Young Boys and Shaving

Echo

I don't know how many other posters have boys of the age to begin shaving or have been through it in the past, but I have an 11 year old who is about there. He is blond and has always been a furry little critter (born with a crazy amount of silvery blond body hair), but he now has an obvious shadow on his upper lip.

I don't like the look, and I'd prefer him to shave it until he can either grow it with intent or remain clean-shaven. DH doesn't seem to think it's that big an issue, but has offered to show DS11 how to use a razor. I suggested an electric shaver, as 11 seems young to be risking a razor near his face!

Which way did you choose? DS11 won't have to use it very often right now, but he really should use something. Ironically, his older brother, DS13, has no hair under his arms and not even peach fuzz on his face. Crazy how two brothers can be so different in terms of puberty!

12 years ago

Off Topic

11 replies

Latest reply was from chadya

Eliza

Veteran

My now 27 year old started with and has continued to use an electric razor. Funny, I don't remember now how old he was, though by 12 he had a deep voice. I think most 11 year olds are much more likely to grab an electric razor than do the alternative shaving ritual. I'd go with electric for that reason alone. Good luck. It is always interesting how different two kids can be.

12 years ago

Hestonian

Active Member

My 16 year old uses an electric shaver, and has been using it for the past few years with no problem. He doesn't have to use it too often...probably once every couple of weeks. I prefer him clean shaven, but let him shave whenever he feels the need, since his facial hair hasn't yet come in too thickly. I'm not a fan of straggly chin hair, so he keeps that shaved more often. For events or special occasions, he shaves. I figure that he'll have to start shaving regularly eventually, so I may as well let him enjoy this not-quite-peach-fuzz stage!

12 years ago

carter

Veteran

My 17 year old has used a regular razor since the beginning. I think the ritual of lather, shave, rinse makes him feel more grown up than just the idea of grooming because mom doesn't like the fuzz.

12 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I had to laugh at your not liking his fuzz. Be prepared for not liking how your sons look. My son is now in his 20s. We went through a lot of awfulness (in appearance, I mean), topped off by shoulder length dreads. I just kept telling myself it wasn't permanent. We were in Scotland visiting a distillery and they gave our 16 year old a glass of scotch, to his delight. They thought with that big beard he must surely be old enough!

12 years ago

Kristin SF

Veteran

JAileen, I was chuckling, too. And was a wee bit jealous.

I like to experiment with DS's hair styles -- fauxhawk, different side part, different placement of bangs -- and he just puts it right back to where he likes it. And he's 4.

12 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

Is there a good, old-fashioned barber near where you live, who'd lather him up and treat him like a man?

Because, what JAileen and Kristin said. Just 'cause Momma wants it isn't going to get you very far, at least not without a very high price.

12 years ago

Echo

Veteran

You make a good point about getting ready to not like how he looks for a while! I am sure he will experiment with different hairstyles and clothing trends, too. Fortunately for right now, I think he is still fairly easily influenced by mom and dad, so I can probably convince him to keep trimmed for a while. Plus, shaving in any way, shape or form is a really "manly" thing to him, so I am sure he will love the idea that he gets to.

Taking him to a barber is a neat idea. I will have to check with DH to see if there are any traditional barber shops around. Maybe we could introduce the idea that way and then continue at home.

12 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

My boys use electric razors. Don't be surprised if the fuzz grows... and then doesn't for a while. My now-14 yr old had to shave a couple of times when he was 12-ish, and then didn't have to for a couple of years. Now the upper lip hair is starting to come in again. Puberty is weird.

12 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

My boys use electric razors. I agree with you that starting out at 11 is young to be using a razor especially if he will be doing it in the morning when he is not awake. My kids are like zombies in the morning. Maybe your hubby can teach him how to use a razor when he gets a bit older....men seem to like when sons copy their grooming habits.

12 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I think it definitely depends on the maturity of the individual child. As the mother of three sons ages 13 to 27, I can say two of mine I wouldn't trust at that age with a blade, while my now 18 year old I definitely could have.

12 years ago

chadya

Veteran

I would start him with an electric razor and show him how to use it and clean it, chances are his father won't have any idea about that.

My 19 y/o left his electric razor in his dorm and used a razor just fine and I think preferred it.

12 years ago

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