Teenagers And Armpit Hair—A Parent's Guide To Navigating Body Hair With Your Teen

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It is quite common for tweens and teens to become more self-conscious as they grow up. And it is also normal for them to feel more confident when they conform and do widely accepted grooming habits, such as maintaining clean and hair-free armpits.

If your child is asking how to go about this safely and responsibly, and you are clueless about it — relying on trial and error when you were growing up, read this article through for updated ways on how you and your teen can maintain hair-free armpits.

Explaining the Transition

Smart Parenting reached out to Marie Len Camaclang-Balmores, MD, FFDS, DDSP-PDS, a board-certified dermatologist and dermapathologist and fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society, for insights. She says that the first and important thing to do is to explain to your child that the development of axillary or armpit hair is normal. It’s a part of growing up and puberty and that hair removal is a choice. Armpit hair growth typically begins between the ages of 10 to 12 years old for females, and 11 to 14 years old for males. And while it might seem inconvenient or even a source of discomfort for some, it offers a few benefits:

1. It reduces friction. Armpit hair prevents skin-to-skin contact when doing certain activities, such as running or walking, that could otherwise be uncomfortable.
2. It prevents certain health conditions. Since it does help prevent friction, it can prevent health conditions such as ingrown hairs, razor burn, armpit pimples, skin tags, and skin irritation.
3. It’s good for pheromones. While we may not consider this yet for our teens, it seems that armpit hair can help in attracting a potential partner. Armpits release pheromones, which is a naturally-producing chemical that plays a role in sexual attraction. And leaving the hair intact can help trap this odor, making the pheromones stronger.

Discussing Available Hair Removal Methods

In terms of armpit hair removal methods, Dr. Camaclang-Balmores says that, “There’s really no ‘right’ way when it comes to underarm hair removal. You may do what’s comfortable and practical for you, keeping in mind that any form of hair removal potentially irritates the skin, especially that [the underarm] area is prone to friction.”

Here are some popular methods that you and your teen can consider:

Shaving

Shaving is one of the most common methods of armpit hair removal. A razor is used to remove the hair shaft that has grown out through the skin. There are a number of razors available in the market, including plastic disposable ones, ones that use disposable blades, and electric ones.

How long it lasts: 1 to 3 days

Pros: Shaving is a cost-effective method that you can easily do yourself. It requires minimal tools, including warm water, a razor, and optional shaving gel or cream.

Cons: Shaving comes with potential drawbacks such as razor burn, bumps, nicks, cuts, and the risk of ingrown hairs, especially with frequent close shaving. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows within the surrounding tissue rather than out of the follicle, causing irritation.

Tips: To achieve a closer shave, it's best to shave during a warm shower when your skin is softened by the water. Take your time, gently stretching looser areas of skin before running the razor over them. Regularly replace your razors to prevent nicks and maintain hygiene. For individuals with sensitive skin, using shaving cream can offer added protection, particularly in delicate areas like the genitals. If you're concerned about cuts, you may consider using an electric razor as an alternative.

While many people shave against the direction of hair growth, if you want to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, consider shaving in the same direction as the hair grows.

Products to try: Gillette Blue, Gillette Simply Venus

Waxing

Waxing involves removing hair from the root, resulting in longer-lasting results. If your teen wants to try waxing, consider professional salon services or at-home waxing kits designed for sensitive skin. Emphasize the importance of following instructions carefully.

How long it lasts: 3 to 6 weeks

Pros: Waxing offers a smooth and long-lasting result. Waxing kits are easily accessible in drugstores and grocery stores. Moreover, the regrowth of hair tends to appear lighter and less conspicuous compared to other hair removal methods, such as shaving.

Cons: The primary downside frequently associated with waxing is the discomfort it can cause. This discomfort arises from the process of removing hair at its roots, leading to a momentary stinging sensation as the hair is pulled out. Fortunately, this discomfort is short-lived. It's also common for individuals to experience temporary redness, inflammation, and the emergence of bumps on the treated area post-waxing.

Tips: To ensure effective waxing, it's essential to allow your hair to grow to a minimum length of ¼ inch (approximately 6 millimeters). So, refrain from shaving for a few weeks leading up to your waxing session.

Products to try: Esme Organics Honey Hair Removal Cold Wax, Silk Organix Body Wax Strips Aloe Vera

Hair Removal Creams

Hair removal or depilatory creams can dissolve hair at the skin's surface. Ensure your tween or teen understands the importance of patch testing to check for allergies or skin reactions and following product instructions precisely.

How long it lasts: Several days to 2 weeks

Pros: Depilatory products offer swift results, are widely available at drugstores and grocery stores, and come at an affordable price point. They are particularly effective for removing hair on the legs, underarms, and bikini areas, with specialized formulations available for use on the face and chin.

Cons: The application of depilatories can be messy, and the odor associated with some products can be unpleasant for many individuals. Those with sensitive skin may be at risk of experiencing allergic reactions to the chemicals in the depilatory, potentially leading to skin rashes or inflammation. Additionally, depilatories may not provide satisfactory results for individuals with coarse hair.

Tips: To maximize the effectiveness of depilatory products, it's crucial to carefully read and follow the product instructions. Ensure that you apply the product for the recommended duration to achieve the best outcomes. At the same time, check product labels to ensure that the product is intended for use in the specific region.

Products to try: Veet Hair Removal Cream, BioAqua Painless Hair Removal Cream

Dr. Camaclang-Balmores offers these tips for home procedures such as shaving and waxing to minimize redness and irritation, “Prep the area well (such as cleaning and washing the area, using appropriate products such as shaving cream), use clean tools, remove the hair following the direction of hair growth, and apply a cool pack and moisturizing cream after.”

She also says that parents should explain to their teens that they have to “Be patient, as certain methods [such as waxing] would require [them] to wait for hair to grow hair at a certain length before removing them again.”

Additionally, she says, “The more frequent [you] remove [your] hair, the more likely it may irritate and may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When in doubt regarding what products and/or methods to use, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist.”

Laser Hair Removal

Dr. Camaclang-Balmores recommends considering laser procedure, “If you have sensitive skin that is prone to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/darkening from these home methods.”

Laser hair removal is a more permanent solution that typically requires professional treatment. Discuss this option with your child if they're interested, but emphasize that it should be considered once they are older and their body has fully developed.

Finally, moms should emphasize the importance of safe practices when it involves hygiene. This includes reminding our teens to use clean tools, avoiding sharing personal hygiene items, and the proper use and even disposal of products. It is also important to understand that the decision to remove armpit hair should be your child’s choice. Part of our role as parents is to support our kids in making informed choices about their body and respect their autonomy.

Reference: Kids Health