At what age should girls begin shaving their legs?

Shaving: Whether it's legs or a mustache, teens everywhere are eager to start. There’s no set age for girls to begin shaving their legs [source: WebMD]. It’s a tricky question that each family answers differently. Some girls may express interest in shaving as early as 4th or 5th grade, though most wait until middle school [source:

Parenting experts suggest finding a middle ground with your daughter, considering the typical age girls start shaving in her school or neighborhood, your personal beliefs, and when you first began shaving [source: Peters]. Most parenting groups agree that as long as your daughter is old enough to shave safely, it's okay to let her do so [source: Direnfeld].

For some girls, shaving their legs is more about confidence than growing up [source: Direnfeld]. As girls enter puberty, hormonal changes lead to the growth of darker hair on the legs, underarms, and in the pubic region, which can make them feel self-conscious about their body hair [source: WebMD]. If your daughter has noticeable dark hair on her legs, shaving could help boost her confidence. However, if you're hesitant about her shaving, have a conversation with her to discuss your concerns. You might find a compromise, or suggest she wear pants or tights to cover her leg hair in the meantime [source: Direnfeld].

Once you decide it's time for your daughter to shave her legs, teach her the proper shaving techniques and emphasize safety. Let her know that regular shaving will be necessary to maintain smooth legs, and that she might experience some nicks or cuts at first [source: Peters]. Allow her to be involved in picking out a razor that works best for her [source: Direnfeld].

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