Learning how to shave your legs properly takes a few extra minutes and saves days of itching, redness and bumps. Legs are a large area with tricky curves at the knees and ankles, and the skin on the shins is thin and often dry. A sharp blade, a slippery surface and a light hand are what matter.
What you need
- A clean, sharp razor. Blades with a moisturizing strip and a pivoting head help on curves.
- Shaving gel or cream.
- Warm water.
- A fragrance-free moisturizer.
Step by step
1. Soften the hair
Shave at the end of a warm shower or bath, after at least three to five minutes in the water. Soft hair cuts easily. See Shaving in the Shower: Preparation and Aftercare.
2. Exfoliate lightly
Rub your legs gently with a washcloth or a mild scrub. This lifts hairs and removes dead skin that clogs the blade. Skip this step if your skin is sensitive or sore. See How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal.
3. Apply shaving gel or cream
Cover the area, and leave it for a minute. Do not shave with water alone.
4. Shave with light, steady strokes
- Start at the ankle and work upward in long strokes on the shin and calf.
- For the least irritation, shave in the direction the hair grows, which on the legs is mostly downward. Shaving upward, against the growth, gives a closer result but more risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs. If you shave against the grain, use plenty of gel and very light pressure.
- Let the weight of the razor do the work.
- Rinse the blade after every stroke or two.
5. Take care at the tricky parts
| Area | How to shave it |
|---|---|
| Knees | Bend the knee to pull the skin tight for the top; straighten the leg for the sides; use short strokes |
| Ankles | Short, slow strokes around the bone; flex your foot |
| Back of the thigh | Sit down, or rest your foot on the side of the bath; use a mirror if needed |
| Shin bone | Light pressure; this is where nicks happen |
6. Rinse and check
Rinse your legs with lukewarm or cool water, and run your hand over them to find missed patches. Reapply gel before going over any area again.
7. Pat dry and moisturize
Apply a fragrance-free lotion or cream while the skin is slightly damp. See When to Apply Body Lotion for Your Daily Routine. Avoid perfumed products, self-tanner and exfoliating acids for a day.
Razor care
- Rinse the razor well, and store it somewhere dry, outside the shower.
- Change the blade after about five to seven shaves, or when it tugs.
- Never share a razor.
How often to shave
There is no rule. Daily shaving is fine if your skin tolerates it. If you get irritation, leave a day or two between shaves. Hair that has had a little time to grow is also easier to cut cleanly.
Avoiding common problems
| Problem | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Nicks and cuts | Rushing; dull blade; dry skin | Sharp blade; gel; slow strokes at knees and ankles |
| Razor burn | Pressure; repeated strokes; dry shaving | Light touch; fewer passes; never shave dry |
| Itching afterwards | Dry skin; fragranced products | Moisturize; use fragrance-free lotion |
| Red or dark dots ("strawberry legs") | Open follicles, trapped oil, shaving irritation or keratosis pilaris | Sharp blade; gentle exfoliation; daily moisturizer |
| Ingrown hairs | Close shave against the grain; tight clothing | Shave with the grain; exfoliate; loose clothing afterwards |
Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care explains razor burn and ingrown hairs in more detail.
If you cut yourself
- Rinse with cool water.
- Press a clean tissue or cloth on the cut for a few minutes.
- Apply a little petroleum jelly, and a bandage if needed.
- Keep fragranced products off it until it heals.
Shaving with sensitive or dry skin
- Shave at night, so that skin can settle before clothes rub on it.
- Use a razor with fewer blades.
- Choose a fragrance-free shaving gel for sensitive skin.
- Moisturize your legs daily, not only after shaving.
- Do not shave over eczema, sunburn or broken skin.
Safety in the shower
Use a non-slip mat, and sit on the edge of the bath or a shower stool if you feel unsteady. Shaving standing on one leg on a wet floor is a common cause of slips.
Not sure shaving is the right method for you? Shaving vs Waxing vs Epilating: Key Differences compares it with waxing and epilating.
Related on ArniSun
- Shaving in the Shower: Preparation and Aftercare
- Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care
- How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal
- Shaving vs Waxing vs Epilating: Key Differences
- When to Apply Body Lotion for Your Daily Routine
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I shave my legs up or down?
Shaving downward, with the hair growth, causes the least irritation. Shaving upward gives a closer shave, but with more risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Why do my legs itch after shaving?
Usually because the skin is dry or mildly irritated by the blade. Use shaving gel, a sharp razor and a fragrance-free moisturizer afterwards.
How often should I change my razor blade?
After about five to seven shaves, or sooner if it feels dull, drags or shows rust.