How to Help Your Teenager Choose Their First Razor
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Shaving for the first time is seen as a rite of passage for many teenagers. For some, it's a momentous occasion that they can't wait to experience. But for others, it's a source of anxiety and dread. Peer pressure and body-image both play significant roles in how your teen might feel about shaving, increasing the possibility for anxiety or poor decision-making which may lead to regret.
Before teenagers start shaving, there are important questions to answer, especially for girls who often choose to shave multiple areas of their body and not just the facial area like boys might. Along with what age to start, there are also important details regarding what areas to remove hair and whether to opt for alternative hair removal methods instead. As a parent, you are in a perfect position to offer guidance and support to your teen during their decision-making process. If they make the decision to shave, you can also provide advice when shopping for the right tools for the job.
What are your teen's grooming habits?
When you’re trying to decide if your teen is ready to start shaving, first consider how much time they currently allot to hygiene. Shaving requires a certain level of attention and diligence. It’s wise to assume that if your teenager is dedicated to their personal care, they are ready to take on the responsibility that comes with shaving. Also, knowing how effective their daily grooming routine is will help them decide which hair removal method is best for them.
For instance, if your teenage son has a speedy self-care routine and values efficiency, an electric razor is a great choice. Not only does an electric shaver get the job done quickly, but it also doesn’t require the use of water or shaving cream application. If your teen is particularly prone to mess, make sure you get an electric razor with a hair catch.
And remember, electric razors are not just for guys, there are also specific tools designed for women’s hair removal. Because not all body hair is the same, there are special trimmers for the bikini area and delicate facial hair. Additionally, there are options for long-term hair reduction once your teen masters the art of shaving.
How often does your teen want to shave?
Since hair follicles are in a constant state of growth, shaving must be done on a regular basis. For many, having hair grow back after only a few days can be very frustrating, not to mention time consuming. Thanks to advancements in technology, hair removal services that used to be done solely in medical clinics are now available for use at home. Permanent and semi-permanent hair removal systems use flashes of intense pulsed light (IPL) to deliver long-term hair reduction on your body and face. These tools can be used by either gender who wishes to avoid frequent shaving.
However, these laser hair removal systems can be more expensive than some budgets allow and may also be more extreme than what someone who is just starting to consider body hair removal. Fortunately, there are other shaving solutions that can make the process smoother – pun intended. Being able to shave in the shower can make it a more convenient task, which is why wet/dry electric razors are a popular choice for busy teens.
For touch-ups and general maintenance in between shaving or for those with minimal facial hair, there are electric trimmers and groomers. These devices are more compact than regular electric shavers and come in wet/dry models.
Which style of razor is best?
Perhaps the most common starter razor is the cartridge razor because they are gentle and provide a close shave when removing hair on your legs, face and other areas. These razors are also the best option for acne-prone skin because they are often used with shaving cream which leads to less irritation. Shaving creams and oils are specifically designed to prep the skin for shaving by lubricating it, making it easier for the razor to glide across the surface without nicks and cuts. Some creams even moisturize the skin in the process, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Another way to reduce skin irritation is to replace razor cartridges and blades when they become dull. Whether your teenager wants a plug-in or battery-powered electric shaving device or a traditional cartridge razor, you’ll need to buy replacement blades from time to time. If your teen opts to use disposable razors, the entire razor is thrown away after several uses. Although, this practice doesn’t align with sustainable living because throwing away disposable razors creates more waste than simply replacing a razor head.
When it comes to the aesthetics of a razor, you should always prioritize functionality over style. Thankfully, the latest razors are designed to be sleek, ergonomic and compact. Plus, they come in appealing colors that are popular with teens. Many people who shave like to keep their supplies tidy in a toiletry bag or dopp kit.
While the visual aspects of a razor might be important to your teenager, remember to use the guidelines above to help your teen identify the best type of razor to buy for them before starting to shop. From there, research the quality of different brands and models. After you’ve narrowed the field down to razors that will work well for your teen, then they can pick out the style of model that reflects their personal preference.