“Should I remove it?”
“Is it gross?”
“Everyone else seems to be shaving or waxing… should I?”

Before you grab a razor or book a wax, let’s take a breath — and have a proper chat about body hair, what it does, and why you definitely don’t have to remove it unless you really want to.

🌱 First of All: Body Hair Is Totally Normal

When you hit puberty (yep, the part of growing up where everything starts to change), your body starts growing more hair — on your legs, underarms, face, chest, arms, and other places.

It’s not weird. It’s not dirty. It’s not something to be ashamed of.
It’s just your body doing what it’s meant to do.

🧬 Why Do We Even Have Body Hair?

Your hair actually has a job. A few jobs, actually:

🧊 It helps regulate your temperature — keeping you warm or helping sweat evaporate to cool you down.

🧠 It helps you feel things — like when something brushes against your skin or if a bug lands on you.

🛡️ It protects sensitive areas — like your eyes (eyelashes), your nose (nose hair), and your private parts (pubic hair).

🧼 It helps fight off bacteria and friction, especially in areas that rub together.

So yeah — your hair is not “gross.” It’s pretty amazing.

😕 So Why Do People Remove It?

Lots of adults choose to remove body hair for different reasons — some like the look, some like the feel, and some do it because it’s expected in certain jobs or activities.

But here’s the thing: just because adults do it doesn’t mean you have to — especially not just because someone else says so, or because of what you see on social media.

If someone has ever made you feel embarrassed about your body hair, that’s on them — not you. No one should ever make you feel like your natural body is something to “fix.”

🚫 Why You Don’t Need to Rush Into Hair Removal

Here’s why it’s okay — and actually smart — to wait or say no:

1. Your Skin Is Still Developing

Your skin is more sensitive when you’re younger. Waxing, shaving, or using creams too early can cause:

• Rashes
• Itching
• Cuts
• Ingrown hairs
• Even scars or pigmentation that lasts

2. Hair Grows Differently During Puberty

Your body is still figuring things out. Hair might grow fast in some spots, slowly in others. If you start removing it too early, it might grow back coarser or unevenly, which can make you more stressed about it later on.

3. It Can Affect Your Confidence

Sometimes when people start removing hair early, it becomes something they feel they have to keep doing. It can make you feel like you’re never “done” or “good enough.” And that’s exhausting.

❤️ You Are Not Alone

If you’ve ever thought:

• “My arms are too hairy”
• “Everyone else shaves their legs”
• “What if people see my upper lip hair?”

Please know: so many other people feel the same way — even if they don’t talk about it.

Just remember:

💡 Learn about the different methods — some are better for young, sensitive skin than others

🛁 Keep everything clean — dirty razors or tools can cause breakouts or infections

🧴 Avoid strong products (like fake tan, deodorant, makeup, or scented lotions) for 24 hours after hair removal — this helps your hair follicles settle and prevents irritation

🚿 Try to keep the skin clear and clean right after — let it breathe and recover

☀️ Stay out of the sun after removing hair, and always apply daily SPF — even if you’re not removing hair! SPF protects your skin from damage every day

💬 Talk to someone you trust before trying anything new — like a parent, carer, or skincare expert

🧬 Choosing the Right Hair Removal Method

Method	Best For	Skin/Hair Type	Pain Level	Long-Term Effect
Laser (Not for under 18s)	Large areas (legs, underarms)	Light skin + dark hair	Mild–Moderate	⭐ High
IPL  (Not for under 18s)	Legs, arms, back	Light–medium skin + dark hair	Mild	⭐⭐ Moderate
Electrolysis	Facial hair, small areas	All skin and hair types	Moderate–High	⭐⭐⭐ Highest (Permanent)
Waxing / Sugaring	Legs, bikini line, brows	Most types	Moderate	⭐⭐ Medium
Threading	Brows, upper lip	Most types	High (localised sting)	⭐⭐ Medium
Creams	Legs, underarms	Not for sensitive skin	Low	⭐ Low
Epilators	Legs, arms	Most types	High (pinching feeling)	⭐⭐ Medium
Shaving	Anywhere	All types	None	⭐ Very Low (Quick regrowth)

⚠️ A Quick Word About Laser and IPL

You might have heard of Laser Hair Removal or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) – they’re long-term treatments often talked about online.

But here’s the deal:

• ❌ These are NOT suitable for under-18s in most places.
• ✅ Some clinics may offer them from age 16, but only with:
  • A proper consultation
  • A patch test
  • And written permission from both parents or guardians
• 👩‍⚕️ Professional therapists like me might refuse treatment if you’re too young, if you’ve been in the sun recently, or if they think it’s not safe for your skin yet — and that’s because they care about your health.

Even if it sounds exciting to get “permanent” results, it’s really important to wait until your body has fully developed, your hormones have settled, and your skin is ready.

💬 Final Thoughts: You Get to Choose

Hair removal is a personal choice — not a rule, not a trend you have to follow, and definitely not something you must do just to fit in.

So whether you want to rock your natural body hair, try a bit of trimming, or explore options later when you feel ready — it’s all valid.

You are not “more” or “less” because of how much hair you have.
You are growing, learning, and discovering who you are — and that’s the part that really matters.

Stay confident. Stay curious. Stay YOU. 💛