Plenty of experts say that young girls are being pressured by the media and manufacturers into growing up too fast, and being too sexy too soon. As proof, they point to padded bikini tops marketed to tweens, and makeup and thong underwear aimed at 8-year-olds. Well, now they’re up in arms over a new trend: Spas that are pushing young girls to wax their upper lips, underarms, and bikini lines. Some are even running ads, offering half-off all waxing services for girls 15 and under.

So is that pushing girls to grow up too fast, or is there a need for girls that young to get waxed?

Supporters say that for some girls, there’s definitely a need. For one thing, girls are hitting puberty 3 years earlier than their grandmothers did, and some as young as 7 years old! Of course, along with puberty comes excess hair growth.

Supporters also point out that waxing isn’t about being sexy. For young girls, it’s about feeling comfortable. Because an 11-year old girl who’s hairier than the other girls her age is a target for bullies. Even when it’s 98 degrees and everyone is wearing swimsuits at the pool, a girl with excess hair would rather stay covered up.

Also, supporters point out that most salons won’t work on underage girls without a consent form, One that’s signed in person by a parent or guardian.