For many of us, shaving is a chore we wait until the last minute to complete. Hoping, by some miracle, that our legs will shave themselves. Well, since we know this is something that will only happen in our dreams, let’s discuss the reality of shaving. How often should we shave? Keep scrolling for tips and info on everything you need to know about shaving.
Shaving: What’s the Magic Number?
We are all unique, so how often you shave is really up to you. What matters most is how you shave, how you care for your skin, and whether you want to shave at all. Some people opt to go the natural unshaven route, and that’s cool too. But today we focus on those of you who do reach for the razor.
As for how often you should shave, that depends on personal preference. Do you prefer your legs bare with no hair at all, do you mind a little stubble, or are you ok going with all-natural non-shaven legs? There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s solely up to you.
Is It OK To Shave Your Legs Every Day?
Some dermatologists don’t recommend daily shaving, but if daily shaving is your cup of tea, then practice safe skincare and you’ll be fine. Using the same razor over and over leads to razor burn and bumps, which irritate the skin. Use a moisturizing shave gel or cream and a new, clean razor to shave and you shouldn’t have any issues.
How Quickly Does Leg Hair Grow?
Everyone’s hair grows at a different rate, just like everyone’s hair is a different color and texture. Hair on your legs grows at a different rate than the hair on your arms, underarms, and face. Genetics ultimately determine how quickly your hair grows and where.
The common myth is that shaving makes your hair grow back faster and thicker, and this simply is not the case.
Your hair is primarily made of keratin protein and grows from hair follicles underneath the skin. The growth of the hair takes place below the surface of the skin as blood vessels feed the root of the hair, pushing it through the surface of the skin. When you shave, you remove the upper portion of the hair, not the root.
How Can You Avoid Skin Irritation When Shaving?
There are a few things you can do to prevent skin irritation when you shave. Here are a few tips:
- Allow your skin to soak in a warm shower or bath water for a few minutes before shaving. The warm water hydrates the skin and hair, prepping it for the shave.
- Gently exfoliate your skin with a sponge or body scrub before shaving. Scrubbing your skin removes dead skin cells, softening the skin in preparation for shaving.
- Use a moisturizing shave gel or shave cream to allow your razor to glide smoothly across your skin.
- Always use a sharp, clean razor to shave your legs. A new razor helps prevent razor burn, bumps, and skin irritation.
- Shave against the direction your hair grows, beginning at the ankle moving upward with gentle pressure. Shaving upwards ensures you shave against the hair growth pattern. Rinse your razor to remove all debris when you are finished.
- After shaving, massage a moisturizing oil or cream into your legs to soothe the skin.
How Often Should You Change Your Razor?
You know it’s time to change your razor when the blade is dull. Dull blades lead to razor burn and bumps and an uneven shave. If your razor doesn’t glide smoothly across your skin or if it pulls the skin, it’s time to replace it with a new one. How often you change your blades depends on how often you shave. This period is anywhere from one week to six weeks.
Which Shaving Products Should You Use?
The type of shaving products you use is based on personal preference. There are many options on the market today, from shave creams for sensitive skin, to shave gels for dry skin. If you have dry skin, use a shave cream or gel designed to nourish dry skin. Sensitive skin types need products formulated for sensitive skin. If you have normal skin, then you can choose the one you feel is best for you. There are many options, so choose the one you see fit.
How To Treat Razor Burn?
Razor burn results when the skin becomes irritated after shaving. Dull razors, dry skin, or skin allergies cause razor bumps and burns. If you see that you developed these pesky red bumps, soothe them with a natural moisturizer. Fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizers containing aloe vera and coconut oil soothe dryness and irritation. Hydrocortisone creams may reduce inflammation in the skin as well.
Shaving Tips
We compiled a list of shaving tips and advice that we find helpful. Browse through to see which ones apply to your shaving routine.
Don’t Share Your Razors
Sharing razors puts you at risk for infection. If you cut or nick yourself while shaving, your risk for infection skyrockets, leaving you susceptible to infection, especially if you use someone else’s razor. Razors harbor bacteria that may spread warts, staph bacteria, and fungal infections. And, although mostly spread by direct contact, herpes and hepatitis can linger on razors and the areas between them. Yuck!
Choose a Shave Gel or Cream Wisely
The main difference between shave gel and shave cream is the consistency. The type you choose is based on personal preference because they both provide a nice, close shave.
Scrub Your Skin To Remove Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliating your skin before you shave is important because it removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin. When you exfoliate your skin, you get a closer, cleaner shave. As you shave, dead skin cells slough away and build up in the razor, causing more buildup in the razor and more chance of developing razor bumps. Save yourself the headache and exfoliate first.
Spongelle Boxed Flowers is a luxurious way to gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin. The subtle fresh scents envelop your senses while you treat your skin to a luxe lather and silky smooth finish.
Shave in the Opposite Direction of Hair Growth
Shaving against the direction of hair growth is crucial if you want a close shave. Begin shaving at your ankle and move upward. Shaving upward ensures you’re shaving against the direction of your hair’s growth. Do not apply a lot of pressure to the razor, doing so may cause cuts. Gentle pressure is all that you need to get a close and efficient shave.
Rinse & Replace Your Razors Often
You’d be surprised how quickly razors rust when left in the shower or tub. Always examine your razor before shaving to make sure you aren’t exposing your skin to a possible hazard.
When you are finished shaving, always rinse your razor in warm water to remove hair and shave cream, then leave it out to dry.
Moisturize Your Skin
Make your legs look and feel extra silky smooth by applying lotion or oil to your legs after shaving. Moisturizing your skin after shaving is crucial to prevent dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It also helps keep razor bumps and burns at bay. Choose a moisturizer that is gentle and compatible with your skin type. Doing this will also help combat dryness, bumps, and irritated skin.
When Shouldn’t You Shave?
Postpone shaving if you have cuts, sores, rash, or open wounds. Your chances of infection increase when your skin is already irritated, especially if it becomes scratched during shaving. So, wait until your skin clears up before shaving to save yourself the heartache of even more skin irritation or possible infection.
Will Shaving Cause Your Hair To Grow Back Thicker?
It is a myth that hair grows back thicker after shaving, regardless of the area you shave. When you shave you only remove the top part of the hair. The root of the hair remains under the skin. When the hair grows back in, it may feel thicker but it is actually the blunt end of the hair that you feel.
Bottom Line
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how often you should shave your legs. Shave your legs when you feel comfortable, and follow the above advice to ensure healthy, clean skin with every shave.
Spongelle Boxed Flowers make your shower time a little more enjoyable. The body wash-infused sponges contain skin-softening ingredients that nourish the skin while delivering a gentle scent and invigorating exfoliation experience. So choose Spongelle for silky smooth skin both before and after you shave.
Sources:
Hair removal: How to shave | American Academy of Dermatology
Razor Bumps | Michigan Medicine | UofM Health
7 Ways to Remove Unwanted Hair | American Academy of Dermatology
