There's really no right or wrong age for kids to begin shaving. It all depends on when their body changes and their interest level. For instance, some girls start puberty as young as age 8 or 9, while boys start puberty a little later.
The earliest age to start puberty for girls is eight years old. That means axillary (underarm) hair, pubic hair, breast development, body odor, and mild acne is normal in eight-year-olds is normal.
As for what the correct age to start hair removal practices is, Dr Altaf believes that this is an individual choice, there are no guidelines. Dr Desale suggests: “The correct age to start hair removal for boys is 12 years and above and for girls 11 to 14 years (when puberty is achieved).”
Also, she'll need some instruction on shaving her armpits. Explain to her that she'll follow the same process as with her legs. Then go ahead and leave the bathroom, so that she can try this out on her own. You might also encourage her to shave her armpits in the shower, where it's easier and more convenient.
“There is no right or certain age to start shaving,” said Rashell Orey, a licensed master social worker at Banner Health. “Some may be eager to start very early, while for others, this could be a scary thought. It's a conversation that you'll need to discuss with them.”
There's no set time for girls to begin shaving. You can start shaving when you feel you have enough hair growth on your legs and/or armpits to shave it off.
Armpit hair, also referred to as axillary hair, gets its start from puberty. Around ages 10–12 for females and 11–14 for males, the pituitary gland triggers a group of hormones called androgens in the ovaries and testicles.
Shaving anywhere on the body, including arms and armpits, comes with the potential for ingrown hairs, razor burn, and skin irritation. If you exfoliate and lubricate the delicate skin of the arms and armpits, you're less likely to experience irritation associated with shaving.
There's really no right or wrong age for kids to begin shaving. It all depends on when their body changes and their interest level. For instance, some girls start puberty as young as age 8 or 9, while boys start puberty a little later.
It helps to regulate body temperature by trapping heat and sweat, and it also acts as a barrier against bacteria. In terms of hygiene, underarm hair is not necessarily unsanitary. Nevertheless, many people still choose to remove their underarm hair, for cosmetic or hygienic reasons.
It reduces body odor
But it is a fact that removing your underarm hair stops a lot of odor at the source. It even helps soaps to absorb better through the skin when your underarm hair is removed. Underarm hair is biologically intended to protect the sensitive skin in your armpits.
Generally, the first major signs of puberty are getting taller and the beginning of breast changes. Rapid changes in a girl's height happen later. Pubic hair often appears next, followed by the beginning of menstrual periods, full breast maturity, and the release of eggs from the ovary every month (ovulation).
Higher total protein, animal protein and meat intake in children ages 3 to 7 have been associated with earlier onset of menstruation. High protein intake elevates IGF-1 levels and promotes growth, which could accelerate the onset of puberty.
Just like how body hair grows back at different rates for different people, the hair on various areas of your body also can grow back at different speeds. For example, armpit hair generally grows back 50 percent quicker than the hair on our legs.
No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out. During this phase, the hair might be more noticeable and perhaps appear darker or thicker.
Dark areas of skin may occur when pigment cells in the skin multiply faster than usual. This can occur as a result of repeated hair removal. Regularly shaving the underarms can lead to excessive production of pigment cells.
Hormonal basis
It is normal for production of these hormones to increase (something we call adrenarche) and for pubic hair to appear after age 8 in girls or 9 in boys. The reason why this increase occurs earlier in some children is not known.
Armpit hair is self-explanatory. Any amount will do. At this point, a girl will probably start her periods within 3-6 months, if she hasn't already. It also occurs right after the growth spurt of adolescence.
Most girls will begin to start showing an interest in shaving their legs when they hit puberty. These days, puberty can start as young as eight or nine, but for most girls, it begins any time between the age of 10 and 14.
Using a razor to get rid of dark hairs at that age may set her up for nicks, infections, bleeding or scabbing. It may also cause a post razor burn. It would be wise to wait until she is older--close to about 10 or 11 years. Even at that age the first few shaves should be supervised.