Ask Hannah!

I have hairy legs, when I shave should I us ordinary shaving soap or something else. What do you recommend please?

The first time I shaved my legs was… well, it took forever. Years and years of hair growth took a long time to reverse. Were I to go back and shave for the first time I would visit a waxing salon and have my legs waxed. If that is not an option, the first thing you’ll want to do is use an electric clipper to remove as much leg hair as possible.  You don’t want to get toooo close to your skin but you likely have years of growth and a clipper will make your life easier the first time you shave your legs. 

Once you have clipped, you’re ready to get shaving.  The right razor and shaving cream is essential.  However, this is also a matter of preference.  Like makeup, this is learning by doing, in a way.  Some girls use “girl’s” razors, some use “boy’s” razors.  The argument is that boy’s razors are cheaper and get a closer feel.  Some argue that girl’s razors are better suited for the curves of a leg.  It’s up to you but try multiple options.  But whatever you use, for hygiene reasons use a different razor for your legs than you use for your face and rinse your razor often as you shave.

I would also recommend taking a bath the first time you shave your legs.  Shaving a leg might look easier than shaving your face but your legs have different curves and harder to reach places than you’d think.  It’s difficult to get every hair on the back of your thigh and around your ankle, for example.  Being in a bath will give you time to sit, to relax and learn your legs.  Also, the warm water will help you open your pores and help you get a closer and smoother shave.  After I got used to shaving my legs I started to shave standing up in the shower.  Again, the first time you do it this way will also take time (and likely the hot water will run out before you are done) and you’ll learn that your body can twist and bend in many new ways as you shave.  You’ll find yourself holding onto the shower bar for balance and stability as you twist and rotate to get every hair.

Patience is key here.  The first time you shave your legs will take FOREVER.  Don’t rush.  As you shave any part of yourself you’ll get better as time passes.  So take your time and savor this experience.

In terms of technique, I start with my upper front thigh.  I use shaving cream (again, try different kinds) and slowly and carefully shave this part of my leg.  Shaving your leg is a little similar to say, shaving your neck and face.  Slow and smooth is key here.  I tend to use long strokes on the longer parts of my leg, and quick, short strokes around my knees and ankles.  But again, whatever works for you.  This is learning by doing.  I then move to the back of my thigh.  The backs of my legs are tricky.  Since I have dark hair and prefer nude stockings, I need to have a close shave in order to look my best.  Before I step into the shower, I do cover the backs of my thighs and lower leg with Nair.  This is extra work but it helps with a smoother and cleaner leg.  Shaving the back of your thigh will have you thinking that you should’ve stretched before getting into the shower as you’ll be bending, twisting and trying to get every hair.  Please hold onto something for balance.

Once my thigh is done, I move onto my knee and lower leg.  Knees are trickier than you think.  The lower leg is pretty straight forward though but the back is also tricky.  I finish the leg with my feet and toes (groooosssss) and then move onto my other leg.

Once I am done, I shut off the water and give my legs another look and then touch up any spots I missed.  The first few times you shave you’ll likely get a few cuts, so prepare for that.  Once you have a smooth and clean leg, you’ll definitely want to use a moisturizer.

Again, the first time you shave your legs might be discouraging and frustrating but like applying eyeliner, it’s something you’ll get better at with time, patience and practice.

If you want to shave your bikini area, you’ll want to use baby oil instead of shaving cream.  Baby oil will leave your skin less irritated and will help you avoid the little red bump thing.    Using baby oil will require you to rinse your razor a LOT more often than using shaving cream, though, but your skin will thank you.  Shaving this area, as you might imagine, takes a lot more patience and time.

Love, Hannah

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