TEENAGERS
PUBERTY
Puberty can be a real struggle for teenagers, and when hormone changes produce unwanted hair, particularly for girls, this struggle can be even harder. Often on the upper lip or chin, if parents are able to see these hairs then so can their peers. As perceived flaws, these can lead to unkind comments or worse, risking real damage to the self-esteem and confidence which is so fragile in teenagers.
The concern for parents is at what age they allow their children to begin hair removal. Clearly it will differ in each case, but discussing it with your teenager is far better than them trying to solve the issue themselves, with the possibility of harmful consequences.
HAIR REMOVAL OPTIONS FOR TEENAGERS
• Scissors or clippers are the cheapest method, and by keeping the hairs short may render them less noticeable
• Bleaching lightens the hairs, but if not done correctly can cause the hairs to turn yellow which may make them more obvious
• Shaving risks cuts and infections (especially if the razor is borrowed), and makes the stubble and regrowth appear stronger and thicker
• Depilatory creams can be messy and time-consuming. The hair above the skin’s surface is dissolved so the regrowth feels softer than it would after shaving but, as with shaving, it does return within a few days
• Rotary epilators offer mixed results but tend to be quite painful and can lead to distortion of the hair follicle, causing ingrown hairs which result in spots and boils
• Waxing and plucking will last up to three weeks but can be painful. Again, there is the risk of distorted hair follicles with spots and boils. More than this, the body reacts to the trauma of the tugging by increasing the blood supply to the area to help it heal, which stimulates the hair growth and can make the regenerated hair stronger
• Laser/IPL works best at reducing hair growth for those with fair skin and dark hair. Generally it is not recommended during adolescence, but if you do choose to explore this method of hair removal for your teenager, we strongly recommend ensuring you use an accredited and experienced technician, and have researched the best type of laser/IPL for your daughter’s skin and hair type.
• Electrolysis is the only hair removal method acknowledged as effective on all skin and hair types, regardless of which area is being treated. It is also the only permanent hair removal method approved by both the BMA (British Medical Association) in the UK and the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) in the US. There is no minimum age to begin electrolysis, but as a cosmetic procedure a GP’s letter is required if the recipient is under the age of 16.
Facial hair growth can be deeply distressing for teenagers who are hoping to blossom into beautiful young women. Handled sensitively and professionally, unwanted hair can be dealt with effectively to avoid both the emotional scars of being teased by their peers, and the physical scars of trying to deal with it in inappropriate or unsafe ways.
For further information please see ‘About: Women’, ‘Areas to be Treated’ and ‘FAQs’