Shaving the legs

[Abby S.]

I was looking if someone spoke about that already, but I couldn't find it, so I am starting a new topic.

I started shaving my legs in the lest few weeks. Genetically I have a lot of body hair, and shaving it made me feel really good (as a 'side effect' I can wear shorts as of now, but it is totally worth it).
However, I had no luck in finding a good razor. The bottom part goes smooth with no issues, but the upper part keeps on getting bumps, and now a few days after shaving, I am getting more and more red dots at the roots of the hair.

Did anyone have a similar experience? I tried several different creams and razors based on the advice of cis gender girl friends, but nothing helped so far.

Also, I am wondering of anyone had a good experience with hair removing gels?

I also started Hrt last week, so it is possible that my skin is getting more sensitive.

[purpleshiny]

For what it's worth, I absolutely love Veet cream.  I've tried Nair and it does absolutely NOTHING, but Veet is a miracle if you have longer hair.  It doesn't seem to work on short stubble though.

My biggest tip I've learned so far for shaving is to not press down too hard on the razor and to go with the grain of the hair.  I have very sensitive skin and razor burn is always a concern of mine.  I'm also curious as to razor brand/preferences for other people on this site, so consider me tuned in.

I used to use a men's razor/gel designed for body hair - I think by Gillette?  I think they stopped selling it though.  Probably not enough demand.

[Harley Quinn]

I use Alba Botanica Creme Shave. Works very very well. Always use a fresh razor, open the pores on your skin with hot shower, go with the grain, and let the razor do the work.

Veet and Nair products always gave me ingrown hairs rash and bumps. But that's just been my experience.

I endorse waxing. A good wax technician will make it quick, painless, and lasts a long time without the horrible bumps...

[Abby S.]

It seems to me that I am getting ingrown hair from the razor.

[JoanneB]

I've had similar issues with the lower leg going easy and upper leg, especially the inside of the thigh prone to bumps. Being too zealous and heavy handed is one good reason. Initially, shaving more then once a week will lead to irritation. Not keeping the area well lubed will also lead to irritation. When I did my legs I've been soaking in a hot tub for a while, then use some oily facial soap to lather them up for shaving. The tub water is good for keeping the blade clear (every stroke). A little added water and lathering up and more soap as needed.

After a few years on HRT and especially thanks to the AA my legs have gone from very hairy to the "Why is there 3 hairs growing on my knee cap of all places?"  Ears are a far different story 

[AbbyDS74]

I couldn't find a shaving cream that worked well for me either. Veet didn't help me but it's worth a try. Have you tried epilating? I use use an epilator from my collar bones to my ankles until i can afford more hair removal. I  actually seem to get less ingrown hairs than shaving. I use a body wash with salycilic acid to reduce the ingrown hairs that I do get. I It hurts at first but if you keep up with it it's much easier and quicker. I only have to do it every two weeks and touch up in between.   The hair isn't that noticeable by the time it's long enough that you can pull it. Don't know if this would be an option that you'd be willing to try.

[KristinaM]

I use a Schick Hydro 5-blade razor.  It does a great job on all of my body hair and facial.  Shaving above the knee though is challenging for me.  For some reason about half-way up my thigh, I get goosebumps when shaving.  It makes it seemingly impossible to get a good close shave up there.  I end up with bumps up top because I've basically be shaving off the top of the bumps, haha.  So i just take it easy and shave better from there down and deal with it.

[Isabelle]

You're going to keep getting the ingrowns until your skin gets used to being shaved.
Get some heavy duty exfoliating skin cream and wash them every day

[carolinejeo]

Don't shave, get an epilator, hurts at first  but gets better and hair growth lessens.

Caroline

[Ms Grace]

The upper thigh seems prone to ingrowns, don't know why. Agree with the above... wax, epilate, exfoliate... ultimately much better options than shaving long term.

[Cindy Stephens]

Word of advice from someone who made the mistake.  Do NOT. I repeat, DO NOT get Veet, Nair or similar concoctions on your scrotum!  You will wish you hadn't.

[michelle1983]

I shave with conditioner. Just get whatever is cheapest. Another trick I learned is right after you get out of shower put aloe vera gel on wherever you shaved really helps with razor burn.

[KristinaM]

I shave with conditioner. Just get whatever is cheapest. Another trick I learned is right after you get out of shower put aloe vera gel on wherever you shaved really helps with razor burn.

I shave with conditioner too, it's great!  And I'm still putting my men's Gillette aftershave on everything for now, until it runs out anyways, haha.

[Isabelle]

I use a cheap dove soap bar. Does the business fine. Seriously just keep shaving, you skin will get used to it. Lots of people get ingrowns on the back of the thighs. Shaved, unshaved, anyone. It's caused by sitting down and fabric from your pant breaking and folding the hair shaft which then gets stuck in the folicule. The cure is don't wear clothes or sit down.

[noleen111]

I just use shaving cream and a razor. I normally shave my legs after a hot shower as I know that helps open up the pores.

I normally shave my legs twice a week, (I hate the stubble feeling when the hair starts growing and i love that silky smooth feeling) i don't have sensitive skin, in the beginning i had a few in grown hairs, but my skin is use to the routine now, so no real problems. I shave the entire leg.

After shaving, I also apply moisturizer to my legs. I actually apply moisturizer daily to my legs, after i get out of the shower.

[LizMarie]

Don't shave, get an epilator, hurts at first  but gets better and hair growth lessens.

Caroline

I concur. It took time but epilating is now a breeze and I personally believe my leg hair thinned very rapidly because I'd epilate once a week (now usually every two weeks).

[archlord]

i actually had the same problem 2 month ago when i decided to try shaving my legs.
I enjoyed the feeling of how soft it was until the moment where it started to itch very bad

i also had some red dots everywhere that was ugly,  then the second time i shaved there was less red dots.

i think it is because your legs hair are light and have hard time to perforate the skin.

So keep going and put hydrating cream on it.

[Lady_Oracle]

I never see anyone mention this but you're supposed to exfoliate before you shave and after. The purpose of exfoliating before is so you don't shave with all the dirt and dead skin. After I started doing that I didn't get those nasty red bumps anymore. I also have really sensitive skin and this is what I find works for me. I'm still really hairy despite being on hrt for over 3.5 years lol its still better than before. 

[Stevie]

 I never really had much hair on my legs I have fine vellus hair on my legs and arms, only have coarse hair on inside of upper thighs below the pubic region. When I shave I use lubriderm moisturizer instead of shaving cream on my face and legs.

[judithlynn]

I gave up shaving a few years ago and now I have a full leg wax and bikini line wax every 8 weeks. I used to have to have it done every four weeks, but the hair is now disappearing and is becoming very fine and silky. I also moisturise on my legs every day after I shower as part of my beauty regime.
Judith