in my teen years because the idea of bumping into someone I knew in my Cossie was just too mortifying.

My dd's all waxed until 16, then got everything lasered.

I was super self conscious as a child because of dark hair - even when I shaved you could see it under the skin.

I’d suggest shaving / waxing and then something like sally Hansen legs to cover any blemishes - then laser as soon as it’s allowed.

What's Sally Hansen legs? @Chihuahuacat

It’s a mousse / spray that’s like foundation for legs. It really hides the shaving spots.

You can get it in most boots

Good to know thanks.

My 12 year old can now wax most of her legs herself. She is a dancer and gymnast so likes the hair to be removed. She doesn't find it painful at all (doesn't get her pain threshold from me).

@Chihuahuacat

It’s a mousse / spray that’s like foundation for legs. It really hides the shaving spots.

You can get it in most boots

Please be careful, a very high number of women have horrible reactions to chemical hair removal. Do multiple spot tests before applying.

@Creepygnochi it’s not chemical hair removal, just a foundation type thing :)