Remedy for dark, thick leg hair on 7 yr old.

Beauty & Fitness Other Beauty & Fitness
21

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. My own daughter did the same thing at the same age. She is a swimmer so she is in a bathing suit a lot. I decided this wasn't a battle worth fighting with her and I didn't want her sneaking around. Instead I showed her the proper way to shave, told her she could do it as she felt necessary. For the first little while she shaved a lot, now it is like cleaning her room. She only does it when she feels it is necessary. It has helped her feelings about herself.

I would talk to her doctor about it. She may have a hormonal issue.

22

I'm going to agree with those who suggested an electric razor or one of those hair removal mitts. ...but stay away from the bleaching solutions. If her hair is very thick or very dark, there is a good chance it will turn orange instead of blonde...especially Sun-in and the other hydrogen peroxide solutions!

...another thing I would point out is that girls at that age...and for MANY more years...are going to tease other girls. At the moment at least, they are teasing her about something that's a minor physical characteristic AND one that she'll be able to change quite easily when she's a bit older (actually old enough to shave). However, I'm concerned that if you take away this target for the other girls, they will find something else to tease her about...and the next one they pick may be something she (or you) can't change!

Seems to me that this is what people call a "teachable moment"...and if you allow her to start shaving, what you're teaching her is that it is a good idea to change yourself to "fit in". Instead, if you can use this particular problem to teach her to be happy being herself, you'll both benefit in the long run!

I'm speaking from experience...my arm hair was a lot thicker and darker than other kids and I was teased a bit...and when I started wearing long sleeves to cover it up all the time, they started in on my nose (too big), my feet (too big) and the way I talked (too fast). I can virtually guarantee you that no matter how beautiful your daughter is, if the other girls want to tease her, they are going to find something about her to pick on. Right now, excessive leg hair may seem like a big deal, but I can assure you that they can find something a lot bigger and lot less easier to deal with if you take away this target for teasing! One girl in my son's class (first grade) was teased a LOT for being so much taller than the other girls...and at seven she was already starting to slump to hide her height.

In short, I think the best solution is NOT to let her start shaving...it is to help her understand that some people just like picking on other people and that it is a bad idea to let people like that influence the things you do or the way you feel about yourself!

23

Lennie,

I really think you should let your darling daughter start to shave her legs. This is obviously a highly emotional issue for her. It is MUCH better for her to be singled out for having shaved legs (or you, for being her mom, if such a thing happens) than for her to develop a deep-seated psychological complex based on feeling unattractive, perhaps "ugly" and/or continuing to receive criticism from other kids (not that they are right, but you cannot control the actions of others - especially kids, who do not realize how hurtful their taunts can be!)

The fact is that ALL people develop at different rates. Your daughter is showing signs of puberty. Some little girls are beginning to develop breasts at seven. Children of both sexes are beginning to experience feelings that are the beginnings of sexual urges at this age, and younger. I know that it is difficult to see you dear daughter "growing up" faster than you would like, but the reality check is that she will not "grow out of the desire" to shave because in our society thick, dark leg hair is not considered attractive on females. I personally think bleaching will be more trouble than the benefit she will derive. The chemicals cannot be safe for prolonged use and seem more problematic than learning to use a razor appropriately. There are very safe ways for her to shave - an electric razor is a start if you think she cannot handle a safety razor. Venus makes safety razors that are extremely safe and easy to hold (in fact, I now use one after seeing it recommended for young girls on Mamasource, and I can't imagine how anyone of any age could cut oneself with a Venus razor.)

The KEY is to teach children from very early ages to behave modestly, to protect their bodies and keep them exclusive, and to always conduct themselves appropriately for their surroundings (i.e. casual and relaxed is great at home, but respectful and polite behavior should be expected when kids are outside the home.) WHATEVER you teach them at home is the basis for their behavior when they are away from you. The fact that your daughter shaves her legs to reinforce her self-esteem will not have any bearing on her developing an interest in boys any earlier, nor will it promote her to act in unbecoming ways (if you are having either of those fears.)

Warmly,
Karen

P.S. - The first scripture below may NOT be one to share with your daughter (although maybe?!) because it speaks to what that society felt was a mark of beauty! :) The other passages about hair and our bodies are good for thought, too:

Song of Solomon 4:1 - [ Solomon's Love Expressed ] "How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; Your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead."

Matthew 5:36 - "Don't even swear by your own head, because you cannot make one hair on your head become white or black."

Luke 12:7 - Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."

Romans 12: 1-2 - "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."

1 Peter 3:3-4 - "Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."

24

A friend told me that if you lightly rub the hair with a soft pumice in the shower it will thin the hair. Her family is Indian and they do this to the babies... she hardly has any hair on her arms and legs.

25

hi im a home mom my self have three children two girls 10 and 5 and my son is the oldest 17 but enyways i think u should by her nair but if u are not ready for that then just dye her legs if u have enymore questions just email me at [email protected]

26

One of my daughters had a similar situation. She started shaving at age 10 because of her dark hair. Kids will tease and be hurtful. I choose to let my daughter start shaving before it became an issue. It was a tough choice but I have not regrets now (she is 12). In the beginning, I was the one who shaved her legs. When she got used to using the razor, then she started shaving on her own. I did also discuss the excessive hair with her doctor who told me about a simple blood test that checks hormone levels. It turned out to be negative which was good. Her doctor said it was simply a genetic thing and cosmetic. In my situation, I felt it was important to have my daughter feel good about herself. Some girls just start shaving earlier than others and that is all there is to it. Good luck in your decision.

27

Hi Lennie,

Like others, I went through this same thing- and what is bad is that my hair wasn't even dark- it was light blonde! But kids will be cruel and since that was something that made me different-from everyone else they made fun. I was in the 6th grade when it got really bad- and I begged and begged my Mom to let me shave! When she did let me I felt like a million bucks! I had gotten to where I wouldn't wear shorts or skirts- I just didn't want to deal with it...I remember how upset it made me.
In my opinion- kids will make fun- but if your daughter wants to do this to make her feel better- I do not think it would be the end of the world....She is young, but her self confidence is very important- I am sure it is more than just wanting to fit in.

Hope this helps :)

28

Hi Lenny, as I read your request I had flashbacks of my childhood. By the time I was in fifth grade I had a lot of dark hair on my arms and legs and I too was very shy,and although I don't remember getting ridicule about it I was very self concious of it and hated bathing suits, shorts, skirts, etc. So one day my friend and I (she had the same problem) decided to shave our arms & legs of course without permission, and the results were that we had to wear long sleeves t-shirts and jeans all summer so our moms would not find out. I know it was stupid and although I now laugh about it at the time is was very important for me to look 'normal'. When you are young you don't want to be singled out as different, specially if you are already shy the last thing you want is negative attention. So please take in consideration her feelings and let her shave it won't kill her and it will probably help her feel better about her self.
Having said that, tell her that we are all different and develop at different rates, those kids who pick on her probably have issues with themselves and that is why they feel the need to pick on someone else, show her to stand up for her self and how to respond. When you are shy is easy to become the target for jokes since you are the quiet one that won't speak up. You should worry more about building up her self steem then about whether she shaves her legs or not, after all she can always do something about the hair but a damaged self steem is harder to fix.

29

Wow. 7 is pretty young to start shaving her legs. But, if you do decide to go that route, my mom made me start with an electric razor. It won't cut you at all. You would have to look for one, but they would still be around. You could also try the creams that you use in the shower that make the hair fall off? I don't know anything about them, nor how they would affect a 7 year old. Otherwise, you will just have to continue to try to teach her to accept herself as she is. I feel for you and her! Kids can be sooo cruel.

30

I know this will sound strange. Try using Nadas. It is very similuar to waxing, but Nadas is sugar based and is applied cold. I hate shavingmy legs and waxing left them very itch and feeling burnt, but Nadas is different. It will thin out the hair and yes, did does remove some by the folics so that the hair will never regrow. I only do my legs now about once a year usually late spring. It does grow back within about 6 weeks for me, but it is so thin now that it does not bother me.

31

I would stay away from the bleaches and products like nair and even nadas. Nair can easily irritate and burn the skin. Nadas is better; but still...waxing isn't exactly pain free. I would suggest, because of her age, the mittens to remove hair or purchasing an electric razor. My heart goes out to you and your daughter.

32

Hello! I've read alot of the other post and although 7 is very young to start shaving--it's obviously causing more damage psychologically not shaving. I myself had to beg my mother and since my hair was blonde, she told be I would have to wait until my hair got darker--I'm 37, I'd still be waiting. Regardless, if the hair is dark or blonde, if it's that thick--kids will be cruel. I definitely would stay away from the cremes and the "real" razor at this age--they make some really safe electric razors that can be used in the shower or dry. Don't worry about what if everyone else thinks she's too young--do what's best for her. Good luck.

33

Lennie, you've recevied a lot of good responses but I can personally relate and must share my story. I am a very hair girl (I think I probably should have been a boy! lol). I had very hair legs, arms, and a lot of hair on my face. I had the classic "uni-brow" (they eyebrow that goes all the way across). And of course it was dark hair and very visible. I remember being teased about the dark hair on my upper lip even after college. The teasing was non stop. I attended a catholic school and we had to wear skirts so I could never hide the hair. I remember how I would never wear the short ankle socks to school or during PE because of the teasing. It is hard to deal with something that you have no control of. I can't change the genetics makeup of my hairy body, but I had to deal with the psychological impact and the wondering "why me".

Please let your daughter shave her legs. Life is too stressful for kids these days to be teased about hairy legs. I wanted to write so you will keep an eye out for the rest of her body as she matures. Because today they tease her about her legs and then tomorrow it may be about her hairy arms or upper lip. Anyway, if she does get excessive hair on her arms, use clippers to thin it out. This is what I do and still do it today. Hey, its a fact of life, hair grows and needs to be trimmed. And for the lip and eyebrows, when she's older, teach her the right way to pluck her brows with tweezers and some of these other solutions such as bleaching or waxing for the lip. Please, don't let your daughter suffer through these issues. Life is too short!

34

Hi Lennie,
My ten year old was the same way, so I bought her some Nair. They also have Neat and other products that are safe where she doesn't have to shave, but it does remove the hair.
Thanks,
TamRa

35

I would suggest researching any non chemical ways to either get rid of the hair or thin it out. A few were mentioned like the pumice which thins and oxygenated water.

There are some lotions on the market that also thin hair, but do not have all the chemicals that Nair or Neet have.

Since it is a real big problem you may want to look into laser hair removal. This is a permanent solution. i would consider having the treatment done on the knee down.

Also her pediatrician may have some ideas.

Good luck I'm sure you will find something that works for you!

36

Hi Lennie,

I have only a 2-year-old son, so I have not had to deal with this issue personally, but if she is going behind your back to shave then you should probably help her fix the problem. I agree that she's kinda young for shaving, I think I was allowed to start at 10 or 11. Hair removal cream is a good option to shaving.

Avon makes a hair removal lotion, it's Skin So Soft Hair Removal Cream —New 2.5-minute formula removes unwanted hair, exfoliates and softens in one easy step. Provides longer-lasting smoothness, a noticeable decrease in hair regrowth and softer, finer hair compared to shaving.
Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth is a line of hair removal products that provide effective moisturization, and contain Skin So Soft Smoothing Complex, a blend of soy protein, witch hazel and willow bark to leave hair less visible, softer and finer so skin stays smoother longer. They feature a fresh floral scent.
I am an Avon Independent Sales Representative.
The information above is from my Avon website.

If are interested in trying this product for your daughter or yourself here's my info:

Wendy Bierschenk
Avon Independent Sales Representative
(512)775-9744
[email protected]
www.youravon.com/wbierschenk

Thanks and Good Luck,
Wendy:)

37

Hi Lennie, I am a hairy girl too. After much anguish my mom let me shave the summer I was 7. I do remember how happy I was when my legs were smooth and my brother finally quit calling me "gorilla legs". I also remember my mom sitting in the bathroom and laughing with her as she showed me how to shave and watching all that hair go down the drain. I don't remember it being a big deal after that, and I don't remember having any problems with it after learning to shave. Good luck, just FYI the hair bleaches sting and can burn the skin, and they only last a few weeks on me, then the hair is right back to it's original color. Let her shave.

38

It's now 2012 and I have the same issue with my 8yr old. Not alot of hair but it is dark and no one in her class has that dark of hair on their legs. I never had that issue as I am a blonde. Her father is Italian and she is just so upset with the dark leg hair. I read so many of the posts and I agree that this could be a real issue of self esteem later so I want to nip this quick. Is there a better solution now to safely dye the hair first and then down the road if it's too much to keep up , get rid of it...? Please update. Thank you!

39

Have her use nair or shave. There’s no reason to keep her feeling badly about her legs. There’s a remedy …lose the hair. Life s too hard and people are too mean to put an age on when the hair is ok to go. Maybe have her legs waxed. My Italian neighbor told me the girls wax their legs very early in Italy bc of dark thick hair.

40

Hi ladies! I wanted to update you about what ended up happening with my 7 yr. old daughter. We were going to try Smoothaway , an online product, but decided to wait on that and, instead, purchased Veet. Some of you recommended it and I researched it and found that it would be safe if I administered it and only from the knees down leaving it on for no more than 5 minutes. After the first time we did it she was laughing and smiling and she looked at me so seriously and said, “Oh mommy, it’s like God gave me new legs!” I just cried. She said, “Why are you crying, aren’t you happy too?” I just hugged her and said, “Yes sweetie, I’m so happy that I’m crying.” Thanks again to all of you wonderful moms for being so sincere with your responses. God bless, L.