Which Hair Removal Method Should I Use?

Which Hair Removal Method Should I Use?

Our expert: Dr. Cara Natterson

Our resident expert on all things girls. She’s a board certified pediatrician, author of the best-selling book series The Care and Keeping of You, and travels the country speaking about health and wellness issues to both kids and parents.

Do you have a recommendation for hair removal from legs and underarms for a young lady who has just started her period?

 

Hair removal is a really personal choice. Some girls are more comfortable with a little bit of extra hair while others are grossed out. Both sets of feelings are totally fine – there is no right answer here. But before you take matters into your own hands, have a conversation with your mom or an adult you trust. Think about why you want to remove it. And once you do, think through how quickly it will grow back. Shaving is a quick fix but the hair grows back pretty rapidly, so you will need to do it fairly regularly. There are safety issues, too, like always using a clean razor or, if you opt for waxing, using wax that’s not so hot it could burn or going to a salon that’s clean. Girls ask about laser all the time – my opinion is that until your body is fully grown and developed, permanent treatments of almost any sort are not advisable.

In other words: wait until you are older. And remember that you don’t have to do anything about hair if you don’t want to. Hair removal is largely based in cultural norms, and if you come from a family that’s comfortable with a little extra hair around that’s perfectly okay.

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