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Shaving is a rite of passage for teenage boys, but how you approach teaching your son to shave depends on his personality. Some boys are excited to begin shaving, others may be a little embarrassed to bring up the subject.

When to Start Shaving

There is no set age when boys begin to grow facial hair. It usually begins with a little peach fuzz over the upper lip and some stray hairs around the chin. This can start before the teen years, even as early as ten years old.

Boys do not have to begin shaving as soon as this first facial hair appears. It all depends on how your son feels about shaving. Boys with fine blond hair may not be bothered by a little peach fuzz, but boys with darker, more obvious hair may be embarrassed by a wispy first mustache.

Some boys may be comfortable asking to shave and others may feel awkward talking about it. When your son begins sprouting facial hair, don't be afraid to broach the subject. If you aren't sure how to bring it up, keep it light to show your son that shaving isn't something to be embarrassed about. A good opener is to ask your son if any of his friends have started shaving.

How Often to Shave

Some people worry that shaving will make hair grow in thicker and faster. This is a myth. Hair may seem coarser after it grows in because the natural tapered tips of the hair have been cut off, leaving the blunt ends to grow out. These may feel more stubbly, but shaving does not make any more hair grow.

When teen boys begin shaving, they will likely only need to shave away the wispy mustache and chin hairs once a week, or even every other week. How often teen boys shave will gradually increase as their hair grows in more quickly and begins to fill in the rest of the face.

Tips for Shaving Success

When first shaving, it's easier for boys to begin with a disposable razor than an electric one. Disposable razors come in many styles and your son may enjoy picking out the one he likes best. Teaching your son a few simple tips will help him shave safely.

1. Start by having your son wash his face with warm water. Warm water opens the pores and softens hair making it easier to remove.

2. Always have him use shaving cream or gel with a razor. This lets the blade slide smoothly over the skin, which avoids razor burn and cuts.

3. Show him how to pull his skin tight so he has a smooth area to shave. For example, he can stretch the upper lip down over his top teeth to hold the skin taut.

4. To start, he should shave with the grain of his skin (the same direction the hair grows). As hair grows in more thickly and your son gains confidence, he can get a closer shave by shaving against the grain.

5. Teach him to use light strokes, letting the razor gently shave away the hair. Pressing too hard will cut and irritate the skin.

6. Remind him to rinse the razor with warm water frequently to wash away build-up on the blade.

7. When finished, he should gently wipe away shaving cream with a warm damp washcloth. To prevent irritation, avoid rubbing freshly shaved skin.

8. Teach you son the importance of keeping the razor clean and changing the blade frequently. A dull razor will cause nicks and scrapes and will irritate his skin.

Beginning to shave is a milestone in a teen boy's life. Teaching your son to shave doesn't have to be an awkward experience. With a little guidance and encouragement your son will learn this skill quickly and, in the process, you may both end up with a happy memory of sharing this first experience.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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