Shaving legs: when to start?

Talking about shaving with your daughter doesn’t have to be a “hairy” situation. The introduction to shaving is a great opportunity for an open discussion about gender norms and standards of beauty. Body hair is normal and shaving is a matter of personal preference. When your daughter decides to start shaving her legs, she needs your guidance.

When do girls start shaving their legs?

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Shaving often begins as early as puberty.

Many girls show interest and start shaving their legs around middle school, when puberty begins.

Shaving is a personal choice, not a developmental milestone. The decision was based on physical changes and her personal interest in shaving her legs.

Your daughter may be dying to start shaving, or she may be more nervous. Some girls are interested in shaving their legs as early as 10 or 11 years old, others may not be ready until their late teens.

What she needs to start shaving

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Many of these items may already be in your medicine cabinet if you’re someone who shaves frequently.

When your daughter is ready to start shaving her legs, she needs the right tools. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to get a good shave, but a few helpful things will make the learning process easier.

1. Razor

Disposable razors or a reusable razor with replaceable cartridges work well. The Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl is our favorite, although there are many great razor options.

Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Swirl Razor

This premium razor offers a smooth glide when shaving your legs, so you don’t have to worry about nicks and cuts.

$25 at Amazon

2. Shaving gel

For a close shave and to reduce razor burn, shaving gel is a must. It also makes it easier to identify previously shaved areas.

Gillette Satin Care Ultra Sensitive Shaving Gel

Gillette Satin Care Shaving Cream is color and fragrance free, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.

$4.78 at Amazon

The Schick Intuition Razor has built-in shaving cream, which might be easier for new razors.

Send intuition razors

Thanks to the integrated moisture bar with organic cocoa butter, no additional shaving cream is required with the Schick Intuition Razor.

$8.34 at Amazon

3. Moisturizer

The moisturizing effect after shaving protects the skin from drying out and helps to reduce skin irritation. CeraVe is a lightweight, fragrance-free lotion that is hypoallergenic.

CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion

If staying hydrated is important to you, CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion will keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours.

$18.39 at Amazon

4. Plasters and antibacterial ointment

Nicks and cuts are inevitable for first-time razors. Make sure you have a supply of small plasters and a tube of antibacterial ointment to heal any cuts.

$8 at Amazon

$4.64 at Amazon

How to shave your legs

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Shaving down or when skin is dry can cause irritation and damage that no one wants to deal with.

For many of you, shaving may come naturally, but for a new razor, the steps need to be explained simply.

1. Prepare your skin

Soak your legs in warm water and wash them with soap. This will help soften the hair and prevent infection if you get nicks.

2. Apply shaving gel

Only a squirt or two is needed as it foams profusely.

Shaving gel is not required when using the Intuition razor or a similar razor such as the Gillette Venus Comfortglide.

$8.34 at Amazon

$21.79 at Amazon

3. Shaving

Gently shave upwards, against the direction of hair growth, with a light touch. When shaving, apply less pressure around the knees or ankles.

4. Rinse

Rinse skin after shaving to remove excess shaving gel and to ensure you haven’t missed any hairs.

5. Apply moisturizer

Once you get out of the shower and skin is still damp, apply a good amount of lotion to lock in moisture.

Safety tips when shaving

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Be careful when shaving by proceeding cautiously and unhurriedly.

Safety is essential when shaving to prevent your daughter from getting a nick, cut or infection.

Do not share razors. It’s not hygienic and could spread infection.

Throw away razors when they become dull or rusty. Usually after a few shaves, depending on the type of razor. Sharp razors cause fewer nicks.

Be particularly careful around the knees and ankles, as the risk of cuts is higher here. When shaving the knee area, bending your knees will help keep the skin taut.

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