Page 67 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

BOD Y HAIR 65

Body hair choices MY TH BUSTER
Some people prefer to remove their body hair, while others The truth about hair removal
decide to keep it or trim it. There are no rules about what to do
with body hair, nor is there any medical reason to remove it. Shaving doesn’t cause hair to grow back darker
and thicker. Shaving the hair doesn’t alter how it regrows.
▽ Personal preference You shouldn’t squeeze or tweeze an ingrown hair.
Deciding what to do with body hair is all about To avoid breaking the skin, which can cause infection, gently
personal preference. There are advantages and exfoliate the skin to release the ingrown hair from underneath.
disadvantages to each option.

How it works Advantages Disadvantages
Hair removal creams • Chemicals dissolve hair at or • Effective over large areas • Can irritate the skin
slightly below the skin surface • No stubble

Keeping • Leaves the hair natural • No cost, fuss, or effort • Armpit hair can trap bacteria and
encourage body odour

Plucking • Removes hair at the root, • Can reduce regrowth • Can be painful, or cause irritation
using tweezers • Lasts about a week of hair roots and scarring

Shaving • Cuts off hair at the skin surface • Painless • Can result in skin irritation
• Cheap, easy, and quick or cuts

Waxing • Removes hair at the root, • Lasts three to six weeks • Can irritate the skin
using wax strips • Can reduce regrowth • Can be painful
• Can be expensive

Shaving facial hair
When thicker hairs begin to appear on a boy’s chin and upper lip, he might start thinking about shaving.
Whether or not a boy shaves is down to personal preference, but a trusted adult can help with the decision.

Don’t push too
hard with the razor.

△ 1. Choose a razor or △ 2. If using a razor, △ 3. Shave in the △ 4. Wash with soap △ 5. If using a razor,
electric shaver. Shaving apply a shaving cream same direction as hair and water, then apply change the blades
after a bath or shower or gel first – this growth. Going the moisturizing lotion, to regularly so they
is best, as the skin is reduces the risk of cuts. opposite way can avoid skin dryness. stay sharp.
soft and hydrated. irritate the skin.

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