Q&A for How to Shave Your Legs

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  • Question
    When should you exfoliate your legs?
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Try exfoliating your legs once a week or once every other week. Exfoliation is a great way to smooth your legs, but you don't want to overdo it and irritate your skin.
  • Question
    How often do I need to shave my legs to keep them smooth?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The answer can vary depending on how fast your hair grows back but on average hair will start to grow back enough within 2 to 3 days for it to feel stubbly. Thus, if you want to keep your legs smooth, you might need to be shaving every few days, give or take some days depending on your own rate of hair regrowth.
  • Question
    Will shaving make my leg hair grow back thicker?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    No, this is a myth. The reason people believe that shaved hair grows back thicker is because the regrowth feels coarser than the original long hair. The more the hair grows out, the more it'll feel like it did before shaving.
  • Question
    Is it okay to only shave my legs when I show them?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Absolutely. Many women choose to avoid shaving legs during the winter months, when long pants, tights and leggings cover everything. Some women only ever shave their legs before an event when they have to wear something that shows off their legs. It's a personal preference but it is nice to be able to take a break from the regularity of having to shave legs all the time.
  • Question
    Can you use conditioner as shaving cream?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, hair conditioner is fine to use as shaving cream; after all, conditioner is designed for hair. So, if you've run out of shaving cream, conditioner can be a good substitute. For help, see: How to Shave with Conditioner .
  • Question
    Do I have to shower first when I shave with a razor?
    Community Answer
    It's best to shower first and make sure your leg hairs are properly wet. It'll definitely make it easier.
  • Question
    How can I prevent nicks and cuts while shaving?
    Community Answer
    Slow down and take your time, especially around the ankle area. Be sure to use some shaving cream or shaving gel as well, to provide sufficient lubrication.
  • Question
    Where do I shave my legs up to?
    Community Answer
    As far as you want. Some people will shave theirs up to the knee, while others shave up to the bikini area. It is your decision where you stop.
  • Question
    How hard do I need to press when shaving with the razor?
    Community Answer
    You should be pressing firmly enough to cut the hair but gently enough for it not to cut into the skin. A good way to test this is to start off super gentle and continue pressing firmer until you feel comfortable. It will come fairly naturally to you with practice; have an older sibling or parent show you on their own legs.
  • Question
    How can I make sure to remove all of the hair when shaving?
    Community Answer
    Don't do random shaving. Start from one part and slowly move on to other. This will make it easier to keep a track, whether a portion is well shaved or not.
  • Question
    Do you have to use shave gel?
    Community Answer
    No, some people use soap, shaving cremes, or just hot water. It is entirely due to personal preference.
  • Question
    What should you do if your body becomes irritated from shaving certain areas?
    Community Answer
    Don't use the shaving product or method again, and use a lotion or moisturizer you know won't irittate the area more.
  • Question
    Could scented shaving creams irritate my skin?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Try using an unscented shaving cream,, ideally one for sensitive skin. You can also try men's face shaving cream; it tends to be non-scented.
  • Question
    Can I use regular foaming hand soap?
    Community Answer
    You can, though it is not advised. It may increase the chances of razor burn and ingrown hairs.
  • Question
    How long do I need to wait after shaving to get my legs waxed?
    Community Answer
    You should probably wait a few days to a week, since the hair has to be longer to wax.
  • Question
    Can I use soap instead of shaving cream?
    Community Answer
    You can, but shaving cream will soften the hairs and soothe the skin in a way that soap won't, making the process easier for most people. Hair conditioner is a decent alternative if you don't have shaving cream.
  • Question
    What are you supposed to do with the hair? Do you just let it down the drain?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It should go down without any problems, but if it clogs the drain, scoop the hair out and put in in the trash.
  • Question
    What would happen if I used coconut oil?
    Community Answer
    It will actually help moisturize your skin and can help with a nice clean shave. Best way to use it is when it is almost hardened into a cream texture!
  • Question
    How often do I need to shave my legs?
    Community Answer
    That's up to you. If you think you see hair growing, then you should shave your legs. If there's no hair there, you risk cutting yourself.
  • Question
    Can I use regular soap to shave?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it can work just fine, but most people use shaving cream because it's easier.
  • Question
    Can I shave my legs in a sink?
    Community Answer
    It is likely to be much more messy and uncomfortable, but if you have no better option, yes. Just make sure to clean up well afterward.
  • Question
    What should I do if my hair grows back thicker and darker?
    Community Answer
    Your doesn't actually grow back thicker and darker after you shave it. You just notice it more because you are used to having smooth, hairless legs.
  • Question
    Can I use hair conditioner to shave my legs and arms?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as conditioner will moisturize your legs and arms.
  • Question
    Do I need to shave my arms, too?
    Community Answer
    Probably not, unless the hair on your arms makes you feel very insecure.
  • Question
    Can I use men's shaving cream?
    Community Answer
    Of course! I always preferred men's shaving creams and gels over women's. Men's products seem to have a better smell and have better results, in my opinion.
  • Question
    How do I clean the razor?
    Community Answer
    Rinse the razor with water and hang it up to dry so it doesn't rust. If the razor gets clogged with hair and you can't clean it with water, then carefully take a wash cloth and gently wipe the hair out of the blades. Be VERY careful not to cut yourself!
  • Question
    How do I shave under my thighs and under my knees?
    Community Answer
    Straighten your leg so that the back of your knee is a flat surface, then just shave slowly in the opposite direction that your hair is growing.
  • Question
    I have a dinner date tomorrow. Should I shave today or tomorrow? I also use conditioner to shave. Does it affect how long my legs stay smooth?
    Community Answer
    It would depend on how much time you have. If you're short on time for the day of your date, it's better to do it the night before, just so that you'll have enough time, but if you know you'll have enough time, go for the day of. Using conditioner will not affect anything, but it is known for clogging the razor, resulting in nicks and/or cuts.
  • Question
    How can I prevent the hair from coming back thicker and darker?
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    This is a common myth. Shaving does not make your hair come back thicker and/or darker.
  • Question
    Can I use a sugar scrub afterwards?
    Community Answer
    Yes. In fact, this cleans out your dirty pores and can keep your legs feeling smooth. Try using Rub, Rub by Lush.
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