Daughter Now Having to Shave Legs Need Suggestions About Hair Removal Creams

Get her an Intuition razor. It is quick (because the cream is built in) and my 10 year old never cuts herself.

My daughter is 8 and is shaving her armpits with a razor. She has dark hairs and is aware of them. She is on a swim team and is in her bathing suit all the time. I showed her how to and we have not had any problems wih the razor. Good luck. I am not ready for the legs yet. UGHHHH

I personally do not like these creams, so I did start my daughter on an electric razor. If she really does not want to use that, I'd go for the razors with wide head and have 3 blades, these are great for young girls and much less likely to cut:)

Schick Intuition at RazorsDirect.com

Buy Gillette Venus Vibrance, Razor for Women with Soothing Vibrations Online at drugstore.com

J.,

I also sent you a private message but after reading some of the responses felt compelled to make sure everyone understands the options available and the safety of each. I am a licensed Aesthtician, have taught the subject & have worked with doctors since 1987. I am not giving my opinion, just facts on various methods of hair removal.

-The creams contain a lot of chemicals with no long term studies about the health affects on children, I would not want to see these chemicals put anywhere near lymph nodes

-Razors can be dangerous but they do make the safety ones as well as cordless ones that are recharged and some can even get wet that way you don't have to fear electrocution. It is an ongoing battle that will take practice

-Waxing will allow hair to come in without the blunt edge that many think is "thicker hair regrowth", on the down side, it is very hard to insure that the wax has not been misused & cross contaminated by anyone working at that particular spa/salon. Don't be fooled by fancy names, I've seen some of those who are supposed to be the most elite double dip, although some find it painful on the upside it can last a month, unfortunately you have to let hair grow in to pull it back out. This can safely be done anywhere as long as it's not been contaminated.

I have seen some very scary things. There are some things every woman should think about every time they have waxing done. Herpes does not discriminate, simplex 1 versus simplex 2, a cold sore is contagious, the virus is stored in your body & can come back out at any time of physical or emotional stress, lip waxing is very common and many practitioners do not even wear gloves when they're supposed to, other areas of your body can be affected. The other is Hep B which is not killed if the wax is not heated to a high enough temperature (not that it's OK for any blood/body fluids to be present in the wax)

-IPL (Intense Pulse Light) doesn't offer very good long term results in my opinion, I haven't seen more then a few. I also ended up with a serious infection in my leg due to a malfunction. It cooks you from the inside out like a microwave

-LASER although more permanent there are no long term studies with children

-Threading is very dependent on technique which is difficult for the average person

I hope this has raised the awareness of how vulnerable we are while in the hands of others. Also, most hair removal methods will cause skin to become more photosensitive so always insist on sunblock. I know this is a personal decision but it is difficult for kids today anyway and there are much bigger battles. If there is any reason why you think the hair is too soon for her age then it's always good to have an endocrinologist rule out any hormonal imbalances but other then that all you can do is arm yourself with knowledge.

Wow, its a big deal when your little girl starts shaving her leg's. I would recommend doing the following things. I absolutely love Veet, however you're right it can leave a kind of chemical smell. 1.) Have your daughter use try using a sugar scrub prior to shaving, this will make the skin feel smoother.

I work in the chemical industry, and what you need is a neutralizer for the "acid", or acidic smell. 2.) Try using an oldie but goodie Jean Nate after bath splash. It smells good and clean and will seal the pores on ther body. It removes the smell for me.

You can also use a little baking soda after using Veet. When using the baking soda try about 1-2 tablespoons depending on the area to be covered, in a hot shower. Its gentle and effective. Good Luck.

Hello, JenniferM.
I am a Mom and a Chemist. Products like Veet or other depilatories are alkaline based. These alkaline products can have a strong lingering odor during use and afterwards. On a teenager, the odor can be more pronounced just simply because your daughter is a teeanger. Your daughter is in a period of her life when body odor itself can be a problem. My suggestion is to wash this depilatory off as thoroughly as she can. Drain this water, if taking a bath. Fill the tub again with clean water and put baking soda (Arm & Hammer) in the water and wash again--even soak for a few minutes. Baking soda acts as a neutralizer. Baking soda will neutralize the depilatory and address the odor. It is also good for other things. You can even put a little vinegar in the water. Vinegar is acidic and will also neutralize the alkalinity of the depilatory. I would start with the baking soda first. I hope this helps.

A. Harkness
President, R&D Chemist
www.alysamari.net

I commend you for allowing your daughter to start shaving her legs. I had the worst time when i wanted to and my Mom did not want me too. i finally did it without her knowing. Ido not think it should be that big of a deal...if they need to , they need to be allowed to do it. Kids have enough to gothrough growingup now days without being teased about somethingthat canbe corrected.
My little granddaughter is eight and her mom (my daughter) started shaving her legs at 7. She is olive skinned like her dad and has black coarse hair. She shaves her arms too because they are so hairy she was getting teased very bad about it.
she uses the razor and it works great....she uses a skin-so-soft cream from Avon. I am proud of you for handling it this way..
L.

I know I'm a little late, but when I was really young, I used to get teased from hairy legs - well before any of my classmates shaved because of my very pale skin and very dark black hair. My mom let me start shaving my legs when I was in 2nd grade - years before I had any hair anywhere else.
We talked about it for a while before I actually started shaving - explained to me that once I started - I would have to keep it up.
She bought me an electric razor and showed me how to use it and then when I was older - the disposable razor.
It was great that she let me make that decision at such a young age and I was able to go to her with any questions.
Many of the other parents gave her an attitude about it, but she stood by her decision to support me.
Kids can be horrible and I probably would have found a way to shave even if she had said no. So please if any of your kids are getting tormented and they want to shave - help them.

It appears you received many great responses, so hopefully one of the brands suggested will work well for your daughter. however, I wanted to add that I would also suggest definitely staying away from the creams, as the ingredients are toxic and not safe when absorbed. Our bodies are already hit with so many toxins, many of which we have no control over. So, when we can control them, we should in hopes of avoiding disease. There is an awesome website, ewg.org, which provides lots of valuable information. My favorite part of the site is where you can type in just about any "beauty" product and it will tell you what is in it and what is safe or not safe, and why, with research to back it up.
Also, a big reason our girls are maturing so quickly is due to the added growth hormones and chemicals given to cattle and chickens, which then gets into our meat, eggs, milk, and all milk products. For anyone reading this with young children, I would suggest buying and comsuming only organic meats, eggs, and milk products that do not contain hormones or other chemicals.

Best of luck with the shaving! It's great your daughter has a friend in her mother to turn to!!!

About me: I am a 41 year old stay at home mom with one daughter, who is a true miracle for us. She will be beginning kindergarten in a few weeks, so I'm presently trying to prepare myself for such a change. We are together 24/7, so it will be a difficult adjustment, but am also looking forward to her beginning school.

I realize you already got your answer on this one but I wanted to put my two cents in anyway. =)

I just wanted to say that I agree with the other mom who advised shaving above the knees! Definitely do NOT let her do that. Way too much shaving and it only gets worse.

Good luck!

Side note: I shave with hair conditioner. It was a waste for me to spend my money on gels that did not work. I also use Veet for the bikini area... that works excellent and I have not had any problems with it. When I was younger, I tried Nair. My hair came out but my skin also came with it... it was gross. Teenage skin is something that needs extra TLC. =)

J.,
My daughter is 11 and going into the 6th grade. Her legs were very hary. So I had to have her start shaving last summer before 5th grade. We went and purchased an electric shaver that could be used dry or wet. the first couple of times she was nervous so I did it for her and the 2nd time (I was not at home) daddy had to help (LOL I laughed at the thought of the sight). then she took over, at first dry shaving, and then she went to the tub herself and figured out it was much easier to shave in the tub and she got a closer shave. We have gone through 3 shavers, but they were only $20. This summer I shaved her legs with a razor for the first time. We were out of town and she forgot her razor. I shaved one leg and I watched her shave the other. She said she was not ready to do that on her own with the razor so she wanted me to help her 1 time a week and the rest she would keep it up with the electric. So she shaves 2-3 days a week with her electirc and on Sundays we shave her legs with the big girl razor. Since she has started shaving I cut myself 1 time and walked out into the living room to get the bleeding to stop. It was not bad (just by the ankle bone), but she asked questions and saw the amount of blood. So now she knows that these are not toys and you can cut yourself easily. I also showed her a couple of scars from when I was young shaving. I had told her this is why we were starting off with the electric.

I wish you the best! It is very hard to watch my daughter mature and grow! She is our oldest and only daughter! Can't wait for puberty!! YAY!! LOL!

Have a great day!

My daughter has been is 12 and she has been shaving since she was 10. She uses a Schick Intuition razor with the soap built in. It seems harder to cut yourself with one of these and no chaffing either.

I just wanted to clarify something in an above response. Chicken in the U.S. is not allowed by the FDA to have any hormones. Chickens are sometimes given antibiotics but not hormones.

i would not have suggested to my daughter that she needed to do hair removal so young. i think this is more your issue than it is hers. dont mean to offend you, BUT, allowing our daughters to connect to how they relate to how they think they should respond to their own bodies and their body changes teaches them much more information than does our rushing in and telling them how to be. The world offers plastic images to our daughters. plastic images that do more harm than good. when my daughter started to grow hair on her legs and elsewhere, i waited for her her reactions and responded only to them. she shaved her legs at 14 because she felt ill at ease with having hairy legs when all the other girls had been shaving their legs and been worried about appearing "unappealing" since age 10.
are we still teaching our daughters to be worried about being sex objects for men?, or are we teaching our daughters to be females who honor their own individual identities? my daughter is now a model for photography artists- and while she plays the game, she is completely aware of the fact that what men want from her is often rather tedious and luckily she has the intelligence and humor to recognize that she has the upper hand. think about it.

WOW! It was YOU who decided to have HER shave HER legs how did she feel about that? maybe you should talk to her and see how she feels about it. this is her boby and maybe she feels comfortable with her body the way it is at this time. PEER Persure come from everyone. My olderst daughters are 21yrs.old and 16yrs. old and they started shaving on her own we did talk about the importance being that there is nothing wrong with not shaving there is no age to start only when YOU feel it is time and to also remember once you start the hair will grow back thicker and darker on any part of your body you shave. my youngest daughter is 7yrs.old and she kinda has hairy legs (fine hair nothing thick baby hair) we talked about shaving and i told her that it is normal for LITTLE GIRLS to have hairy legs and she could shave her legs when she is older. how much older? I don't know. i just didn't want her to try anything at this time she still is to young. Razors are scary but im hoping by the time she starts they would come up with something less scary. nair has a bad smell and she has sensitive skin i wouldnt want her trying something to will end up burning her up. Good luck with your daughter.

I know you want to stay away from razors, but Venus is awesome (the older model that's white and turquoise... I guess you could get it in any color, but the razors that go with that one). I always knick myself with any other type of razor. I have been using this type since I was a teenager, and won't try anything else anymore. Something about the way the handle and razors are designed... I have never cut myself with this one. Plus, the stuff like Veet can be harmful. You're not supposed to use it while pregnant even. Just thought I'd share what worked for me as teen... my daughters are two and six months. I have a while to go, and then I'll be contacting you again... Help! What do I do for my pre-teen daughters?!!! ;o)

Good luck!

Try the Venus razor. My daughter loves it.

Mom of 4

J.,

First of all -- Thanks for asking a question .. even though it does not pertain to me at all -- three boys (9 to 6) LOL... but I read it more for myself (yup ... 41 and still learning). I feel that the kids are growing too fast also and I hope ALL OF US MOMS teach our kids -- not to tease and make fun of other kids because of the way they look/talk/whatever..... I know my kids know that -- I will not tolerate it .... I volunteer a lot and I was amazed how many third grade girls are already into make up and jewelry, and looking good .... where are these messages coming from? WE, PARENTS need to do a better job. I was shocked when my son told me that no one wants to be a partner for a girl in his class who was a bit chubby -- are you kidding me? I am just thankful that up till now my kids have behaved the way I would like them too and I only hope and pray that they use good judgement in the future. I try to teach them all the time -- Judge people/friends by how they treat you and others and not how they look. I also tell them that True Friends will like them no matter how they look. They see me going many places without make-up. Proper hygeine is important, but fashion is not. It is sad that a girl that young has to worry about that in today's society.
Take Care

Hi J.,

I started with shaving as a teenager, and didn't like how, since you are bluntly cutting off the hair, it grows back prickly, and with dark hair, you soon have little black spots, so you basically have to shave every day. Shaving also makes the hair get thicker, so the problem tends to get worse over time. I spent some time overseas in my late teens and learned that the teens/young women there wax (Portugal, and sounthern European countries, Iran too). I was afraid at first, but decided to try it and I'll never go back to shaving. Since the hair is removed by the root, a new hair has to grow back, so the end is tapered and not blunt as it grows in. It also takes a lot longer to grow back in, and it grows in thinner, so after numerous waxings, your hair gets lighter and lighter (thinner). You can bring her to a salon to do this (which can be pricey, but it'll last 4-6 weeks) or you can do it yourself. My favorite product is MOOM which is a mixture of lemon juice and honey and other natural ingredients, some with essential oils. It works really well. The mother of one of my roommates in college had her own family recipe which all their girls and relatives used, so it's quite a female/family ritual in some places... I think the best course is to get it done professinally a few times, and if you want to after that, do it yourself, since you'll have seen how it's done. The first time will hurt the worst (which is not too badly), but each successive one will be less painful, and the rewards are great (time saving and smooth).

i use a wet/dry electric razor by remington, they work really nice, and they dont cut either!it saves time too, i can do it right in the shower and be in and out in mins

I am so glad you wrote in...My 9 yo has always always had hairy legs and I've been trying to figure out when to let her start shaving. She's starting to get self-conscious about it now, so reading some of these responses, maybe it's time...maybe she can wait till next summer?

To help your daughter with shaving her legs and making sure she does it well, AVON has come out with a hair shave gel - so it stays on until she shaves it off - it helps to make sure she gets it all.

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=9971&from...

HI,

I see you've gotten lots of responses but I had to add my 2 cents. As someone who had very hairy legs and arms at an early age I started shaving quite young ~ 10 years old. I deeply reqret that decision and eventually turned to waxing. After about 10 years of waxing I have no more hair to wax ... yippee!! It was always very embarrassing to have so much body hair and shaving increased the quantity and thickness forcing me to shave almost every day. I was teased constantly by girls and boys. I strongly recommend that you start waxing now. At your daughter's age she will find that it will take a lot less time and expense to get to that no hair stage if she starts with waxing. There are products at your local beauty salon so you can do it at home although I recommend a few visits to the salon to watch how they do it first. For the last 10 years I have done my own waxing for the remaining spots where I have hair.

Hi-

Just be sure she is careful with depilatory cream.
I once knew a girl who itched her eyebrow while applying it. Half her eyebrow was blank for several weeks after.
Threading is a lot less messy, doesn't smell, inexpensive, more eco-friendly and she can do it at home.
You use common sewing thread.
For more info, Google: Threading techniques hair removal.

-C.

I was her age when I started shaving my legs and mom started me out with her double edged razor because back then they either hadn't come up with disposal safety ones yet or they were just coming out on the market. They bought me an electric one that came with a manacure/pedicure and facical massage kit..The Ladybug Set. I had that from age 13 to 42 when I split from my husband, he kept most of my stuff...but I digress here. I was considered "advanced" by the other girls whose mothers said no to them shaving. When my daughter asked if she could start shaving her legs, I got her some safety razors and taught her how to use them, she was around 12 or 13 at the time. You think they grow up fast now...wait until they to you and tell you they're getting married or that you're going to be a grandma...THAT'S when you go somewhere by yourself and cry a little because you know your baby is really grown up. She is my youngest, but they are all now and forever will be my "babies"...despite the fact they are now 29, 23 and 21, and each with a little one of their own.
Good luck with yours, now if you'll excuse me, think I will go and cry again. :)

I have 4 kids, my 2 oldest daughters are now 18 and 21. I used to work with pediatric endocrinologists at a childrens hospital and their opinion was puberty is occuring sooner in our children these days because our kids are bombarded with not naturally occuring hormones in our food, like milk etc. It may just be evolution, but kids are maturing sooner than they used to. I just tried to roll with it and pick my battles wisely. Regarding shavving, although it is a big step and potentially dangerous, I did not want them to sneak it or hide it from me or be the only girl with hairy legs. It is so important for kids to fit in at this age I figured the benefits out weighed the risks. I did not like the removal creams because they seemed dangerous being a harsh chemical. Gosh... what does it do to the skin if it can dissolve hair? Good call Mom! Go with your gut, it will always steer you in the right direction. Good luck! These years are very adventurous, challenging, but very fun and never ever boring! D.

My daughter is 14 and has shaved for several year, we never used the creams. I buy her shaving cream and blades at costco so she has them when needed. I never keep track of when she shaves, that is her business. (personel business) :)

Is there a particular reason she can't use a regular razor if you show her how to be careful and the proper way to do it? I'm just asking. Have you tried different kinds of Veet? I know they have different smells depending what you get.

Hi J.-

I know I'm coming in a bit late with my answer, but I just went through the same thing with my 11 year old daughter...my mom suggested an electric shaver...which you can get at walmart or kmart...and its relatively cheap (about $18). It doesn't make them smooth, but they aren't used to smooth and it is safe and no smell. :)

J.;

I am so glad you got your responses... I did not see this one, or I would have had my suggestion.

I am so happy you decided on a razor - the creams are indeed convenient; however I have been burned by them, had allergic breakouts and it honestly scares me as I know there is nothing natural about something burning your hair off. (what we place on the skin only takes 20 minutes to get into our body.).

I had a few cuts on the beginning of learning the razor - perhaps note extra caution around the ankles and knees (as I still have my issues when going too fast to this day!)

My son is practicing with dad on the weekends as I found a play kit with all the trimmings in them. Dad takes his time showing him just what to do with the razor and dipping it in the sink...

It's unbelievable how fast they grow up...

Personally I like VEET. Razorless, nice smelling, easy to use.

Hi J.,
My name is L. and my daughter is 11 and has been shaving since Christmas. I bought her a razor by Schick that has 10 thin metal strips that come down over the blade. It works very well for her and I started with that same style razor.

I hope this helps. Me myself I was against the creams.

L.

did anyone suggest an electric razor? they make them really cool for young girls. they DO NOT cut the skin and best of all i think those smelly creams are not healty to use as they are all chemicals.

my daughter just turned 11 and has been asking to shave. i told her when the time comes that i would get her an electric shaver.......thought she was too young, but i must be wrong b/c i'm hearing more and more about her age and the shaving of the legs thing.
C. b

The gross smell that comes from all of the hair removal creams is the chemical that actually removes the hair! It's very strong and difficult to mask. Without the chemical, the stuff wouldn't work. You will not be able to find one that doesn't smell. Even if it says it doesn't smell; believe me, it will. If it were my daughter, I would show her how to shave. With the right blade, she should be just fine! And most of the girl shaving creams smell really nice! Right now, I have a watermelon one! Raspberry is nice too!

Unless she really has too, and it sounds like she might, no shaving above the knees! Best grooming advice my mom ever gave me! Or is it too late...? -S

11-12 is normal to get periods and has been for a long time, Im surprised you waited this long to teach her to shave. I started at 10. learning to ahaved with a razor is really important. I would try the intuition. no cream

I'm sorry i missed this one, but i guess i behind the times, i really didn't realize that our girls are having to shave so early in their lives. Is this more a need or want? I'm african american, my daughter is now 15 and just inquired about shaving, actually she had shaved before even discussing with me, i just happened to notice one day. I believe it was her legs, now she's not that hairy, and i'm not sure if this is yeat another one of those fads. My neice is 16 now, but she is very hairy and started shaving at maybe 14, her legs. I don't know it's just kinda scary to me that our babies are shaving at 9, 19, 11..Maybe i'm just not with the times, but they are growin gup way 2 fast for me..Good luck, some very good advice given. I shave under arms, and sometimes the female area, but only if i'm wearing a bathing suit, and i'm not very hairy.

You can use a "personal trimmer" or "bikini trimmer" that is almost like a mini hair clipper. It is almost impossible to cut yourself with the thing and it doesn't cut so close that the stubble is likely to irritate the arm area. I have a nine year old daughter with dark hair and we use this method. She is Mexican-American so the hair is obvious and she is early to mature also. The trimmer could also work on the legs with no water, shaving cream, fuss or danger of cutting the kid.

H.

Glad you got the responses you needed. My husband and I have full custody of his 15 y/o daughter and 11 y/o daughter. The 15 y/o did not start shaving until she was 13 and started with an electric razor. The 11 y/o started at 10 and wanted to use Veet. She now switches back and forth between Veet and a razor and shave gel. I thought 10 was rather early, but I look at my own daughter, who is 6 and I'm already thinking she needs to shave. Her dad/my ex (and many of the members of his family) are extremely hairy...and it's dark, coarse, hair. She unfortunately has inherited this and at 6 is already dealing with the comments of other little girls (including my stepdaughters) about her "looking like a cave woman" or a "wooly mammoth". She tells them to mind their own business and she likes her legs the way they are right now, but I know soon that will change.

you may want to check out the nair line. they have added many different types of hair removal cream. from normal to sensitive skin to purfumie.

Just an FYI about the milk: You don't actually have to buy the really expensive organic milk - Bordan and Schepps have no hormones in them. However, the cheap brands and store brands - esp. Walmart brand - do.

My girls all started about 10 shaving with a razor. I have used Nair and it burns! My 10 year old daughter shaves but not as much as she should b/c I will see what looks like a month's worth of hair on her legs. Oh well, peer pressure will eventually take care of that,lol.

Hi J.---I remember having to start shaving when I was 11 because I'm Italian and had dark hair too. I remember I used that round razor called a Flicker. It was great because the blade was positioned "inside" so it was almost impossible to cut yourself. And when the blade became too dull, you just "rotated" the disc-shaped razor to get a new blade. I was so excited to use it and can still remember how amazed I was at my smooth legs. My daughter is only 7 so I have not had to cross that bridge yet...so I have no idea if they even make them anymore. But I would definitely look into it. There is something really unsettling about the hair removal creams (all of them). Something that "disintegrates" (spelling?) hair where it comes out of the skin can't be all that healthy/safe to put on....or have absorbed into her skin. It's just something to think about. Although it may be (very) unsettling to have a traditional razor in her hands, it may be better for her overall health in the long run. I would check to see if they still make Flickers, and if not maybe consider teaching her how to use a disposable woman's razor (or the Venus disposable-blade because it doesn't cut you that easily)??? Good luck...this is the kind of stuff I don't really look forward to :)

My experience with hair removal creams is that they all stink even the scented ones. I would recommend showing her the proper way to shave as it's great practice for her, and shaving cream doesn't leave that bad odor behind. I use a man's razor blade, since it has 4 blades and flexes with curves.

GOod for you with going with the shaver! When it came time for me to want to shave my legs my mom bought me Nair Hair Removal creme! It was sticky and gross and I left the bathroom after 20 minutes feeling disappointed and the hair wasn't even all the way gone! Showing your daughter how to shave for the first time is something she will always remember. Its a definite turning point in a girls life.

What ever you decide to use, have her shave above the knees if her hair is dark, nothing looks nastier and draws more attencion than half your leg shaved, that is if she wears shorts are bathing suits. When I was a young mother and out at six flags, there was a teenager in shorts she was clean shaven up to her knees. She had on white shorts,and the hair above the knee was dark,thick and about a inch long, you talk about gross. It looked awful. Your daughter will thank you, for letting her do so.

To all the mothers out there . . . please consider paying the extra money and buying organic milk for your daughters. I'm seeing more and more articles that suggest the hormones in regular milk are putting are daughters through an early puberty. My daughter drinks a ton of milk and I figured out it costs about $10 more a month to buy the organic. The cheapest place I've found is Target. Please consider the investment.

Please think about all those chemicals being absorbed into you child's body by using the Veet! If it smells toxic it probably is. You don't know what kind of harm can be done to her before she is even fully developed by putting that on her then letting it sit to absorb for a few minutes. A small cut would do far less damage to her in the long run.

My daughter is 14 and starting shaving last year. She is fanatical about it now and also just got her monthly visitor and told me shaved her lady business too so she wouldn't get the blood in her hair. Something she read in a book I bought her. Of course once we start shaving the hair grows back faster and darker. I do laser removal now which is great. Expensive at first but now only about $150 every 6-9 mo.

Nair smells like rotten eggs, even the rasphberry one. I say let her shave. There is no hard in shaving. The Venus razor is great.

As to your question as to why our little girls grow up so fast. Some say it is due to the growth hormones in our meat and milk. Some say it is also due to all the toxins in our environment and food. They feed arsenic to chickens, for example, to make them develop faster and lay eggs sooner. It's the same with humans. If we have toxins in our body, our body hurries up puberty.

I am no expert on hair removal creams. But I know they used to make razors with blades that have these tiny wires that go over the blades and you can run your fingers back and forth on a new one and it won't cut you. I used to use them when I was in high school. Maybe that would be worth looking into.

Jen,

I have a daughter 13 now. She has been shaving for a year now. I started her out with the cream..... YEEEOWWW... she said it burnt her and when we rinsed off teh scream her legs were beat red. Just be careful. That stuff is deadly.. Razors are the way to go. And she did much better than I thought she would. I thought to myself "oh here we go.. shes not gonna wanna keep up with it" but she really does. She shaves at least every other day .

I'd show her the razor anyway. My 11 year old started not too long ago and I buy her the razor with the wire guards on it so she can't cut herself. I can't think of the name but it's purple and white. It's the only one I've seen that has those guards.