A subtle hint might be something like, “My friend [insert name] has started shaving her legs. ” Don’t feel too awkward. It shouldn’t be a big deal. Casually mention what is going on with yourself or other girls at your school.
Use questions that require an answer. For example, “Some of my friends have started shaving their legs. When did you start shaving your legs, mom?” [1] X Research source Asking direct questions like, “When do you think it is a good age to start shaving your legs?” will give you a sense of what your mother thinks. Just make sure to ease into it.
The most direct way is to ask for razors when you are at the store. You can say, “I think that it’s time for me to start shaving my legs. I have the most hair on my legs out of any of the girls in my grade/class. ”
Separate your reasons in a numbered list. For example, your first reason might be that you feel uncomfortable in social situations. Your second might be that you enjoy the feeling of smooth legs. Your third might be that you feel like you are responsible enough and old enough to start shaving.
For example, you might want to write, “My friends have noticed that I still have hairy legs and it is making me feel uncomfortable. Being able to shave would allow me to fit in more and feel more comfortable with my body. ”
Start the conversation by saying, “Mom, I wanted to ask you something, and I want you to listen to all of what I say before responding”. This will leave room for you to have a calm conversation.
Use the list that you made in the planning stage. You can say, “There are a few reasons that I want to shave my legs. The first is that it is making me self-conscious to have hairy legs. The second is that my friends are noticing that I have a lot of leg hair. The third is that I think that I am old enough and responsible enough to start shaving. ”
Try to make eye contact and nod, to show that you are listening. Take note of what she says, so that you can respond to it. You want to be able to convince her, not argue with her.
If she thinks that you are too young, you can respond by saying,”Everyone starts shaving at different ages. This decision should be based on my maturity level. ” Try to emphasize the fact that you are the one making this decision. If you are submitting to peer pressure, or only want to shave your legs because people tell you that you should, shaving may not be a good idea.
Compromises might be shaving below the knee, using hair removal cream, or having her help you shave. Suggesting compromises might be a good way to convince her. You can say, “What if we think of a compromise that can work for both of us?”
After about a month or so, you can suggest a compromise again. Remind her that you were mature about her rejection of your request last time. It may take more than one or two tries to get her to say yes. Stay mature and calm, and eventually she will agree that you are ready.
