When your daughter may want to start shaving—and what she’ll need
Help her get a close shave and avoid nicks
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Reviewed / Gillette / Neosporin / Getty Images / Yuri_Arcurs / Band-Aid / CeraVe
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Discussing shaving with your daughter doesn’t need to be a “hairy” situation. Introducing the topic of shaving is a great opportunity for an open discussion about gender norms and beauty standards. Body hair is normal, and shaving comes down to personal preference. If your daughter decides to begin shaving her legs, she will need your guidance.
When do girls start shaving their legs?
Shaving often begins when puberty does.
Many girls show an interest and begin shaving their legs around the middle school years, when puberty often begins.
Shaving is a personal decision, not a developmental milestone. The decision comes down to body changes and her personal interest in shaving her legs.
Your daughter may be eager to start shaving, or she may be more nervous about it. Some girls will be interested in shaving their legs as young as 10 or 11, and others may not be ready until their later teen years.
What she’ll need to start shaving
Many of these items may already be located in your medicine cabinet if you're someone who shaves often.
When your daughter is ready to begin shaving her legs, she will need the right tools. Luckily, not much is required for a good shave, but a few helpful items will make the learning process easier.
1. Razor
Disposables or a reusable razor with replaceable cartridges both work well. The Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl is our favorite, though there are many great razor options available.
This premium razor offers a smooth glide as you shave your legs, so no need to worry about nicks and cuts.
2. Shave gel
For a close shave and to reduce razor burn, shave gel is a must. Plus it makes identifying areas that have already been shaved easier.
The Gillette Satin Care shaving cream is dye- and frangrance-free, which makes it a go-to option for those with sensitive skin.
The Schick Intuition Razor has shave cream built-in, which may be simpler for new shavers.
There’s no need for extra shaving cream with the Schick Intuition Razor thanks to the built-in moisturizing bar with organic cocoa butter.
3. Moisturizer
Moisturizing post-shave protects the skin from getting dry and helps reduce skin irritation. CeraVe is a light, unscented lotion that’s hypoallergenic.
If maintaining moisture is your main concern, CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion will give your skin 24 hours of hydration.
4. Band-aids and antibacterial ointment
Nicks and cuts are inevitable for first-time shavers. Make sure to have a stash of small Band-aids and a tube of antibacterial ointment on hand to help heal any cuts.
How to shave legs
Shaving downward or with dry skin can cause irritation and damage that no one wants to deal with.
Shaving may be second nature to many of you, but a new shaver will need the steps laid out for them in a simple way.
1. Prep your skin
Soak your legs in warm water and wash them with soap. This helps to soften the hair and avoid infection if you get any nicks.
2. Apply shave gel
Only a squirt or two is needed, as it foams up significantly.
No shave gel is needed if using the intuition razor or a similar one, such as the Gillette Venus Comfortglide.
3. Shave
Gently shave upwards—against the direction of the hair growth—with a light touch. Use less pressure when shaving around the knees or ankles.
4. Rinse
Rinse the skin after shaving to remove any excess shave gel, and to check that you didn’t miss any hairs.
5. Apply moisturizer
Once out of the shower, and while the skin is still damp, apply a good amount of lotion to lock in moisture.
Shaving safety tips
Be sure to practice caution while shaving by working carefully and not rushing.
Safety is essential when shaving to help prevent your daughter from getting nicks, cuts, or an infection.
Don’t share razors. It’s not sanitary and could spread infections.
Throw razors away once they get dull or rusty; usually after a few shaves depending on the type of razor. Sharp razors cause fewer nicks.
Take extra caution around the knees and ankles because these areas are more likely to get nicked. When shaving around the knees, it helps to bend the knees to keep the skin taut.
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