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

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does it hurt when you first shave?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a new razor each time?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if I'm too embarrassed to talk to my parents about shaving?
    Community Answer
    You should find a good time when you mom isn't busy and just ask if she will help.
  • Question
    I'm a twelve year old boy. I want to shave my legs, but I'm not sure how to ask my parents. Please help.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I use shampoo to shave instead of shaving gel?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I want to start shaving, but I'm scared it's going to hurt. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I want to shave my legs. But I don't want to ask my parents. Kinda embarrassing. How do I ask them to buy me some shaving gel?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I want to try shaving my legs. Does it make my hair thicker when it grows back?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What does it feel like when you nick yourself? Does it hurt?
    Community Answer
    For me, it doesn't hurt, but it bleeds a lot. It only starts to sting sometimes after I get out of the shower.
  • Question
    What do I do if I do nick myself? Just use a bandaid?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What are some replacements for shaving gel?
    Community Answer
    You can use a variety of substitutes such as hair conditioner, coconut oil, or just water and soap. There are tons of recipes online.
  • Question
    How do I shave the thigh area?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What is better: shaving cream or gel?
    Community Answer
    I recommend gel. Shaving gel helps give a closer shave.
  • Question
    I heard that once you shave it grows back thicker. Is this true, and if so, is there something I can do to prevent it from happening?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if I want to wear shorts after I shave, and my parents see?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I use body cream instead of shaving gel?
    Community Answer
    Body cream is not recommended. Try coconut oil or hair conditioner if you don't have shaving gel/cream.
  • Question
    How should I bring up to my mother that I want to start shaving my legs if I am 12 years old?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Should I shave without or with shaving cream?
    Community Answer
    You should shave with shaving cream. Shaving dry leads to nicks and ingrown hairs.
  • Question
    What should I do if I'm too afraid to tell my mom that I shaved without her permission?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I use moisturizer with cetearyl alchohol
    Community Answer
    You can, but it may dry out your legs.
  • Question
    I just got my legs waxed for the first time but they missed some spots. I wanted to shave them off but my mom said I should wait but I'm very uncomfortable with it. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You should wait a few days until the sensitivity from the wax is gone. Then you can shave your legs.
  • Question
    How do I tell my mom that I've shaved without telling her?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if my parents aren't home, but my older sister is and she shaves, would it be safe to ask her for help?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What would it feel like to cut myself shaving?
    Community Answer
    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!
  • Question
    I shaved without telling my mom. I'm scared she won't understand; she's always told me that I shouldn't shave. What do I do?
    I Read Books About Animals
    Top Answerer
    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.
  • Question
    What can I use that doesn't have alcohol in it after I shave?
    Community Answer
    You can use an after-shave oil or alcohol-free moisturizer.
  • Question
    Am I allowed to use soap?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I shave my knees and ankles?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How can I hide my legs so no one knows that I have shaved them?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I started shaving too early, am I able to stop shaving?
    Abigail Edwards
    Community Answer
    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.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article