Between the ages of 9–13, it’s normal for girls to start puberty— a stage of maturity of the body, which may include the development of hormonal acne, breasts, and body hair. Body hair is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of—it’s part of growing up.
But this newfound maturation also means deciding what to do about your hair: Do you just leave it there, or do you remove it? The choice is up to you, but here are some options to consider, especially if you’re thinking about shaving.
Body Decisions
As your body is maturing, you will begin to notice thicker hair on your legs, under arms, and in your genital area. Although societal norms expect woman to remove body hair, it is completely okay if you decide not to remove your hair. If it’s easier for you not to shave or wax, then do not feel pressured.
Consider shaving as somewhat of a fashion trend. In fact, shaving did not become popular in America until the 1920s when woman started to show more skin by wearing sleeveless dresses, according to the Mental Floss. It wasn’t until Harper’s Bazaar declared in order for women to wear sleeveless dresses, they must first have “the removal of objectionable hair.” Thus, the trend of smooth skin for woman was born.
Shaving
If you have decided you want to shave, and you’re completely unsure where to start, talk to your parents or an older female that you feel comfortable asking for guidance.
When shopping for razors, keep in mind to pick quality over quantity. For beginners, it’s important to choose one or a few nice razors over a large pack of cheap razors. With disposable or cheap razors, you are more likely to get cuts on your skin, and it is sometimes more difficult to remove all of the hair (plus you’ll have to replace them more frequently, and those costs can add up!).
How to Shave
When buying your razor, check to see if it has a moisturizer strip. The strip is usually colorful, located at the tip of the razor and is used to soften the skin in order to make it easier to shave. If you have a moisturizer strip, shaving cream is optional. If your razor does not have a moisturizer strip, I highly recommend using shaving cream.
First, dampen the area with water. You could pat down the area using a washcloth, but most women prefer to shave in the shower. Apply a thin layer of shaving cream on the area if necessary. Lightly glide the razor against the area. Do not apply too much pressure when shaving, otherwise you may accidently cut yourself.
To clean the leftover hair on the razor, put the razor under running water and tap it against a hard surface. Never use your fingers to clean the razor or touch the blade, because you will hurt yourself. Wash your skin to get rid of leftover hair or shaving cream.
If you need someone to help you go shopping for razors or still have questions about shaving, ask a parent before attempting anything yourself. It’s always better to ask questions, rather than accidentally hurting yourself.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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