Puberty
Neurodiversity Hub Wirral
Puberty is when your body changes from being a child to becoming a young adult.
It starts at different times for everyone. Most young people begin puberty between 8 and 14 years old.
Your body starts making chemicals called hormones.Hormones cause many changes in your body and your feelings.
You may feel different, and this is normal. Everyone develops at their own speed.
Try not to compare yourself to others — there is no “right” time to change.
There are common signs that puberty has started or is still happening.
Your biological sex (the physical sex your body develops as) can affect the changes you notice.
For example:
someone with a female body may start having periods
someone with a male body may start to grow facial hair
When you were born, adults usually checked for a penis or a vagina to decide your sex.
Your sex is also linked to your genetics.
Some people’s bodies develop in ways that are not only male or only female.
This is called being intersex.
If you are intersex, you may go through puberty in a different way.
Some people’s sex is different from their gender.
If you are worried about your gender identity, support is available here
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You may notice:
your breasts begin to grow
more hair on your legs and arms
pubic hair growing around your genitals
more spots or acne
a growth spurt (you grow taller quickly)
changes in body shape, such as wider hips
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You may notice:
your voice becomes deeper
hair growing under your arms and on your face
thicker pubic hair
more spots or acne
your testicles and penis grow larger
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One of the first changes you may notice is that your body shape changes.
If you have a female body:
your breasts may begin to grow
your hips may become rounder
it is normal to gain some weight
you may grow taller
you may get food cravings
you may feel bloated before your period
If you have a male body:
you will grow taller
you may become more muscular
All of these changes are normal.
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Families, friends and support staff need to work together. A shared approach helps make sure each child eats and drinks in a way that feels safe, comfortable and enjoyable for them. It also helps children get the nutrition they need.
Mealtimes can be a chance for social connection. Sitting with the child during meals and snacks can help. When appropriate, adults can eat the same foods and drinks to model eating skills. This can also support simple conversation and positive social time.
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Puberty affects your feelings as well as your body.
Hormones can:
change your mood
make emotions feel stronger
Body changes, spots, or body odour can also cause stress.
You may:
feel self‑conscious
feel low in confidence
Talking to friends, family, or someone you trust can help.
As hormones settle, mood swings often become less intense and less frequent.
If you are worried, speak to:
a trusted adult
a teacher
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During puberty, you may start to grow hair:
under your arms
around your genitals
on your arms and legs
If you have a male body, you may also grow:
facial hair
chest hair
It is your choice whether or not to remove body or facial hair.
Shaving advice is available here:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/you-your-body/puberty/puberty-facts/#8
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If you have a male body, you may notice facial hair starting to grow.
At first, it may look light or patchy.
If you want to shave, you will need:
an electric shaver or a razor
It can help to have someone show you how to shave safely.
If you do not feel comfortable asking someone, you can:
watch simple shaving videos online
Understanding different razors
There are two main types of razors:
Standard razors
disposable or replaceable blades
give a closer shave
need more care to avoid cuts
Electric razors
battery powered
quicker and easier
may not shave as closely
Always use a clean, sharp blade.
Blunt blades can cause:
cuts
redness
uneven shaving
Use shaving gel or cream to protect your skin.
If menthol products irritate your skin, switch to non‑menthol options.
What to do if you cut yourself
Small cuts can happen when learning to shave.
If you cut yourself:
hold a clean tissue or cloth on the cut
press gently until bleeding stops
Avoid shaving areas with:
spots
cuts
sore skin
Some people get ingrown hairs (folliculitis).
If this happens often, talk to a doctor or dermatologist.
Step by step guide to shaving
Prepare your skin
Wet your face with warm water. Shaving after a shower works well.Apply shaving gel
Cover cheeks, chin, upper lip, neck, and throat.Begin shaving
start with easy areas
use short, slow strokes
shave in the direction the hair grows
do not press too hard
Shave trickier areas
Stretch the skin gently to help the razor glide.Rinse your face
Use cold water to close pores.
Use gentle aftershave if you want.
Most people shave every 1 to 3 days.
More information:
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving.html
Helping a young person learn to shave
Keep instructions simple and reassuring.
They may choose:
an electric shaver (easier)
a standard razor (closer shave, more care needed)
Watching a tutorial together can help.
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Hair is made of keratin, a strong protein.
Hair grows from a root inside the skin called a hair follicle.
The two types of body hair
Vellus hair
soft, fine hair
helps keep you warm
Terminal hair
thicker and darker
appears during puberty in certain areas
provides protection
Ways to remove body hair
Using a razor to remove hair
Shaving removes hair at the skin surface.
How long it lasts: 1–3 days
Pros
cheap
quick
easy at home
Cons
razor burn
bumps
ingrown hairs
Tips
shave after warm water
go slowly
change blades often
Removing hair one at a time
Plucking removes individual hairs using tweezers.
How long it lasts: 3–8 weeks
Pros
low cost
Cons
painful
slow
Creams that dissolve hair
Depilatory creams dissolve hair at the skin surface.
How long they last: several days to 2 weeks
Pros
quick
easy to buy
Cons
smell
skin irritation
Follow instructions carefully.
Removing hair with wax strips
Waxing removes hair from the root.
How long it lasts: 3–6 weeks
Pros
smooth results
hair grows back finer
Cons
painful
possible redness
Permanent hair removal using electric current
Electrolysis destroys the hair root.
Pros
can be permanent
Cons
painful
time‑consuming
costly
Consult a doctor before starting.
Removing hair with laser light
Laser treatment targets hair follicles.
Best results occur with light skin and dark hair.
Pros
long‑lasting
Cons
expensive
skin irritation
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Shaving is your choice.
It is not cleaner or healthier.Do not shave because of pressure from others.
If you choose to shave, you will need:
razor or shaver
shaving cream
moisturiser
Getting safe support when learning
You may ask a trusted adult for help with:
legs
underarms
No one should ever watch or help you shave private areas.
Online tutorials can be useful when using safe websites.
Simple tips for safe shaving
shave in the bath or shower
trim long hair first
use shaving cream
go slowly
avoid pressing hard
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Your sweat glands become more active.
To reduce smell:
wash daily
wear clean clothes
use deodorant
Loose, cotton clothing helps.
Why you get spots during puberty
Spots and acne happen because of hormones.
They are not caused by poor hygiene.
They can be treated with:
creams
gels
medication if needed
Acne does not last forever.
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Each month:
an egg is released
the uterus lining thickens
If no pregnancy happens:
the lining leaves the body as blood
this is called a period
Periods usually last 4–5 days.
Choosing period products
You can choose:
sanitary towels
tampons
Change them regularly.
Do not flush them.Talk to a trusted adult if you need support.
How breasts change during puberty
Breasts change in size, shape and sensitivity.
All breast shapes and sizes are normal.
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breasts may be different sizes
nipples vary in shape
soreness before periods is common
small bumps or hairs are normal
You can wear a bra when you choose.
Speak to a doctor if you notice:
sharp pain
lumps
unusual changes
You can ask for a female doctor if that helps you feel comfortable.