Mama, I want to start waxing. All my friends have started waxing. Of course not you are way too young. I was almost 16 when I started waxing. There is no need right now, you are only 13.
Sounds familiar? If you have a tween/teen there are chances you are already having this conversation or will definitely be heading in that direction.
A lot of parents grapple with when to allow their daughters to start waxing. Some parents believe that the later, the better, thinking their daughters should focus on studies rather than beauty concerns. However, it’s essential to be realistic especially once they hit puberty and understand that denying her the option to wax could have other ramifications.
My daughter was 14 years old when she got waxed for the first time. Like most mothers, I was pushing the inevitable till I could. I knew that once we jumped on the waxing bandwagon there was no turning back for my little one.
Why did we take the plunge finally? Well! Coz she asked me. Till now she hadn’t said anything about the hair on her legs or her arms. But as we planned our trip to the beach with some family friends, she got super nervous. The other girls were waxing and she didn’t want to be teased by the boys. One thing I have understood for years of parenting is that some cues are best taken from our kids. We shouldn’t ignore those. Girls anyway feel self-conscious about their appearances as they enter adolescence.
Girls often discuss matters like body hair, and while they may not be intentionally unkind, such conversations might plant seeds of insecurity about body hair in your daughter’s mind. By allowing her to start waxing and fostering open discussions on the topic, you can help her feel more secure about her choices and body.
Waxing vs Shaving – What’s The Safer Alternative
Let’s break this down
Shaving is one of the easiest and cheapest hair removal methods. They just need a good-quality razor and a light shaving gel or cream. The duration of hair growth after shaving is 2-3 days, and girls may need it after 4-5 days as their hair growth rate is slower than boys.
In contrast, waxing involves pulling hair from the root, resulting in a slower regrowth cycle that typically spans 2-3 weeks. While this approach offers longer-lasting results, it tends to be more uncomfortable, requiring extra caution to ensure that the warm wax is not excessively hot and doesn’t cause burns to the skin.
Pros & Cons Of Waxing
Pros
- It removes tans to a certain extent
- Hair removal lasts up to 2-3 weeks
- Hair feels softer
- The more you pull it out the less likely it will be to grow back over time, waxing weakens the hair follicle unlike shaving which cuts it at the thickest part of the hair shaft therefore growing back thick and prickly.
Cons
- Painful and can cause redness & bumps
- Ingrown hairs can still be a problem. Hair growth can be hindered as skin grows over follicles, trapping hair. To prevent this, exfoliate with mitts or a sea salt/sugar scrub, using circular motions towards the heart, ensuring dead skin removal and averting hair entrapment.
Pros & Cons Of Shaving
Pros
- It is fast and cheap.
- Don’t need any professional training to do it.
- Best for beginners and teenagers
Cons
- Hairs come out fast as razors don’t remove the hair from the roots.
- Cuts and skin bumps may occur if used carelessly.
- The skin may become too dry.
The Hair Removal Method I Tried With My Daughter
My daughter had underarm growth which for hygiene reasons was making her uncomfortable. You can imagine the sweat and odour when the Delhi heat is at its highest. She was about 11 years old and already a little conscious when she wore her sleeveless tops or got into the pool. We got her the Veet Sensitive Touch Expert Trimmer. Precise and easy to handle, it removes hair gently while its cutting blade has no direct contact with the skin, so no fear of cuts. This is only a recommendation based on my own experience with my daughter.
I showed her how to do it a few times and helped her, after which she was able to do it herself. It was only when she turned 13 years old that we tried waxing. It was painful and she cried and it broke my heart. But after that, the clean soft feel and the confidence were worth it.
So with all myths debunked and facts confirmed, choose the option that best suits you. Take your pick for smooth, fuzz-free, and silky skin!
Janani S Koushik
Anusha Veluswamy
Kushal Singhal
