I was in sixth grade when my holiday gift haul included an electric razor. Unlike some of my friends, I hadn’t yet been teased about my leg hair — one friend was horribly embarrassed when a boy commented that her legs were hairier than his!
Is there a right time to start shaving your legs? Really, it’s different for every girl. Some things to consider:
- Do YOU feel self-conscious about your body hair?
- Is the hair on your legs thick and dark, or light and fine?
- Are other people making you feel self-conscious about body hair?
- The earlier you start shaving, the longer you’re going to have to keep it up.
Not everyone is ready to shave their legs at the same age. Some girls start at the age of nine; some girls don’t get started until high school. I had a friend who only ever shaved up to her knees because the hair on her thighs was light and fine enough that it barely showed. I tend to shave below the knee twice as often as I shave my thighs for two reasons — the hair above IS finer, and I don’t often wear anything that shows my legs above the knee (the only thing I can think of is a bathing suit).
What it really comes down to is your comfort level. If you’re thinking about it, if you’re curious to give it a try, if you’re worried about the amount of hair on your legs… you are probably ready. Try not to feel like you HAVE to start shaving just because friends or classmates are doing it if you aren’t ready.
My mom started me off with an electric razor so I could learn the basics without the risk of cutting myself. Of course, I nicked my ankles plenty of times once I switched to a disposable razor!
If you’re ready to get started, grab a friend or family member who shaves, your razors, and your bathing suits. Sit on the edge of the tub together and watch your friend/sister/aunt/mother so you can see how it’s done. Here’s a trick to help things go smoothly — instead of soaping your legs before shaving, use conditioner. I find it makes shaving nice and easy!