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Whether you're an athlete or just enjoy the feel of having smooth skin, shaving your legs is a fairly simple process. All you need is some patience and concentration, especially the first time you do it. But the more you do it, the easier it gets!
Steps
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Determine an end point. Consider how much of your legs you wish to shave. Although this may not be true for everyone, men’s legs tend to be just as hairy (if not hairier) the farther up they go, which makes knowing when to stop difficult. [1] X Research source Think about the reason why you’re shaving your legs: is it for aesthetics or a practical purpose? Then take a look at yourself naked in the mirror and decide where would be a suitable place to stop.
- Consider how much of your legs and above will be visible to other people. Are you going to be wearing shorts in the near future? Do you change clothes in locker rooms frequently? Is someone special going to be seeing you naked?
- If you’re shaving for aesthetic reasons (dancing, bodybuilding, modeling, or plain old preference), you will most likely want a very smooth shave along your entire legs and possibly your genitals and rear as well. [2] X Research source
- If it’s for a practical purpose, like swimming, running, or preparing for medical treatment, you don’t have to worry so much about how you look. However, depending on how long you plan to keep your legs shaved, you still may want to consider their appearance if this is going to be a long-term practice.
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Trim your leg hairs. If this is your first attempt at shaving your legs, use scissors or an electric groomer to shorten your hairs before using a razor, which would clog up pretty quickly if you were to shave your legs immediately. For a quick and easy job, use an electric groomer if you have one. If possible, go outside in your shortest pair of shorts, since this will be messy. Otherwise, spread one or more large towels on the floor and stand on those for an easy clean-up afterward. [3] X Research source
- If you live in the middle of nowhere with no neighbors for miles, feel free to take care of your private areas in the great outdoors, too. If not, retreat inside once your legs are done and then finish up with a towel spread on the floor to catch the falling hairs.
- If you’re only shaving your legs for athletics, this step alone may suffice for your purposes. [4] X Research source Depending on how thorough you wish to be, this may also be all you need to do as far your private areas go.
- Remove the groomer’s skin guard for the closest shave possible.
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Take a shower. Rinse off any trimmed hair that may still be clinging to your legs. Hydrate the remaining leg hair to weaken it for an easier shave. Remove any dirt or grime that may clog your razor or possibly infect any shaving nicks. Exfoliation is another important step. Exfoliate your legs by rubbing a loofa over your skin in soft circles. [5] X Research source
- Pay special attention to your thighs and any other sensitive area.
- If a shower is unavailable, wash, exfoliate, and rinse your skin with a bowl of water. Then wrap your legs with warm, wet towels and let them hydrate your skin for a couple of minutes.
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Use the right razor. Use a five-blade manual razor to reduce the chance of cutting yourself. [6] X Research source Start off with a brand new blade, since you will most likely have a whole lot of hair to get rid of. [7] X Research source A new clean razor will also make razor bumps less likely. Keep a few extra replacement heads on hand in case the original blades begin to dull during your shave.
- Rinse the blades under hot water before you start. This will lubricate them and provide a smoother shave.
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Get back into the tub. Take another shower while you shave. Or draw a bath. [8] X Research source Or simply sit on the rim and use the tub to catch your hairs as you shave them off. This way, all you have to do to clean up is simply wash the hairs down the pipes.
- Although you could also use the tub to catch your hairs when you first trim them with the scissors or electric groomer as part of your prep, these longer hairs are more likely to clog your drain.
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Lather your legs. Use a shaving cream that forms a nice, thick, easy-to-spot lather. Avoid thinner, translucent, or transparent creams, which may make it easier for you to miss spots. Remember that, unlike your face, you will be shaving areas that you will have to bend and twist to see. Make the job easier by using a product that catches the eye. [9] X Research source
- If this is your first time, shaving both legs will probably take a while. To keep your lather from drying out, break each leg up into parts (left calf, right calf, etc.). Only lather the area that you plan to start with. Then, once that area has been shaved, lather and shave the next, and so on. [10] X Research source
- For best results, pick a product that is rich in lubricants and moisturizers. Avoid lower-tier brands that create excessive foam.
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Choose where to begin shaving. With so much area to cover, this project is going to take time. Consider how well you handle lengthy projects in general. Come up with an attack plan. Think about the following:
- Thicker areas will likely clog and/or dull your razor right from the start. Starting with the thinnest patches of hairs will probably extend a blade’s usefulness.
- Unlike shaving your face, you will be dealing with areas that are hard to see. [11] X Research source Also, if you are shaving your genitals along with your legs, you undoubtedly want to treat these with extra care. If you tend to rush projects as you approach the end, start with these more delicate tasks and leave the easy stuff for later.
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Begin shaving. Keep your strokes short to prevent your blades from clogging. Rinse the razor frequently under hot water to remove hairs and shaving cream. [12] X Research source Keep your pressure on the blade as light as possible. [13] X Research source Replace the blades if you are unable to remove hairs without applying a great deal of pressure, since this probably means they are either too dull or too clogged to be any good.
- To avoid nicks, razor bumps, and irritation, shave with the grain, in the direction that your hair grows. But if what you want is the closest shave possible, shave against the grain. [14] X Research source
- Use a handheld mirror to see what you’re doing when you reach the back of your thighs and higher. [15] X Research source
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Rinse off. Drain the tub if you took a bath. Turn the shower back on if it isn’t already running, or stand up and dump water over your legs. Remove shaved hairs clinging to your legs, as well as leftover shaving cream. [16] X Research source Run your hands over your legs to test their smoothness. If needed, repeat the shaving process over areas that need more work, and then rinse off again.
- Always rinse off before shaving again. Minimize clogging your razor with hairs that have already been shaved, or being fooled into thinking that they are hairs you missed the first time.
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Wash your legs. Prevent any nicks or other infections from becoming infected. If possible, use body wash with tea tree oil and/or witch hazel as ingredients, which will help soothe and heal your skin. Exfoliate again with a loofa, rubbing your legs gently in soft circles. [17] X Research source
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Apply lotion. Rub an antiseptic post-shave conditioner into your skin. Destroy any possible bacteria that may still linger in sensitive areas. [20] X Research source Moisture your skin to help it recuperate.
- Use a moisturizer designed specifically for men. Since men’s skin typically produces more natural oils than women’s, using women’s products may lead to clogged pores.
- Continue to moisturize your skin daily to avoid irritation as your hairs grow back. [21] X Research source
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Tan those legs. Now that your legs are shaved, check how they look in natural light. If your leg hair was quite dark and your skin is pale or fair, consider using a self-tanner in the short term, since the contrast may now be striking. If you’re going to keep your legs shaved for the long term, consider sunning them regularly. [22] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionIf I do this, can the hairs be permanently removed?Community AnswerNo, shaving doesn't permanently remove hair. You normally have to do it at least once a week to maintain the results. Waxing gives better and longer results.
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QuestionI am 14. Is it wrong that I want to shave my legs?Community AnswerIt is uncommon, but it certainly isn't wrong. It doesn't sound like it will cause harm to you or to anyone else, and it isn't against the law.
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QuestionIs a trimmer the safest way to remove body hair?Community AnswerYes!
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Tips
- Take your time. If you shave too fast, you may accidentally nick yourself. Be sure to keep the blade steady.Thanks
- If you are out of shaving cream, hair conditioner will serve just as well; it's also quite a bit cheaper.Thanks
- Make sure the cream is evenly spread, otherwise you may need to re-shave the same area again, causing irritation.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Women's razors are meant to shave legs, so they can be a good option for a starting razor.
- To get a good clean shave, place your razor in a cup of cold water to rinse it off.
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Warnings
- Keep your leg straight when shaving behind the knee and be very gentle. The skin is very delicate in this area.Thanks
- Be very cautious on your thighs. The skin is very thin and delicate, and a small cut could lead to an infection.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Razor with new blade
- Good, thick shaving cream
- Electric razor/ hair trimmer
- Soap
- Water
- Antiseptic post-shave conditioner
- Towels
- Handheld mirror
References
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/story/shaving-tips-for-smooth-skin
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/the-reluctant-mans-guide-to-shaving-your-legs-1679785149
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hygiene-grooming/How-To-Shave-Your-Legs-Men
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To shave your legs as a male, start by shortening your leg hairs with scissors or an electric groomer to avoid clogging up the razor. Afterwards, wash off any hairs that are still clinging to your legs. Next, lather your legs with shaving cream, and shave them using a 5-blade manual razor to reduce the chance of cutting yourself. For the closest shave possible, shave in the direction opposite of your hair growth. If you're worried about nicks and razor burns, shave in the same direction as your hair growth. For more advice, including how to avoid skin irritation as your hair grows back, keep reading.
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Reader Success Stories
- "I was constantly struggling to shave my inner thigh with my normal razor, a men's razor I bought just to shave my legs. I asked my sister for any tips on shaving my legs, and she suggested I use a woman's razor. So I did, and shaved my inner thighs. Now they are all nice and smooth." ..." more
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"I was constantly struggling to shave my inner thigh with my normal razor, a men's razor I bought just to shave my legs. I asked my sister for any tips on shaving my legs, and she suggested I use a woman's razor. So I did, and shaved my inner thighs. Now they are all nice and smooth."
..."
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"This is the perfect site to find the perfect solutions with steps on daily routine problems. Thank you for posting such important articles that make it easy and convenient towards any daily life problems. "
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"To shave your legs very carefully."
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