Bikini Waxing for Tweens
Horrified doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about this.
I’ve been getting my eyebrows waxed since I was 15-years-old. Highlights since 16. Manicures and pedicures since 17. I am no stranger to the inside of a salon. But waxing, microdermabrasian, Brazilians for tweens goes way past proper hygiene and skin care.
Where’s the Noxzema? The Sea Breeze? The Daisy Razors?
From MSNBC:
One New York City salon, Wanda’s European Skin Care Center, boasts on its Web site that children 8 years and older can get discounted waxing for “virgin” hair. “Virgin hair can be waxed so successfully that growth can be permanently stopped in just 2 to 6 sessions. Save your child a lifetime of waxing … and put the money in the bank for her college education instead!” the salon proclaims.
People aren’t comfortable taking their teenage daughters to the gynecologist but there’s a market for Brazilians for 8-year-olds?! I’m 30-years-old and have trepidations about getting a bikini wax. I can’t imagine how humiliating the experience has the potential to be for a child.
More:
These articles have my head spinning, but I wanted to start the discussion. What are your thoughts? What do you think are the ramifications of offering these services to children? What do you think of the parents that are allowing their daughters to participate?
Jess (The Cozy Reader)
Twitter: acozyreader
I say leave it up to the parent and the child. If the child is comfortable with it then that’s what matters. Of course I don’t think a child should be forced or persuaded to any form of hair removal.
I’d love to get the laser hair removal myself.
Jess (The Cozy Reader)´s last awesome blog post…The Contemps are LIVE!
Corrin
Twitter: CorrinRenee
Jess – Do you think an typical 8-year-old knows what a bikini wax is to ask for one? If they do know, aren’t their parents the ones that exposed them to that information, either directly or indirectly?
I just have a hard time digesting such a laissez faire attitude and can’t imagine allowing young girls to be making decisions about the permanency of their public hair before the 3rd grade is healthy.
Jess (The Cozy Reader)
Twitter: acozyreader
I don’t think a typical 8 yo would have enough knowledge/experience to deal with that kind of decision, however, if they did and wanted it then, that’d be up to their parents in the long run.
When I think about this I try to think of what kind of children/young adults would benefit from something like this and I immediately thought of gymnasts. I’ve always thought they were probably too skinny or malnourished or something to not have to worry about unsightly hair growth while wearing those leotards but what if they do have to worry about it? In that case I think it might be beneficial for them to consider waxing at an early age but 8 is quite young.
Ultimately we need to raise our children respectfully yet let them have their individuality.
Jess (The Cozy Reader)´s last awesome blog post…The Contemps are LIVE!
Tracie
Twitter: fromtracie
I think that Brazilian waxing an eight year old might not actually be child abuse….but it certainly would be as close as you could get without crossing over. The horror stories I have heard about waxing, I can’t imagine putting a child through that. Why would that even be on their radar to ask for it? Totally inappropriate.
Tracie´s last awesome blog post…Embracing My Body
Corrin
Twitter: CorrinRenee
I agree – totally inappropriate. I don’t see any of these services being on an 8-year-old’s radar unless they are brought to light by an adult, which takes the inappropriateness to a whole new level.
Pamela M. Kramer
Twitter: pamelamkramer
I can’t even come up with a comment. I’m speechless! I feel like I’ve just been through the shock and awe campaign! My sweet baby girl at 8 worrying about a bikini wax? My husband would have a fit. I’m gonna have to send him your link. lol
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Corrin
Twitter: CorrinRenee
Pam – I sat here with my mouth hanging open, mumbling to myself as I read the articles. I have two cousins (ages 7 & 9) and we talk about a lot – but I couldn’t imagine this even coming up in conversation.
It’s adult vanity being pushed on children. And it’s disgusting.
Qtpies7
Twitter: Qtpies7
I have 3 daughters and two have made it way past 8 before hair became a problem, the other is only 6. I would not allow them to even shave at age 8, IF they had hair to worry about! However, if they for some reason were really, really hairy and it was dark and noticable and an embarassment, I may cave for their self-esteem. But I don’t think it would happen at 8.
There is so much in this world that can’t be helped that will tear a child down, why let something that CAN be removed cause them emotional trauma?
I am talking really, really hairy, here, not normal hair, lol. I personally am too scared and embarassed to get a bikini wax, I can’t imagine my girls going for it! My girls are really, really modest. My oldest wouldn’t even let me make sure a bra fit her correctly, lol.
Qtpies7´s last awesome blog post…I guess its time to let the cat out of the bag
Corrin
Twitter: CorrinRenee
I agree that the services (or a variation of) are of value when there is necessity – that’s how I ended up getting my eyebrows waxed at 15!
The environment and the blatant play to vanity is what disturbs me. I don’t think I even shaved my legs till 8th grade!
Erin
Twitter: ecsuperhero
I’m a huge fan of bikini waxes for myself, but taking a pre-teen or teenage girl to get one? No way. I suppose if I had a 17 year old daughter and she asked for one, I’d talk it over with her and probably do it… but an 8 year old?? Different people find different things attractive and unattractive and just because I’m bothered by too much hair there, maybe she won’t be.
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ConnieFoggles
Twitter: ConnieFoggles
This is insane! Yes, girls are going through puberty earlier, but does that mean that we have to push them to act like women that early because of their biology? Even as young tween or teen, this is too much. Girls’ private parts should be just that – private parts.
Just another way for a business to make money off young girls. Shame on them!
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