Q&A for How to Shave Your Legs for the First Time

Shaving your legs shouldn't hurt. However, first-timers may be more likely to nick themselves accidentally. Make sure you use a fresh razor and shaving cream, and be careful.

No, most razors can be used up to five times depending on how well you take care of them. Clean the razor after each use.

You should find a good time when you mom isn't busy and just ask if she will help.

Asking your parents about something like this can be really stressful. If you are really self-conscious about your leg hair, know that your parents will probably understand and help you. It's a little unusual, but there's nothing wrong with anyone shaving, or not shaving, all you have to do is speak up and make your feelings known.

Shampoo would probably not be the best choice. However, if you don't want to use a shaving gel or cream, you could use conditioner or coconut oil.

Shaving does not hurt if you do it correctly. Just make sure you gently glide the razor along your legs and they are wet. Only move the razor up and down, not sideways. If you make a mistake and nick yourself, it's not a big deal; it's just like a little scratch.

Just casually mention that you've noticed your legs are getting hairy, and you were wondering if it was time to get your own razor and shaving gel. Your mom will understand.

This is a myth. People just say that because the rough edge you cut feels thicker when it grows out, but it's not actually thicker.

For me, it doesn't hurt, but it bleeds a lot. It only starts to sting sometimes after I get out of the shower.

Treat it as a normal cut. Wash it, apply some antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandaid. If it's bleeding a lot, apply pressure.

You can use a variety of substitutes such as hair conditioner, coconut oil, or just water and soap. There are tons of recipes online.

Use a shaving cream or gel and shave it as you would the rest of your legs. Just go slowly and carefully so you don't cut yourself.

I recommend gel. Shaving gel helps give a closer shave.

Shaving will not make your hair grow in thicker. It can feel this way because shaving cuts the hair off at the base, so when the hair grows in, the top of the hairs will feel thick and scratchy. Exfoliating your legs before shaving, using clean sharp razors and a good shaving cream, and following up with a moisturizer will prevent any razor bumps or ingrown hairs.

This question depends on whether you informed them about shaving; even if you didn't, they might not even notice. However, if they do, and ask, just say you shaved - after all, most teenage girls shave.

Body cream is not recommended. Try coconut oil or hair conditioner if you don't have shaving gel/cream.

Just say it very casually. Try, "Hey mom, my legs are ready to be shaved. Can I get a razor and shaving cream?" It's best to ask her when both of you are alone and the topic fits the moment.

You should shave with shaving cream. Shaving dry leads to nicks and ingrown hairs.

Don't be afraid! Just tell your mom honestly that you wanted to shave, so you did. If you were embarrassed to talk to her about it, just tell her. She'll understand.

You can, but it may dry out your legs.

You should wait a few days until the sensitivity from the wax is gone. Then you can shave your legs.

Wait until you are alone with her and she is not busy and then simply say, "Mom, I decided to start shaving my legs. I'm sorry I didn't tell you first." She probably won't be mad at all.

You could do that, but you should make sure it's okay with your parents first. If you're not sure they'd be okay with it, just wait and ask their permission.

Cutting yourself shaving usually doesn't hurt much when it happens, but it can sting pretty badly when you rinse it off. It's not very painful overall though!

Wait until you're alone with your mom, then say in one breath (so she won't interrupt), "Mom, I started shaving my legs because I was feeling really uncomfortable about all the hair on them. It went fine and now I feel a lot better and more confident since I've started shaving. May I continue to do so?" If she says no, reply that you could come up with a compromise, such as only shaving below the knee or using hair removal cream. If she still says no, say that you respect her decision, but that you know that you're old/independent/responsible enough to make your own decisions like shaving your legs.

You can use an after-shave oil or alcohol-free moisturizer.

Bar soap isn't the best option for shaving legs. You can use it if you've got nothing else on hand. However, conditioner works much better.

When shaving your ankles, make sure the part you're shaving is extended (for example, when shaving the back of your ankle, point your toes upward, etc.) and go slowly. When shaving your knees, bend them when shaving the front and stretch them out straight when shaving the back. Once again, go slowly; these areas are very curvy and bumpy, so it's easy to cut yourself.

Wear pants. If you're trying to hide this from your parents, it would be best to just tell them that you have started or want to start shaving.

There really isn't such a thing as shave "too early." However, if you feel like you just aren't comfortable with shaving and want to wait a year or two, you totally can. Nothing bad will happen if you stop shaving.