Bikini Waxing for Kids?

FASHION - Imagine working in a spa as an aesthetician and having a mother phone to order a bikini wax... for her 10 year old daughter.

Not only would it hurt a lot, but it just sounds kind of stupid. But apparently "baby waxing" is the next big thing according to some mothers and spa workers.

Though not quite as popular as mani-pedi parties for toddlers, aestheticians are now scheduling more hair-removal appointments than ever for the under-12 set.

More mothers are pressuring the girls to look a certain way, and peer pressure doesn't help.

Insults from classmates about a students body hair can damage a child's psyche quite a bit (especially if they have a bit of a unibrow). The pain of waxing off the offending eyebrow hair is nothing compared to the torment children's teasing can do.

But its important that parents be realistic about these things. Going in for a bikini wax with your 12-year old and getting a boob job as well is not recommended.

It's critical that parents try to temper unrealistic beauty ideals instead of supporting them," says Alyson Shafer, a psychotherapist and parenting expert.

There's also a difference between a mother who's talking with her daughter about hair removal options and a mother who forces her child into it because they want a miniature version of themselves.

This is what some people are now referring to as the Chihuahuaization of Children. Like chihuahuas, children are now being seen as fashion accessories. Disturbing at that is, it is happening.

Thankfully most mothers are calling spas looking for alternatives to waxing. Since the hair is typically much too fine for a laser treatment the standard suggestion is a chemical depilatory like Nair, which recently introduced a fruity scented line for young girls called Nair Pretty.

Be very careful with Nair. Make sure the kids aren't leaving it on for too long because it can burn.

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