What Can a Teen Use to Shave Facial Hair?
Adolescent males begin to grow facial hair at different points throughout puberty. Some develop peach fuzz on their chins as early as age 15, while others have a coarse beard just a few short years later. Teenage boys sprout dark, thick facial hair due to the male sex hormone testosterone. Girls may also grow facial hair, but it is often very faint and goes unnoticed by the naked eye. While shaving may seem like a challenge, it actually becomes quite simple with practice. Discuss with your teen the basics of shaving and how to accomplish the deed the painless way.
-
Sprouting Facial Hair
-
Many teens begin to notice facial hair at age 15 or 16, according to the WebMD website. The amount of facial hair a teen grows will vary from child to child, as well as the coarseness and darkness of the hair. Where the hair grows on the face and how fast it grows is also determined by genetics. In most males, the pattern of the beard is established by the time they reach their early 20s.
How Often to Shave
-
Just because hair is beginning to spring from your teen̵7;s face doesn̵7;t mean shaving is mandatory. Many teens wait until the hair becomes bothersome or affects their self-confidence before deciding to shave it off. How often a teen needs to shave will depend on how dark the hair is and how fast it grows. Some teens need to shave once every three to four days, while others can get by with one shave every few weeks.
Shaving Techniques
-
When it comes to shaving, teens have the option of an electric razor or a manual razor with shaving cream or shaving gel. While an electric razor is quick and painless, it often doesn̵7;t provide a close and accurate shave. When using a standard or disposable razor, it̵7;s important to shave in the direction the beard grows. Use short, slow strokes on skin and hair lathered with shaving cream or gel. Teach your teen to shave on the sides of the face first, followed by underneath the chin and stopping at the top of the neck for an even shave.
Cuts and Razor Burn
-
It̵7;s inevitable that your teen will suffer his share of nicks, cuts and razor burns. When bleeding occurs, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or tissue. Razor burn is a type of skin irritation that can be caused by shaving without water or with a dull blade. Irritation of the skin can also occur when no shaving cream or gel is used or when the hair is shaved against the direction of hair growth. It̵7;s important not to apply a heavily fragrant aftershave directly after shaving and to wait several days before shaving again to give the skin time to heal.
-