How To Shave Your Legs Properly & Tips To Avoid Blunders
Avoid nicks, bumps, and bruises with the proper technique of using a razor.
Dr. Nermeen BedairMD, PhD (Dermatology) 
Dr. Bedair is an academic lecturer and a consultant clinician with 17 years of experience in the university hospital and private practice. She helps diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases or other conditions of the skin and performs dermatol... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 yearsArshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
monomita chakrabortyMA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more
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You must have been shaving your legs for a long time, but you may be dissatisfied with the results! If you can relate, it’s a sign that your shaving technique is incorrect. So, do you want to learn how to shave your legs correctly?
While shaving is a painless and easy approach for body hair removal compared to waxing, epilation, depilation, and laser hair removal, the results depend on how well you shave. To get a smooth shave, you must glide the razor in a specific direction. This aids in preventing bumps, razor burns, and ingrown hairs.
Read this post to learn how to shave your legs properly and avoid some common blunders. So, scroll down to see how to get the smoothest legs ever!
In This Article
Should You Shave Your Legs Upwards or Downwards?
There are pros and cons for both approaches – shaving upwards and downwards.
While shaving against the direction of your hair growth may provide a clean and close shave, there is the possibility of injury, irritation, and cuts. Shaving your legs upwards can form razor bumps and ingrown hair, leading to discomfort and a shabby appearance.
How To Shave Your Legs Perfectly
1. Take A Shower Before Shaving
2. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation will help get rid of the dead skin cells on your legs. These dead cells, which accumulate around the hair follicles, can clog the razor and impact the outcome. Use a scrub or loofah to remove the dead layer of skin. It will enable your razor to strike closest to your skin while shaving without being obstructed. However, do not shave immediately after exfoliation to avoid skin irritation.
3. Avoid Shaving First Thing In The Morning
Your legs can be puffy in the morning due to reduced blood circulation during sleep. Try moving around or perform light exercises to get the blood flowing. You can shave your legs in the latter part of the day when you are not likely to face this issue.
4. Invest In A Quality Razor
Use a multi-blade razor to achieve smooth, perfectly shaved legs. Shop around for the best available options and find a razor that suits your needs. Get a product with an ergonomic handle that protects your skin while lifting the hairs.
You can also find several options with moisturizing strips on the blade to help reduce the friction from shaving motions. Embrace a razor that gives you the most comfortable experience, especially when you shave the thighs, bikini area, knee area, ankle area, and other sensitive areas.
5. Use A Fresh And Clean Razor
Never use an old and dull razor for shaving. It might cause skin irritation and itching and reduce the impact of each stroke. Replace your razors after every five to six uses. Keep your razors in a clean, damp-free, and hygienic environment. It is a good idea to keep your safety razor covered and disinfect them before and after every use or use a disposable razor.
Quick TipRinse your razor under warm water. It will help activate the lubrication and remove any residual cut hairs or shaving gel from previous use.
6. Use A Gel Or Cream
Always lubricate your legs with a gel or cream before using a razor. Applying a lubricant helps the razor glide smoothly and evenly on your skin. Do not skip this step to avoid irritations and cuts, ingrown hairs, and leg stubble. A shaving gel or cream also helps add moisture to the skin and soften the unwanted hair.
Pro Tip: You can also use a hair conditioner as an alternative to shaving cream.
7. Apply A Moisturizer
After shaving your legs, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to soothe the skin. Opt for variants that do not contain harsh chemicals and artificial colors or fragrances. Anything with aloe vera or shea butter should do the trick – soothe your skin and prevent dryness.
8. Rinse Your Razor
End your leg shaving session by rinsing the used razor. Disinfect your razor after every use and let it air dry. Do not wipe the blades with a towel or tissue. This can damage your razor and reduce its efficiency. Always store your razor in an upright position to avoid the buildup of bacteria on the blades.
Check out our next section on how to get a smooth shave without causing ingrown hairs to take over your skin and beauty.
Shaving Tips To Prevent Ingrown Hairs
- Shave downwards in the direction of your hair growth. This means going from top to bottom while shaving your legs. Shaving against the grain might damage your skin, cause inflammation, and increase the chances of an infection.
- Do not press hard. Glide the razor on your skin in small and gentle strokes to avoid nicks and cuts.
- Apply a shaving gel, shaving foam, or cream to reduce the friction between your skin and the razor.
- Exfoliate your skin before shaving to get rid of dead skin cells and clear the pores.
Anna, a beauty and skin care blogger, shared that she always gets ingrown hairs if she shaves without exfoliation. She writes, “Whether I shave or use the epilator, I always get ingrown hairs when I don’t exfoliate my skin. You should do this regularly, but if you’re too lazy, exfoliate the day before (i).”
- Don’t shave the ingrown hair.
Quick TipAlways rinse the razor blade after each stroke to keep the blades sharp and prevent razor bumps and irritation.
Note: Do not pull or pluck ingrown hair. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid shaving until the infection subsides.
Scroll down to know whether it is best to shave legs when wet or dry.
Is It Better To Shave Your Legs Wet Or Dry?
The best way to shave legs is to run a razor on damp skin. Since your skin is softer when wet, it becomes easier to remove the hair. Running a blade on dry skin might increase the chances of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs. It can also prevent getting a close shave on your legs.
How Often Should You Shave Your Legs?
How often you should shave your legs depends on your hair growth rate, preference, and lifestyle situation. Some people shave daily if they have faster regrowth and wish to keep their legs silky-smooth. But others may do it only occasionally. Either approach is fine as long as you follow safety precautions.
How Long Does It Take To Shave Your Legs?
The duration varies and depends on one’s hair growth. Shaving daily may take just 5 to 10 minutes as there won’t be enough regrowth. But a weekly shave may take 15 to 20 minutes, and a detailed monthly shave may take up to half an hour.
Infographic: 5 Tips For Shaving Your Leg Correctly
Shaving is easier and pain-free compared to waxing or epilation. However, the wrong technique can leave you with razor bumps and ingrown hair. We have compiled some simple tips to help you shave correctly for smooth and bump-free legs. Check out the following infographic to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
If you do not know how to shave your legs and the right method, you may experience rashes, bumps, and burning sensations. The correct technique can help you achieve a smooth skin and prevent burns and ingrown hairs. It is a painless and easy way to get rid of unwanted hair without any professional services.
Follow the tips and steps of personal care mentioned in the article to shave your legs and in grooming yourself without much trouble. It is always best to shave when your skin is softer or wet. Using the right shaving products and following proper hygiene practices make shaving a seamless experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my legs prickly after shaving?
The closer you shave to the roots, the smoother the skin. However, if the legs have a layer of dead skin cells, the razor may not slice the hair smoothly, irritating the follicles and giving you prickly skin. Therefore, always exfoliate your legs a few days before shaving, and do not use a dull razor.
What happens if I don’t shave my legs?
Not shaving your legs prevents inflammation, razor cuts, and the risk of infection. So, skipping the razor is fine, as long as you keep exfoliating the skin with dry brushing and scrubbing to promote better moisture and product absorption. It is a personal choice. You should do what makes you comfortable.
At what age should I start shaving my legs?
There is no particular age for shaving. However, ensure that you follow the right instructions to avoid infections, bumps, and cuts.
Is it OK to shave legs with a razor?
Yes, shaving your legs with a razor or electric shaver is okay as long as you do it safely and carefully.
Key Takeaways
- Shaving in the direction of hair growth may cause injury, irritation, and cuts whereas shaving the legs upwards can form razor bumps and ingrown hair, leading to discomfort and a shabby appearance.
- Shower, exfoliate and use shaving cream, conditioner, or body gel before shaving.
- It is best to use multi-bladed, ergonomic razors and replace the blades after five to six uses.
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Want to achieve smooth and silky legs effortlessly? This informative video below provides valuable tips on shaving your legs quickly and easily. Check it out now and say goodbye to hassle and hello to beautiful, velvety legs!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Epilating – My tipshttps://healthybeautyforyou.blogspot.com/2013/03/epilating-my-tips.html
