First shaver for my son? - how to handle this?

BillScarab

jd87 wrote: »

The problem with wet shaving is that if you start off wet shaving, it is hard to then switch to electric, because your face becomes accustomed to it. He is likely to want to electric shave as he gets older (people don't have time to wet shave these days) so he should start as he means to go on.

[EDIT] Can't believe my 1000th post was about something as mundane as shaving!

How can people not have time to wet shave? It hardly takes any time at all.

To the Op just ask him, or get his dad to. Give him the choice of what he wants to use. Personally I've alwys prefered wet shaving but a lot of people prefer to use a shaver.

As someone else said though avoid cheap disposable bic type razors if he does wet shave as they're not very good.

Fiver29

My 12 yo has also started growing a moustache, I haven't mentioned shaving to him because I've always worried about the hairs growing back thicker and coarser after shaving, and therefore being more noticeable.

Is this just an old wives tale?

ciderwithrosie_2

Grandad gave oldest DS (now 20) an electric shaver but he couldn't get on with it so has wet shaved for a good few years now but seeing as he's fair he only has to bother a couple of times a week. DS2 never even tried with the electric razor and went straight to wet shaving, he's a lot darker so has to shave every day. DS3 is only just growing a faint mustache now at 15 so hasn't considered yet how he wants to deal with it. I would buy a decent wet razor and sensitive shaving gel and leave it in a bathroom drawer or somewhere until your son feels it needs dealing with, be led by him, then maybe get hubby to give him some pointers.

regards CWR

Derade

Do not give them electric shavers. They are designed for older men who have thicker stubble, rather then young people who have a little 'fluff'. Just get them a Gillette Fusion or Wilkinson Sword manual razor. They will only need to use it one a month to start with. 12 seems quite young to start shaving.

Blackpool_Saver

I need to get my son a shaver, I am going to get him an electric or he will cut himself to bits..........

Derade

Manual razors are idiot-proof these days. As long as he doesn't try and scrape his lip off on purpose, I'm sure he'll be fine.

pigpen

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

I need to get my son a shaver, I am going to get him an electric or he will cut himself to bits..........

No, he won't!!

If he has someone to show him the correct way to move the blade he will do just fine!!

My son has learning difficulties and development delay and dyspraxia which all affect his motor skills.. and he managed fine.. he did miss a few bits but so do expert shavers!

He used the tesco triple blade thing (is it matrix?) apparently and shaving gel which he was happier with than foam.

[Deleted User]

Right.. here's my shaving 'process':

* Fill bathroom sink with hot water
* wash skin with warm/hot water and shower gel (not soap.. or the hair will stick to the blades)
* Apply several dashes of Somerset shaving oil (best one i've found so far).. rub into skin and leave till it feels tingly
* Soak Gillette Fusion in water, splash water on the face to keep it moist and shave.. regulaly rinsing blade in hot water
* Dry blade afterwards with toilet roll (keeps the blade sharper and makes it last longer)
* Splash cold water onto face until any bleeding stops

I hate foam, i like to see where i'm shaving properly

isitenough

Fiver29 wrote: »

My 12 yo has also started growing a moustache, I haven't mentioned shaving to him because I've always worried about the hairs growing back thicker and coarser after shaving, and therefore being more noticeable.

Is this just an old wives tale?

Not sure about the old wives tale but my OH looks back on photos of his school days in horror, as he too had a fuzzy moustache from about 13'ish and his mum wouldn't let him start shaving. So please don't let your son not shave if he has too. My 12 yr old DS is starting to grow fuzzy over his top lip as well, so as soon as it looks like it needs coming off it will!

shellsuit

My son started shaving when he was around 11 ~ he is really dark and it was very noticeable.

I bought him a Gillette razor, same one OH uses (don't know which one it is they all look the same to me!) and he has never ever cut himself.

He was embarrassed at first, but once he'd did it the once, he was fine!