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.

Alicia Ramos

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.

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Question

How often do I need to shave my legs to keep them smooth?

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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.

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Question

Will shaving make my leg hair grow back thicker?

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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.

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Question

Is it okay to only shave my legs when I show them?

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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.

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Question

Can you use conditioner as shaving cream?

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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 .

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

Can I use hair conditioner to shave my legs and arms?

Community Answer

Yes, as conditioner will moisturize your legs and arms.

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Question

Do I need to shave my arms, too?

Community Answer

Probably not, unless the hair on your arms makes you feel very insecure.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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