What Age Do Boys Use Deodorant?

Updated on June 03, 2008
S.T. asks from Dublin, OH
33 answers

My son is almost 8 and very active, and at times I'll notice that he smells a little peculiar after he's been active. Especially under the armpits. He's tall and thin and always on the go. At what age can boys start using deodorant? Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thank you to all the moms out there who said start now! And to do it before he gets labeled the "stinky kid"! Also important to use deodorant, not anti-persperant. Thanks - you are a wonderful bunch of moms!

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M.A.

answers from Muncie on

YES!!! Whenever he is smelling, I think it's okay. My son is 14 now and he's been wearing deodorant for years.

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N.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

I have three boys. Each child develops differently. My oldest son started using deoderant in third grade, age 8. It definitely helped.

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C.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I would say when they notice or you notice the odor. 8 might seem a little too young but if he's active why not.

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M.K.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I have an adult son, as well as classes of boys from K-8. Each one is different. If your son is showing signs of sweat glands producing that lovely, manly scent, then that is the time you bring it to his attention and buy him is first deodorant. Whether 8 or 18, address his changes as they happen.

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C.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

Wow lots of responses on this one...but only a few that have said anytihng about deoderant vs anti-P. Make sure it is deoderant at least until they hit true puberty. It is not good for them and can cause problems. If you want research it to make your choice on what you believe in. My son is also 8 and he has been using it for almost two years....mostly because he wanted to be "a man" but it is good practice for hygiene.

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M.V.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi, My name is M. V. and my son started using deoderant around 12 or 13 years old. He was quite the sweater himself. I am a customer that uses eco-friendly products from cleaning to health and beauty products you might be interested in. You can enroll as a member or one who can help refer other people to these products and make some extra money as a business. Check it out at www.saferforyourhome.com and if your interested feel free to contact me at ____@____.com products are wonderful and they come with 100% guarantee.

Peace, M. V.
Melaleuca-The Wellness Company

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B.L.

answers from Indianapolis on

As soon as he start to smell a "little peculiar" under the armpits

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M.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

i think once they stink. Just like staring you period . some girls start early and some start late

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J.M.

answers from Terre Haute on

I would say now if you smell an odor. Everyone is different.
Bathe everyday and use a deodorant.

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M.D.

answers from Youngstown on

I think that you can use your own instincts here. I use to teach second grade and I kept a few samples in my desk for when the boys came in from outside and were really smelly. Some boys who were more mature needed to occasionally "freshen up" The last thing you would want it other kids smelling him too since some are especially mean now-a-days.

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4.

answers from Toledo on

Any time a child shows the need for deodorant is a good time to introduce the concept. He may only need it when playing sports, etc., but do it now before one of his friends makes a comment!

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M.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

When they start smelling. But, first make sure he is putting soap on the washcloth and he is rubbing that into his armpit. When my son was 10, he had taken a bath and then came out with stinky armpits. He wasn't washing with soap in the bathtub! Just plain laziness!

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Everyone's body chemistry is different. My daughter had to start using deordant at 8 1/2, my son was almost 12.
I would go ahead and start him on it and save him the embarassment of having others talk to him about it at school, etc. We all know children are rougher on each other than anyone else.

P. R

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B.S.

answers from Indianapolis on

I have a son that just turned 9, he has been wearing deodorant for about 4 years. We started him early because he has Autism and it is easier to start some things very early so he could be in practice for good hygein, boy if he plays too hard and forgets it you can sure tell!! I also have a 7 year old girl that has been wearing deodorant for as long s her brother has, not because she needed it at that young of an age, because her brother was doing it and it just wasnt far if she couldnt, according to her. I dont normally let her have her way that easy but it is all about hygein around here! So if your son is playing hard and getting alittle smelly there is nothing wrong with having him start wearing deodorant. Plus kids will make fun of him and call him the stinky kid. There was a stinky kid in my class when I was in school and kids wouldmake him cry almost every day. I think that is why I was so hell bent on getting my son in the routine early, he has enough to deal with without the kids making fun of him for being the 'smelly kid' in school. Good luck!

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T.M.

answers from Terre Haute on

I have a 9 yr old and a 20 mo. old. We've been buying deodorant for our 9 yr old for several years now. He's never had any issues with it. If you aren't comfortable with using deodorant, put some powder under his arms. Shannon G.

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M.H.

answers from Lima on

If you're noticing the B O, so are others. It's time.

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T.L.

answers from Dayton on

I believe that is the age that I had my son, start using deodorant. But the real indicater is just what you are experiencing, the under arm odor after being active. Just remember to start him out with a mild deodorant, one that is not too strong and see how he does.

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J.W.

answers from Dayton on

I had the same problem with my then 7 year old. We went to CVS and i let him pick out the one he liked the best. he ended up getting adidas moves like his dad wears. I still have to remind him to wear it. Good luck and its ok to let him start now.

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S.H.

answers from South Bend on

My son is 8 and we started having him use it a year or so ago. He is extremely stinky but we wanted him to get into the habit so when he really needs it, using it will already be a habit. He hasn't had any allergic reactions or anything so I think it's fine. Plus, he thinks it is really cool to wear deodorant like his daddy!

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

My oldest is 10 and I have him using deodorant. If he seems to have a little bit of odor I would say it wouldn't hurt to have him use a little bit of deodorant. There isn't really a particular age to start them out. Go ahead and buy him some it wont hurt. You can start using deodorant on boys when you start to notice body odor and the same with girls.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7 and 4.

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D.T.

answers from Indianapolis on

I've been making my soon-to-be-6-year-old use it a few times recently because of the warmer weather. We forget somedays but hopefully it'll be habit soon. He's outside running around all the time and he's starting to get stinky when he sweats!

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

You need to remember there is a differance between deodorant and anti perspirants.Anti perspirants are suppose to keep you from sweating, not good , your body detoxs that way.Deodorant however only covers up the smell.Some have both combined.We need to sweat to get rid of toxins in our bodies.Many health food stores carry a crystal that helps with the stink instead of using these chemicals on our skin.Washing more frequently also helps , I know most boys hate bathing though.

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C.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

ST
Any age would be fine but use a deodorant not an anti-perspirant. It is normal to sweat so don't use the anti-perspirant. That is according to Dr Oz on Oprah. And you never know, with all the cancer scares.
Good Luck and God bless.

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K.N.

answers from Cleveland on

My 7 year old uses deoderant, we just started, because he was smeeling funky even with a daily shower, i don't think there really is such a thing as to young if they need it.

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L.G.

answers from Cleveland on

Some kids start maturing sooner than others. As long as you have taken all the normal precautions to prevent his body odor like daily baths (making sure he actually washes with soap), clean clothes and that he is eating healthy and getting enough hydration, I see nothing wrong to have him start using deodorant. It will help prevent potential harassment about BO from his peers.

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S.K.

answers from South Bend on

Hi there! I'm a mom of 4 boys... let me say, boys are STINKY! LOL! Give that kiddo his own thing of deodoradant! =) (my 11 yr old is a particularly sweaty guy and Degree works wonders!)

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

When they start to smell a little peculiar under thier armpits! There is not a specific age, but if he needs it, start having him use it. 8 years would not be an unusual age to begin.

M.

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J.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

My kids (5 & 6) have been using it for about 2 yrs now,started off that it was just for the fun of it as they'd see me put mine on but figure might as well let them get in the habit now. When they first started using it, I'd give them each one of mine that was almost empty just to play around with but now I let them get their own from the store.

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K.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

I don't know what the age is but I think if they start to smell than they probably ought to use deodorant.sa

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R.B.

answers from Toledo on

Now is the time to start using deodorant. When you ask yourself that question and he is active and starting to smell under the arms, he needs to start using it to avoid embarrassment around his peers.

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E.H.

answers from South Bend on

I don't really have any advice as far as when boy start using deodorant - mine is only 4:) - but I do have a thought regarding the deodorant. My husband uses a mineral salt stick, purchased at Meijer etc, that controls his armpit odor better than any antiperspirant or deodorant ever did. The best part is that it is a much healthier alternative as it contains no harmful chemicals and allows the body to odorlessly rid itself of harmful toxins. My husband has recommended this to several of his male friends who also have reported being very satisfied with the results, but they all eat well balanced diets as well, which may alter how much and how smelly one sweats. If you do decide that it's time to get serious about the body odor, at least you have an option that will be effective and safe for him. Good luck!

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C.S.

answers from Cleveland on

That is so funny! My 8 year old just requested it. I guess it never crossed my mind because he seems so young, but I took him up on the offer and he is now the proud owner of a stick of deoderant.

They grow up sooooo fast!

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R.H.

answers from Cleveland on

i would say now that he is starting to get an odor. LOL

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