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I want to shave my legs but am a bit worried with some of the horror stories I've read about ingrowing hairs, maddening itching etc. I tried a tiny experimental area (not one of the hairier bits to be honest) with a razor in the bath last week and there haven't been any problems since. Wondering if I should maybe do a small bit of a thicker area or just go for it.

Any general advice if you're just using a razor? How often, any type of oils/moisturisers etc afterwards?

Christine

Occasionally i get mine waxed and one of the things the esthetician always asks me is "Do you shave your legs?"  I tell her no and she always responds, "Good.  You shouldn't do that."  I've been meaning to ask her why.  I will next time and provide a response if it contains pertinent information.

I've sort of developed a whole routine around it. I don't think most people need this much care, but I notice when I start to slack off. Maybe my skin is just sensitive from being *really* hairy for so long? Who knows.

But I usually shave every 2-3 days in the shower with this routine:

1) Sugar Scrub to exfoliate
2) Shower
3) Shave.
4) Apply "TendSkin" (look it up on amazon, it's a lifesaver if you get ingrown hairs/razor bumps a lot)
5) Moisturizer/lotion - let soak in
6) Sometimes a layer of coconut oil after lotion is dry.

I use coconut oil instead of shaving cream. It's a lot easier/less messy IMO, and you can just gently rub it into your skin when you're done. On the days that I don't shave, I still do everything on the list, except shave+tendskin. The exfoliating and moisturizing really helps a lot to prevent any itching.

i exfoliate
then i use my epilady
exfoliate
moisturise daily.

I shave about once per week.  I have no problems except on the back of my thighs.  I am not sure if it is normal or not, but after about 26 to 36 hours they itch like crazy for about 24 hours.  I also notice the back of my thigh is not smooth but rather "bumpy" so I am not sure if it is my method/technique or me.  Other than that, I have had no problem what so ever.  I love the feel of newly shaved legs!!  I have not come out to anyone except my wife, her sister (sister in law), my GT and support group.  I used to worry about how I would look to others but there are two or three things I learned.  1) I look just fine and barely get a look from anyone; 2) in today's day and age, shaving body hair on men is quite common, even in the south and very conservative areas; 3) I am at a point where I just don't care what people think.  Bottom line, if you are comfortable, I would say do it.  For the first time, plan on it taking a while to figure out your angles and how to position both the razor and your legs to he all the hair.  If you have an electric shaver with a wide trimmer, mow it down first to get it relatively short.  If you don't, the razor will get both clogged and dull very quickly.  I personally like using a gel.  I have bought the local store brand and Bikini Zone and loved both.  I even was bold enough to ask the lady at CVS once that I was afraid of in-grown hair and without batting an eye helped me find the right product, in this case for me it was the Bikini Zone gel.  Funny how the small things can be huge to us! 

OK, a little more than you were asking for.  Also, I have not exfoliated yet so that may make a difference on the back of my thighs.
Take care,
Paula 

I got laser hair treatment on my thighs. That stopped all the irritation. I still shave my whole leg once a week, laser didn't get rid of all the hair.

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As I love to be clean shaven as well and I am not on any hrt yet I have to shave about every 2 days or so to keep the pricklys away, but I am not very hairy to begin with. I have noticed since I've been shaving that I don't get nearly the # of ingrown hairs that I used to when I first started, I usually do it twice once with the direction of the hair and once slightly cross. I learned pretty fast that against will give you lots of ingrown hair. I do similarly to the others though, I will either start with a hot shower or a soak in the tub, then I will exfoliate with a scrub, then I shave with aveeno positively smooth shave gel, and I used to just use regular lotion but last week I was at Ulta with the wife and found this- Don't Grow There Hair Growth Inhibitor & Body Moisturizer. It says it will reduce growth after a couple weeks, and I will let you ladies know if I've noticed a difference in a week or so. It certainly leaves my smooth and smells great, it's lemon grass and green tea scented.

If there is such a thing as being blessed about body hair, I am one of the cases. When I reached my mid-fifties in age, my legs naturally became more and more hair free. Now I do shave my entire body as often as I can, at least once per week for legs, every couple of days for my under arms, and a couple times a week for my entire pubic area. For me it is very easy because of my wonderful naturally hairless legs. Coincidentally my wife's father was the same concerning legs. He naturally had bald legs until his final breath of life.

I've been shaving mine for about 7 months. Yeah I had problems with itching and ingrown for a couple of months. I just hung in there and it is better now. I have to remember that I'm starting up in my fifties and my Cisters have been at it for decades and their skin is used to it. I just wash with Ivory soap first and a good body wash after I'm done. I moisturize with Lubridurm sensitive skin, especially the knees which are getting cuter. I just use the Walmart generic 3 blade knockoff for the Venus, and their house brand womens shave cream for sensitive skin. I've thought about waxing, but I love the process. The feeling, movements and fragrances involved just have me exiting the shower feeling very relaxed and girly. I actually look forward to it. Oh, and yeah I try to get 'em every few days. I can't stand much stubble or hair on them now.

I had my legs lasered over a two year period. No shaving required now. No stubble nothing. It was a great investment.

Actually had my entire body done. Not cheap but very happy with the results.

Everybody has different needs and different rituals. I have been on hrt for five months and have been shaving my legs for several years. My problem areas are the inside of my thighs, those are the areas that can get ingrown hairs if I get careless. Exfoliation is my key. I have a good scrub brush that was recommended by a local waxing studio. I scrub the upper legs at least every other day and always just before shaving. I am sold on the Gillette fusion four blade razor (fewest nicks and cuts) and am rather insensitive as to lubricants. I have tried everything from fancy shaving cream, hair conditioner, lotions, etc. and I find little difference between any of them and my normal shower soap. The key for itching, for me, is lots of lotion (I personally like Gold Bond healing lotion but have not experimented with many alternatives). A heavy coating after shaving and every morning before dressing. With fall's cooler/drier weather in my region, dry skin really amplifies the need for lotion. Lots of work, true, but I am not aware of a better feeling than freshly shaved and lotioned legs, especially when combined with a kicky skirt. - Anne

Take 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water and then cook until light golden color. Pour into clean jar. Let cool. You now have sugar wax. Simply scoop out of container with your finger and spread on the area you want to clear. Make sure to spread it against the hair growth and remove it with the hair growth. There are many tutorials online. Seems to be more efficient than shaving and longer lasting. Just a thought.

*

Aware of the well-used YMMV, allow me to share my experience that may help others.

I was extremely hairy as a 'boy' - arms, legs, back, front.  I likewise tried the options - shaving, waxing, tweeting, hydrogen peroxide.  All seemed futile.  What seemed to do the trick was time and hormones.

Allow time and ERT / HRT to be your friend.  I noticed that my body hair was simply beginning to fade away to non-existence after four to five years on hormones.  I have done little during these past 30 years - no shaving, waxing, tweezing, or bleaching.

I only required electrolysis on my face.  It sure is great to have not shaved since 1984.  My electrologist assured me that the sooner you get it done, the sooner you have more time in the mornings.  Plus, no razor burns, stubbles, cuts, shadow.  How correct!

Vicky presents another good alternative.  There are many personal history threads here about a few trips to laser and you are all done.

*

I've found using a moisturizing body wash instead of shaving cream worked best for me. My lower legs that have a bit of a tan are no trouble. It's my upper thighs that are white as can be that end up covered in bumps for days. Adding a lotion afterwards helped but still had red spots. So I just started with a home IPL device. It's supposed to need use over 6 weeks to get most of the hair in the growth stages. For now I know if I tweeze out a hair that was treated the bulb is charred black and shriveled. Also treated hairs pull out easy. Ok kinda gross but I had no idea how deep hairs are under the skin!  :o

I also tried it on my face at a lower setting. I'll update you all on how it works if I start to see shed happening. But WOW that part was painful! :'( on the positive side if it works well I can cover my whole body in a few hours.

I've lasered eveything so no more problem.... Laser hair removal has become cheaper now... I live in LA ,for example u can get $20 for underarms per treatment and its gone gone between the 6th or 8th session.... Entire legs below the knees $80/treatment......

Quote from: Miss Lux on November 22, 2016, 05:44:29 AM
I've lasered eveything so no more problem.... Laser hair removal has become cheaper now... I live in LA ,for example u can get $20 for underarms per treatment and its gone gone between the 6th or 8th session.... Entire legs below the knees $80/treatment......

Geez, my local place in the Albany area wants $200/session for facial treatment O.o

Quote from: Christine_Hart on November 16, 2016, 10:36:42 AM
I want to shave my legs but am a bit worried with some of the horror stories I've read about ingrowing hairs, maddening itching etc. I tried a tiny experimental area (not one of the hairier bits to be honest) with a razor in the bath last week and there haven't been any problems since. Wondering if I should maybe do a small bit of a thicker area or just go for it.

Any general advice if you're just using a razor? How often, any type of oils/moisturisers etc afterwards?

Christine

We are all different, as noted above by other posters. I'm blessed with little body hair, so I don't need to shave more than 1x per month max. I have experienced itching, etc, but not a big deal. I've gone back and forth between Nair and razors for quite some time, and have had no problems with either solution. I can say that I enjoy the bath time slowly shaving my legs with a good razor. I have never had any problems with ingrown hairs with either chemical solutions or razors. As others have posted, I always use a quality skin moisturizer after shaving. I get you can laser, etc., but I like the bathtub time shaving. Now, if I had crazy thick fast growing leg hair I would consider laser or other options to kill it. But, I kind of like the bubble bath and shaving routine, 'cause it's what many of us girls do :)

Hi Sinclair! I am a  Mtf trans and I haven't started my transition yet. I haven't even come out to my parents yet. About shaving my legs, lets just say I am a bit hairy. What should be my plan of action in the future? And btw.. 1x per month..lovely..you go girl[emoji136]

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I had to learn to wax when I wanted to work at my aunts beauty salon and I got so used to waxing for myself as well , It might seem new if you haven't done it before but you do it a few times , you pick it fast. There are some good waxing kits (as Dawn mentioned above) you can sugar as well ! I cant see using a razor at all anymore!  the idea of it now just seems kinda brutal! lol  I find that my skin stays smooth, I simply use a moisturizing skin lotion after and they stay clean longer than shaving also!


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Quote from: Christine_Hart on November 16, 2016, 10:36:42 AM
I want to shave my legs but am a bit worried with some of the horror stories I've read about ingrowing hairs, maddening itching etc. I tried a tiny experimental area (not one of the hairier bits to be honest) with a razor in the bath last week and there haven't been any problems since. Wondering if I should maybe do a small bit of a thicker area or just go for it.

Any general advice if you're just using a razor? How often, any type of oils/moisturisers etc afterwards?

Christine

I would go for it! Your legs are the smoothest when they have been protected by hair and junk for so long. It can be troublesome though. I use a razor and also and IPL hair remover to remove hair too. They work really well but to get those really smooth results, you have to go over your legs with a razor against the grain. Also, forget anything about alcohol based aftershaves. Use a moisturizer+ olive oil + a touch of antibiotic ointment (heals any cuts, shaving causes microscopic cutting).

Oh one more thing: for completely shaving heavy areas, even long hair, fill the tub and sit in it. Immerse the area and start shaving. Instead of cleaning the razor after every stroke, keep it pressed against your skin and reverse direction. What happens is the razor cuts the hair and it drifts away into the water as you reverse direction. It will clean the blades completely and VERY quickly which speeds up shaving time immensely. Make sure the water is hot. I have never had irritation from this method.

I don't think I've seen this mentioned, but it also helps to go over the area with some sort of trimmer first if it's your first time and your hairs are long. Trying to clear a forest with a razor will be annoying since the razor will clog every few inches.

Quote from: EyesOpen on November 23, 2016, 06:44:42 AM
I don't think I've seen this mentioned, but it also helps to go over the area with some sort of trimmer first if it's your first time and your hairs are long. Trying to clear a forest with a razor will be annoying since the razor will clog every few inches.

Not if you immerse it in water and shave it ;)

They will be somewhat more sensitive now than in the future as you get used to it. My current regimen is this:

Shave about 1-2 times a week only (thank you estrogen)
Shave either in bath or shower but bath works better
Use hair conditioner as shaving cream
Use a sharp ladies razor (Gillette etc, i think they are all fine)
Exfoliate with either pumice stone, salt or sugar scrub.
Touch up
Lotion after

Quote from: Saira128 on November 22, 2016, 11:28:54 PM
Hi Sinclair! I am a  Mtf trans and I haven't started my transition yet. I haven't even come out to my parents yet. About shaving my legs, lets just say I am a bit hairy. What should be my plan of action in the future? And btw.. 1x per month..lovely..you go girl[emoji136]

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Hi Saira, so nice to meet you! :)

Everyone can be different in terms of how they respond to shaving. My advice would be to jump in and see how you respond. Some tips -- use a quality razor, not some cheap throw away. I recently switched to a Bic 4 blade razor and have had zero nics or cuts. I use a standard foam shaving cream. Shave slowly with light pressure. Re-shave the same areas if needed slowly and with light pressure. After drying, apply a good skin moisturizer. Here's the key for you, over the next several days (perhaps two weeks) let the hair grow back and see how you respond. You will most likely experience some itching and minor irritation of the skin, which is normal. The things to look for are ingrown hairs and irritated stubble bumps that lag to heal. If you don't have those issues, shave again, and see what happens. Your legs will tell you if they can handle shaving over time or not. I personally enjoy shaving as I like the bathtub time, and my legs seem to concur. :) As others have posted, there are methods to kill the leg hair if needed. Good luck and best wishes sweetie!

Quote from: RobynD on November 23, 2016, 07:55:12 PM
Use hair conditioner as shaving cream

That's so cool! Idk you could do that. Have you ever tried moisturizer? That's what I use and it seems much better than shaving cream lol

Quote from: Jean24 on November 23, 2016, 09:00:28 PM
That's so cool! Idk you could do that. Have you ever tried moisturizer? That's what I use and it seems much better than shaving cream lol

I have not tried it but it would be interesting to. I suspect that most moisturizers are not water soluble enough, but who knows.

i exfoliate and then use my epilady once per week. the arnpits r the worse


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Someone suggested running the razor backwards between strokes. I tried it. It works great even on my facial hair with a lady razor. The razor self cleans on the reverse strokes!

I feel like shaving my legs is always the biggest challenge for me to keep them maintained and well shaved. I have used an electric one to get the rough long hair and then take a regular wet shave and that does the trick but my hair grows back so fast and I was curious if once you start hormones does that even affect the hair to not grow as fast or do you have to get permanent hair removal on the legs? Seems like lots of work goes into being a female lol

I would echo the thought of using a quality razor, not a cheap throw-away razor.  You might like to try shaving a small area that wouldn't be easily seen to see how you get on.  Unless you are the rare exception some itching is likely, but it generally isn't beyond endurance.  Repeated shaving on a regular basis will not only keep the hair in check, but will reduce the itching.  The first time is the worst.  That's why a small sample area will help prepare you for what is to come.   All the best!

Jaycee, I have been on hrt for 5 months and am beginning to see changes in hair growth rates. Facial hair has slowed a bit, chest hair has greatly diminished in presence (only needing to epilating once every week or so), leg hair has slowed some. Pre hrt I had to shave the legs every day and would have stubble by early evening. Now I can get 2 days out of a shave. Hope that helps. Anne

Quote from: JayceeTG on November 28, 2016, 10:19:26 AM
I feel like shaving my legs is always the biggest challenge for me to keep them maintained and well shaved. I have used an electric one to get the rough long hair and then take a regular wet shave and that does the trick but my hair grows back so fast and I was curious if once you start hormones does that even affect the hair to not grow as fast or do you have to get permanent hair removal on the legs? Seems like lots of work goes into being a female lol

First, yes, lots of work does go into being who you are, female.  :)

HRT responds differently for everyone. I have a little more girl in me than some (genetics and hormones) so body hair for me -- I'm blessed -- has not been an issue.

In general, HRT should lighten some body hair color, may suppress some body hair growth. Everyone is different, so results will vary. Some may need to kill the hair, even with HRT.

Quote from: Katy on November 28, 2016, 08:14:32 PM
I would echo the thought of using a quality razor, not a cheap throw-away razor.  You might like to try shaving a small area that wouldn't be easily seen to see how you get on.  Unless you are the rare exception some itching is likely, but it generally isn't beyond endurance.  Repeated shaving on a regular basis will not only keep the hair in check, but will reduce the itching.  The first time is the worst.  That's why a small sample area will help prepare you for what is to come.   All the best!

Good advice. If you don't have ingrown hair or irritated stubble issues, the more you shave your legs they will adjust to the point where there are no worrisome issues. BTW, Katy, very pretty dress. :)

yep, i can say from experience to exfoliate the skin you shaved about every other day to prevent/reduce ingrown hairs.