Mum sparks divide after saying she will let her 9-year-old daughter shave her legs
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People are flocking to social media in debate over what age is appropriate to let your child start shaving their legs.
In year three, at the age of eight or nine, I remember being teased by one lucky blonde girl over the dark, long trails of hair which covered the entire length of my legs.
It caused tears, sleepless nights, and led me to sneakily nab my mum's razor and shave the hairs away.
But was I too young to use a razor? It's a question Mumsnet users have been left divided over after a parent revealed she will actively allow her daughter to shave her legs despite her being only nine years of age.
Taking to the social media platform for advice, the Mumsnet user said: "DD [dear daughter] is 9. She's not started puberty in anyway but is worried about her legs being hairy. They aren't particularly hairy, but light hair has increased recently.
"I think nine is really young. Obviously I'd start her on electric razor. Ideally I'd encourage her to wait but it's her body and I want her to have freedom to choose.
"I remember hating my legs, wanting to shave and being told I was too young by my mum. I was probably about 13 and people had commented at school."
People have flooded to the comments, divided over whether or not a child so young should be allowed to use a razor.
One said: "I wouldn't at 9. Not unless you personally think they are bad and noticeable."
"I would also recommend waxing rather than shaving when you do start, but certainly not this young imo," another wrote.
A third added: "Personally I would be trying to get her to wait a little while to see if she’s really seriously bothered or if it’s just a bit of a passing fancy.
"I think my Dd asked at a similar age and I didn’t say no exactly I just said I’d rather she waited a bit and see. She never asked again and no drastic razoring has happened. She’s 12 now and it’s still not come back up. I’d say yes now.
"Mind you, you might find she’s less bothered when she realises what a faff it is and that stubbly legs don’t feel that nice!"
However, most were supportive of the user's decision to allow their daughter to shave.
One commented: "Please please help her do it! My mum wouldn’t help me so I ended up using the blade of a craft knife at a similar age. Definitely take her through the options and let her choose."
"I would absolutely let her if she feels self conscious about it," a second added.
Another wrote: "I would allow her, and teach her how to do it properly and safely."
A final resolved: "Apart from any impact on hair growth (don't really know about this!) My question would be why not? If she wants to it doesn't harm anyone else do not sure why you'd ever say no?"
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