Updated date:

Jan 6, 2020

How to Shave Your Legs for Men (Illustrated)

Author:

how-to-shave-your-legs-men — Flickr: basskot

Very few men take on the challenge of shaving their legs (or have a reason to), but for the few brave souls who do, it's important to make sure that you follow some best practices to ensure you get the best and smoothest shave possible.

Now before you get started, if you're a masculine guy with no good reason to shave your legs, shaving your legs happens to be one of those things that people will say, "oh, so you have your legs?" So be prepared to get this response from others--especially if you're a straight guy.

Aside from your genitalia, hair on a man is what makes a man, well, a man. Granted, there has been this metrosexual movement in recent years--and I'm totally onboard myself. Men are shaving and trimming hair all over their body to look neat and clean.

However, shaving your legs and arms are two areas of the body that seem to be barred from this movement--partly because people think it looks visually awkward and because rubbing up against unmanaged stubble is cringing; this is the challenge with many men--they'll do something on a whim, and then get complacent.

However, there are some good reasons to shave your legs--it's just important that once you start, that you properly maintain a smooth look and feel.

Reasons Why Men Shave Their Legs

Men who generally have a good reason to shave their legs are:

Bodybuilders and alpha males
Professional swimmers, gymnasts, runners, cyclists, and other athletic types
Professional dancers (including strippers--hate to put on the same line, but it's true)
Models (rarely do you see a man in an ad or on the runway with very hairy legs)
Men with an effeminate aesthetic (only a handful of men pull this off well)
Female impersonators

I think for all these groups--hairless legs can work. In most of them, it's purely aesthetic--you expect these types to look clean and neat.

The only exception is for the athletic types, like swimmers and such. For avid sports enthusiasts, it's not only an aesthetic issue, it's also a performance one. Swimming, running, etc. is easier without extra hair. Plus, icing sprains and bruises on smooth skin is preferred by many men.

Spare Your Significant Other From Scratchy Snuggles

I can't write this guide without acknowledging the good people who will encounter your smooth legs or the lack thereof--most notably, your significant other.

Again, if you shave your legs, it's something you have to keep up regularly. Hair regrowth on the legs can be quick--creating a stubble that's like sandpaper.

Nothing will make a person recoil faster than encountering scratchy legs under the bedsheets--it's just not amenable to good snuggling.

Your Legs Probably Aren't As Tan As You Think

If you have fair skin and dark hair, you may be surprised that your legs look a lot more white and pasty after shaving them. Dark hair gives the illusion of darker skin--once removed, it may unveil the alabaster skin you never knew you had.

If this is you, then you will probably want to invest in a good self-tanner to darken up those legs. To be honest, shaved legs on a man only looks good if those legs are tan.

Before You Begin: Determine Smoothness & Effort

Before you begin this project, you need to ask yourself a couple questions:

How smooth do you want your legs? Super smooth or smooth
How much effort do you want to put into this? Meticulous effort or minimal effort

Types of Smoothness

There are a couple types of smoothness, and both depend on the type of razor you use on your legs: manual razor or electric body groomer.

Smoothest: Manual Razor

If you want the closest, silkiest, smoothest shave possible, then you will definitely need to use a manual razor. The Gillette Fusion Proglide offers the closest shave of any razor on the market.

However, this level of smoothness can sometimes come at a price--including skin irritation and ingrown hairs. If you're not prone to irritation, then it's a non-issue.

Recommended Products For Shaving Your Legs

Below are the products I recommend to shave your legs.

High Quality Razor

If you want a super close and super smooth shave, then you'll need to use a manual razor to shave your legs.

Under no circumstances should you ever apply a cheap razor to your legs--it will be a disaster that will end in lots of irritation. To properly shave your legs, you need to use a high-quality razor--like one from Gillette or Schick.

Gillette Fusion Proglide

No other razor beats the Gillette Fusion Proglide when it comes to closeness. If you want a super smooth shave, then the Fusion Proglide is a must-have.

The strength and power of this blade is quite remarkable. No heavy pressing required--just let it glide atop the skin and the razor will do the rest.

Only one drawback to this product--if you tend to be prone to any sort of skin irritation then you may want to consider the Schick Quattro. The Fusion Proglide is so good at what it does that for some the results can cause irritation. However, if you never use any sort of antiseptic after you shave, then this could be why you are experiencing irritation, so make sure you apply a post-shave solution afterwards.

An 8-count pack runs about $30 on Amazon.

Schick Quattro Titanium

The Schick Quattro Titanium is my most favorite razor. I use this one for most of my body shaving needs. The shave is definitely not as close as the Gillette, but for some it may be sufficient.

What's unique about this German-made product is that the blades are wrapped in a very thin wire. This wire prevents the blades from being pressed to deeply into the skin--thus minimizing irritation.

I like to the think of the Quattro Titanium as the official razor blade for people with sensitive skin (it's also the official razor blade I promote for shaving any of your private parts).

An 8-count pack runs about $18 on Amazon.

Electric Body Groomer

If you want a no-fuss, close shave that's quick and easy to do, then you may want to try an electric body groomer. You can shave your legs fast without all the mess of using a shaving gel.

Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro

The ultimate in body grooming, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Pro holds the title of #1 best selling body groomer for men on the market today.

This body groomer is perfect for shaving your legs. It's dual-end design means that you can both trim and shave easily with not having to mess with extra accessories.

On one end, it has a trimmer with a skin guard that allows you to first trim down the hair so that it's short. And, on the other end, there's the regular shaver that allows you to get a close shave.

This body groomer retails for about $70 on Amazon.

Shaving Lubricant

When you shave your legs, you'll need to lubricate your legs with good shave solution to help your razor achieve a smooth, close shave. If you're using a manual razor, you'll need a wet lubricant, like shave gel. If you're using an electric body groomer, you may want to consider using a dry lubricant, like body powder.

Shower Shave Shaving Gel

When it comes to shaving large areas of your body, you should definitely invest in a product called Shower Shave by Brave Soldier. This shaving gel is designed for use in the shower or bathtub.

Shower Shave is a clear liquid gel that's incredibly emollient. It holds up very well, even when shaving in water. The ingredient formulation in this gel is unlike anything I've ever seen on the market. One of the key ingredients is silicone--which makes shaving such a pleasure. The silicone not only makes for easy shaving, but it also promotes close shaving, so you can have ultra smooth skin.

The product has a light, fresh scent to it--not overpowering. The scent does not linger too longer and eventually tapers off the body quite nicely--a plus for me, since I normally don't go for scented shaving products.

This product retails for about $17 on Amazon.

Gold Bond Ultimate Body Powder

If you're going to be using an electric body groomer to shave your legs, then you may want to add body powder to your shaving regimen.

Body powder can be used as a dry lubricant with electric razors. You'll find that using body powder with your shaver makes a big difference in the quality of your shave--it's makes it 1) not only easier to shave, but 2) allows for you to achieve a closer shave.

I recommend the Gold Bond Ultimate Body Powder. This product is non-talc, made from finely milled corn starch. The smell is incredible--it's very fresh and clean. You can also use this powder between your legs to soothe any skin friction created by the lack of hair.

This product retails for about $8 on Amazon.

You may also be interested in my article on the 12 Most Popular Body Powders for Men.

Post-Shave Solution

To prevent any skin irritation and ingrown hairs after you shave, you'll need to apply a post-shave solution/antiseptic.

The Cool Fix

If you only invest in one product to aide in the assistance of shaving your legs, then I would say this is the one to buy. Sadly, this is the one that most people skip.

The Cool Fix is a product made by Anthony Shave Works, and of all the post-shave solutions on the market, I think this is the most popular. You'll definitely minimize the risk of irritation and razor burn by using this after you shave.

It has a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, doesn't sting, and leaves your skin feeling super smooth (from the silicone in the product).

This product retails for about $22 on Amazon.

Skin Calming Moisturizer

You may experience dry, itchy skin after you shave your legs. You may need to use a skin calming moisturizer to alleviate the issue.

Eucerin Calming Creme

Eucerin Calming Creme is a great product to help soothe dry and itchy skin.

The product contains oatmeal, a wonderful remedy to cure itchiness. The formulation is also non-greasy, so want leave your legs feeling oily and sticky. Plus, the product is also fragrance-free, so you're not going to be smelling floral or fruity.

The creme also provides 24-hour moisturize coverage, so you only need to apply once during the day.

This product retails for about $9 on Amazon.

Self-Tanner

If your Caucasian or fair skinned, you may find that after shaving the dark hair off your legs that your skin is too white and pasty. A good self-tanner can remedy the issue--making your smooth legs look sexy.

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez is undoubtedly the best-selling self-tanner on the market. I have used this stuff many times, and love it. The tan looks natural, even, and doesn't streak when applied. Plus, it doesn't have that weird tan smell that lingers, like you experience with other products.

The product is very light-weight, dries in 60 seconds, and leaves your skin with an instant bronze and glow. You do need to use a mitt when you apply this product so that it goes on smoothly and easily. I have used without and had great results, but the mitt will make the results more polished.

This product retails for $42 on Amazon.

How To Shave Your Legs In 9-Steps For Men

And without further ado, here are the 9-steps to follow for a perfect leg shave.

Step 1 - Disinfect Your Razor

Before you begin, you'll want to make sure you kill any bacteria that might be on your razor with rubbing alcohol. If you're using a manual razor with a cartridge, you can just pour some over the tip of the cartridge. If you're using an electric groomer, then put alcohol on a cotton swap and dab on the razor blade and comb.

For those of you that are using a manual razor, I'd actually recommend that you just start with a brand new razor cartridge. Most men have a lot of hair on their legs, so you don't want to start shaving your legs with a dull razor--use a new one.

Step 2 - Trim The Hair Short

Before you start shaving, it's imperative that you actually cut down the hair so that it's short--especially if you're using a manual razor. This will prevent the long hairs from clogging up your razor.

Most body groomers come with a skin guard attachment to them. The skin guard attachment looks like a comb that lifts and shaves the hair short.

For those of you who own an electric body groomer, you can also use that groomer to get a close shave on your legs--just remove the skin guard or use the end of the groomer that doesn't have a skin guard. If you use this method, then you can skip step 6. If you want a super close shave, then you'll need to use a manual razor.

Step 3 - Get Into Your Bathtub or Shower

Step 2 - Get Into Your Bathtub or Shower
Jacob J. Morris

Because you probably have a lot of hair on your legs, you're going to want to shave in a place that will provide you easy clean-up. I would recommend that you shave inside a bathtub or shower.

If you're using a manual razor, you should draw a bath that's at least partially full of water, and immerse yourself in the water. The water mixed with the shaving cream will give you the lather you need to quickly shave.

Shaving in the bath or shower will allow you to just rinse the hair down the water drain when you're done--it's easy cleanup.

If you're using an electric body groomer, then you probably want to bring a wide, shallow bowl of water into the shower so that you can frequently clean your razor.

Step 4 - Apply Shaving Gel Or Body Powder

If you're using a manual razor, you will want to apply shaving gel to your legs. First, apply the shaving gel in small areas as you start to shave. If you apply too much shaving gel all over your legs, the gel will start to dry before you can actually shave all the areas--so shave in sections.

If you're using an electric body groomer, you may want to try apply some body powder on your legs before you start to shave. Body powder is one of the best kept secrets--it doubles as a dry lubricant for electric shavers.

Step 5 - Begin Shaving

If you're using a manual razor, you will want to start shaving your legs using small strokes while frequently rinsing your razor every few strokes or so. You want to make sure that your razor is free and clear of hair and gel as much as possible--this will ensure that you get the best and closest shave possible.

If you're using an electric body groomer, then just begin shaving your legs. Because of the amount of hair on your legs, your electric body groomer may start to get clogged. So, you may need to open the razor head and empty out the shaved hairs. If you don't do this from time-to-time, the clogged hairs may affect the shaving performance of the razor--often slowing down the motor.

How To Get A Close Shave

If you want a super close shave, you will need to shave against the grain; in other words, the opposite direction of the hair growth. This will give you super smooth legs.

If you think you may be prone to skin irritation or have experience with skin irritation, then you may wan to consider shaving with the grain--the direction of hair growth. The shave won't be as close, but should minimize irritation.

Don't Forget Your Feet

Also, if you're shaving your legs--don't forget those feet! You want a clean, smooth transition from your legs to your feet, so shave the tops of your feet and your toes

Step 6 - Rinse & Dry Off

Now that your legs have been freshly shaved, it's time to rinse off any stray hairs and excess shaving gel or body powder. Because your bathtub or shower likely has a lot of stray hairs already in it, you might find it easier to just quickly draw a shower to rinse your legs--this will also help clean the stray hairs from the shower.

Once you've rinsed off, use a clean towel to dry off. With freshly shaven skin, a clean towel is important--you don't want to introduce any bacteria to your skin from a used towel.

Step 7 - Apply Antiseptic

To prevent razor burn, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs, you will want to use a post-shave solution or antiseptic. This will kill any bacteria and help close the skin pores. You will probably want to apply this everyday for the first few days after you shave, and definitely as the hair starts to grow out prickly. When the hair starts to grow out it snags on clothes, bed sheets, etc. so using a post-shave solution will really cut down on the irritation.

Step 8 - Apply Moisturizer

If your legs feel dry or itchy after your shave, then you may want to apply some skin-calming body moisturizer to your legs. However, you need a special type of moisturizer, one that calms and soothes irritated skin, like Eucerin Skin Calming cream.

Step 9 - Apply Self-Tanner To Your Legs (Optional)

If you are Caucasian or have naturally fair skin, you may find that removing dark-colored hair from your legs makes them look very white and pasty. To correct this problem, you may want to apply some self-tanner to your legs (or go to a tanning bed, which I'm not a fan of).

To be candid, I think if a guy is going to shave his legs, his legs generally do look better with a tan. Hairless, ultra-white legs, look a bit peculiar on a man--unless your a professional swimmer.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

Anto on January 13, 2020:

@Bennie

I never started shaving my legs yet, but if I did I'd say it would make sense to shave from ankle, foot and toes included if needed, all the way up to your hips. Shaving your buttocks can be done, but it's a commitment once you start because of the stubbly itch when you sit down once it starts regrowing and you have to continue, so to avoid that, boxer briefs are the best.

tedora on March 31, 2018:

Great article. I just wanted to mention that there is an undertone of what is and isn't a "legitimate" reason or men to shave their legs, and while many people will have their own personal preferences and opinions about what they like best, there doesn't need to be any excuse. If a man wants to shave their legs, then that should be enough. Let's keep judgement out of it, and accept that it's okay to shave, it's okay not to shave, and it's okay to simply trim - any body part, for men and women. It's all just normal and harmless

Bennie Jet on October 30, 2017:

How high up leg do you shave? Ankle to hip or less? Wondering what’s fashionable vs functional. Thank you!

Barney Hodad on October 18, 2017:

In case this may be of some help to somebody.....I’m a Middle-aged athletic business man very happily married with kids - I regularly shave my face and in early 2017 started in on legs, armpits, private area, bum and hope soon to be shaving the Afghan rug off my abdomen....freaking love all this! Makes life more interesting and sex way better...the article has been a big help (the author has posted several for legs, genitals, armpits and bum) and getting the products is easy via Amazon....watch out for ingrowns as they can scar and take months to fully heal...oh, one wonders if this new obsession with body smoothness mean I’m gay..,No....hardly, a desire to sleep with the same sex would mean I’m gay and not I do not have this desire. Be smooth, enjoy life!!!

Jimmy Boy on September 19, 2017:

I shave legs, pubic hair (and constantly fight ingrowns) and just started shavjng my arm pits clean. Why? No idea really - just feels to me like the way it's supposed to feel. Shave your armpits and while it's a major step (and shouldn't be attempted unless your 1000% comfortable with the result) you'll know excatky what I'm taking about. FYI im

married to the most beatiful (hot!) and understanding gal ever. The products in theses articles have really helped propell me along and I do use the Cool Fix and it's the best!i just got my Body groom 7100 and am hoping for less ingrowns as I continue my hairless quest. Cheers all!

Fidel Anschultz on September 11, 2017:

Shave legs one per week minimum...shave every other day to keep the scratches away mon..

Silvestet on August 22, 2017:

To Hypno: For the self tanner try Jergens natural glow...give it three days and you'll be golden smooth.. cheap too!!

James T on August 17, 2017:

Great program! Be on it two weeks now and already am amazed at the smooth shimey results!! Shaving full legs every other day or every third day - the shorter the interval the less work...curious on average the length of time per shave session to complete the job...takes me Fo-ev-ah...!!! Thank you

Fred on August 14, 2017:

Leg shaving has long been a part of my and my partner's routine. They say a man is only a man if he wears pants of hair-rug but we couldn't disagree more. There is nothing better than feeling a $500 pair of gaberdine slacks drape and wick against smooth legs...Heaven! In several years of shaving my legs no one has said a thing nor would notice had I not told them I shave my legs....So, thank you for this article and great product recommends.

Eric S, on August 09, 2017:

If you are reading this probably you are already halway committed to an experimental run at leg shaving or are already practicing the craft of body smoothness. My advice, as someone belt-south smooth for some time is you just gotta give it a go! Remember you will need a plan for your privates too...have fun and enjoy the smooth day, weeks and months ahead...cheers!!

Hypno Jimi-Rox on August 07, 2017:

Shaved my legs cuz I wanted to now I shave em cuz I have to. Careful with this stuff, once you do shave you will never want to be unsmooth again. Your program and product recommends are perfect...just wondering one thing, how long does the self tan last and what areas do you tan...while leg, tan lines, white buttocks? Curious as the self tan is the only part of your process I haven't used yet but would like to despite what me blokes might think!

Francis on August 06, 2017:

Thank you for the instructions and regimen....works like a charm!! More and more guys are shaving legs and like me are finding how good the girls have had it. Shave on!

Jpamg@cox.net on August 06, 2017:

Thank you for all the helpful information, I've found it quite a resource as I take the plunge into shaving my legs. I suffer from alapecia in the form of serval large and irregular bald spots I find unsightly to say the least. 6 months ago I stated waxing and while the smooth result was great i found it difficult paying for the waxing each month only to have 2 weeks smooth and two weeks of growing hair out long enough to be waxed. Using your sight as a resource and a little encouraging from my wife, I jshaved for the first time two days ago (full leg, from toe to waistline) and am smooth exert a tash of red bumps along my upper thigh...ugh!

Kathleen D. on March 12, 2016:

I work s an esthetician in the conservative Davenport, Ia. area and I love to do the "manscaping" on my boyfriends over the years. I have waxed their privates to get them just the way I like, but I don't always have their legs hairless. I know that a guy is really into me if he will wear a bra for me and let me wax his privates. I don't want any girly things to show on the outside, but knowing I have control of what's underneath is our romantic secret. It can be fun for both of us. I have never had any boyfriend refuse my wishes on this.

William on November 30, 2014:

As a swimmer in college, I can say women found my smooth legs appealing, and nothing was sexier than having a pretty woman offering to shave your legs for you. After marriage, I was still bicycling and my job was causing painful hair-pulling from my pants, so I shaved my legs again, and my wife loved it. She did say it was strange being in bed with someone who's legs were smoother than her, lol, but she loved the way it felt against her skin I guess the same way guys love to feel a woman's smooth legs against their body as well. So, for that reason, I've shaved my legs most of my adult life (20+ years), and rarely do I receive negative notions or comments about it.... then again, I'm still athletic, have toned legs, blonde hair, and tan easily so you'd have to be really close or touch my legs to know!

RICHARD on October 30, 2014:

A lot of girls think a guy is gay or either female-ish is he shaves his legs. Guys are now just realizing how great it feels to have smooth legs like how girls found out before they started shaving (and some still don't shave... O.O ) So really there is no need for a double standard (though I know there will always be one.) But maybe no day it will be normalized.