General Cycling Discussion - Leg Shaving Help (yes, another thread)

What do you all shave with? I've been shaving for a year now, and I can't seem to do it without leaving all these little, bleeding cuts behind. I've tried shaving cream, conditioner (girlfriend uses this), Allshave (aloe-based lube), etc.

So, what lubes protect best?

Also, is there an electric worth its salt? Should I buy a Lady Norelco? I've love that kind of mess-less shave (I have only a stand up shower, so I have to do it in the sink).

Thanks y'all.

Well, what you gotta do is take it slooooooooow and easy- use a shaving cream to cover the legs, and wait until you've been in a hot shower at least a few minutes to soften the skin. Use a razor and go against the direction of the hair growth. And take it slooooooooow. You need a steady hand to prevent cuts. Keep light pressure against the skin when shaving, and use sure strokes when shaving. Afterwards, lotion down with a lotion that has aloe or something like that to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Lotion up while your skin is still moist out of the shower.

At the end of the day, if it isn't working, consider waxing.

Welcome to my world, babe! ;)

Koffee

After I do the initial shave job of the year, I use an electric (three little round heads and gel goop that shoots out) and I find it much easier than the old shave-in-the-shower method. My electric gets it close enough for me.

P.S. Don't wait for the hair to grow back either- if you grow hair quickly, you'll want to shave about every couple of days. If it takes a while, do it once a week.

K

What I find works best is, can't remember the brand it is a low foam shaving gel.. it is clear in a tube. Only place I know that carries it is walgreens, but not even all of them carry it. It has aloe and some other oil in it and a mach 3 razor..

I've thought about shaving, since the knees tend to get cut up from riding and hair complicates cuts and scrapes. But ultimately I don't like the way I think it would look. I have extremely hairy legs.. I'd have to shave them literally all the way up to my crotch. Just seems like alot of maintenance.


Do girls really like shaved legs? To me it seems rather feminine.

I think some do...

Once you recover from the 4-shade skin tone difference, its all good! :0

Mike (1 year and still shaving...)

Originally posted by Jim311
I have extremely hairy legs.. I'd have to shave them literally all the way up to my crotch. Just seems like alot of maintenance. I am with ya. My peers at school think the amount of leg hair I have is a huge joke!



Originally posted by Jim311 Do girls really like shaved legs? To me it seems rather feminine. [/B] I have a mate who is a field athlete and does long jump, 100m running etc and he shaves....we were at Christmas in the park and he came across some of his friends (girls) from school and they straight away started stroking his legs....hehe

Brendon
:beer:

LA Law: What works best for me is plain ole soap in the shower. I also put a new blade in the razor when I'm going to do my legs. I shave about once every 5 days.

What really helps is having a shower head were you can control the flow of water. When I shave I just turn the flow down to a trickle, lather up and go for it.

Jim311: Girls/Women really like shaved legs on guys. In fact that's why I think my wife likes going on organized rides with me - she can check out other guys legs :)

Zack

You need to knock down the forest with an electric shaver. After that, it depends.... it's like what works best on your beard?

For me, like Zack mentions a soap lather in the shower stall about once a week -- usually Friday night after doing yard work. I use a "Mach III" triple edge razor. However, instead of using a new blade I use the old one from my face razor before chucking it. I hardly ever get a nick and knock it all out in a few minutes.

I'm hardly a racer-boy any more but old habits are hard to break and my wife can't stand seeing my legs with a fur coat. In fact, I often times stop shaving in the winter when the tights come out and she'll remind me that I need to shave once I go back to knickers or shorts.

why shave at all? for the looks or cleaning up after a crash?

I use a dull disposible razor with just plenty of water like Koffee said to soften .I find this prevents most cuts but I invariably get a few knicks on my ankles etc. anyway.I do it mainly for ego purposes not cycling as I weight train and feel it makes my hard earned muscles more visible.Truth be told though I am kind of lazy so only tend to do this every three months or so.edit I had read most of the posts before I wrote tis but not the one by livngood just above so I guess I am seconding what he just said lol.

I kill two birds with one stone. I bathe in epsom salts for 1/2 hour, then lube up with conditioner and shave away! :thumbup:

I use to have to do it for big swim meets. I would take a pair of clippers and trim the hair first. After that, slow and steady with the razor and some type of lubricant.

The knees are tricky areas. Best to get some female advice on that (given that she shaves).

Just make sure you take a hot shower first or you will hack yourself up. I use soap or my shaving cream for my face. Almost tried my wife’s once, but it smells too girly. And yes girls love it. Takes me back to my college days. That's what I call heavy petting. :lol:

im 14, not a hairy guy...but then again i BMX so the time that went into this, what im writing is a waste. i just thought that i needed to say somethign after reading all of this, gave me some pointers for when my face needs a trimming :)

thanks guys EDIT: and girls(hehe)

Originally posted by spinner5339
why shave at all? for the looks or cleaning up after a crash?

Psyche: If you race it becomes part of the pre-race ritual and it's equivalent to other forms of body art that you might associated with a given avocation, e.g., tattoos for Harley & Chopper riders and apparently Gen-X Sports, swimmers with shaved bodies, body builders with shaved bodies, strippers with pierced and shaved.... whoops. You know what I mean.

Vanity (Not to be confused with Psyche.): Nothing wrong with wanting to show off your nicely honed leg muscles. After all, why do you think body builders shave all of their body hair before an event? Anyway, after shaving your legs year after year it becomes something of a habit and you have a hard time dealing with the hairy sticks -- it just don't look right. If you married someone while you were shaving your legs they may also have a hard time getting used to hairy sticks.

Practicality: If you have a team masseuse or trainer who works on your legs after an event -- or if you even do your own post ride rub downs -- shaved legs are almost a must for application of lotions and lubricants. The same hold true for applying sun screens before a ride or event. Not to mention, you also don't end up with a collection of bugs caught in your leg hair and the grime that does collect on your legs can be easily wiped off with a shot of water or the swipe of a rag.

Aerodynamics: Although the contribution is small, having slick legs instead of a small tropical rain forest does make for a more comfortable ride since airflow around your legs is smooth, sweat doesn't result in heavy and wet matted leg hair, and when combined this also means you legs stay a bit cooler on hot days since smooth flowing air can help speed the evaporation of the persperation on your legs, ie., a natural form of "air conditioning".

First Aid: When -- not if -- you do collect a bad case of road rash there's nothing the medics like better than having a smooth clean surface to work with. Also, the application / removal of dressings is a relatively painless exercise that also results in dressings that stay in place. Note: As to where you stop shaving, keep in mind that you'll often have road rash on your upper hip so my recommendation is to take it up to your "bikini line". Anything beyond that no one here needs to know about (see Psyche, above).

Conversation Piece: You'd be amazed at how many times you're asked about your shaved legs by non-cyclists. It provides a great opportunity to have a discussion about cycling with someone who might otherwise never invite such a dialog. While riding in the mountains around Helen, GA, last year we stopped at the Batesville Store for lunch. It turns out that Ted Turner (as in CNN, Turner Broadcasting, former America's Cup Defender, etc...) owns a ton of land there along a trout stream and that's where he has his breakfast and lunch. Nothing like having Ted Turner ask you why you wear funny clothes and shave your legs...

BTW: He drives himself around in a Toyota Prius with a bumper sticker that says, "Save the Humans". A very interesting and unique individual.

lingood
thanks for the insight of legs, I have always been asked why I haven't shaved yet, but they couldn't give me a satisfactory explanation...learn something very day.
Doesn't it also depends on tpi oops hpi (hairs per sq inch)?

In addition to the usual reasons for shaving (road rash cleanup and healing, looks, massage, applying sunblock) I learned another reason this spring. Leg grippers don't "grip" on hairy legs. My shorts slide up and down depending on leg motion. :crash:


Now back to the original question of how to shave.
The first shave of the season is not a shave. I use Nair to get rid of the hair. I've said before that I look like a walking hairball. No razor could cut through my fur coat.
A few days later (when the hair starts to show) I follow this routine.
I take a warm shower, wash my hair, shave my face (I shave in the shower), and shave my legs last.
I use Kiss My Face shave lotion on my face and legs. You can get it at Whole Foods or any good "health food" type store. Many drug stores also sell it.
Lather up one leg (so the lotion doesn't wash off or dry out on the other leg).
Start with a new Gillette Mach3 razor. I have 2 razors. One for my face, one for my legs. :eek: I find that the Mach3 for my legs is good for about 6 shaves.
Then do the other leg.

With my hairy legs I have to shave 2-3 times a week. I rarely cut myself. :thumbup:


The proper technique for the knee area is:
Bend the knee at least as much as when at the top of the pedal stroke. This stretches out the skin so it is smooth and not as "bumpy".
Use care and don't hurry and you'll rarely cut yourself. Cuts are kind of embarrassing on a group ride. :o

As a side note, Ted Turner also pledged something like 1 billion dollars to the U.N. too.

I like him.

KB

Originally posted by spinner5339
why shave at all? for the looks or cleaning up after a crash?

Because it makes you faster. Lance said so. (On a NASCAR commercial, that is) :)

Zack

thought i'd add a little something:

i use hair clippers without the gaurd for the first shave of the year - this gets the hair down to a quarter inch or less so the first shave is not so disasterous with all that hair (i'm i guess normal hairy but that's still a lot of hair)

as last weekend was my first hard training weekend (6000 meters or 19,800ft of climbing in 4 days) and May 3rd will be my first race and so i will be training HARD... tonight will be the official beginning of the training season for me with the first leg shave of the year... (unfortunately i already got 2 cuts from last weekend's training, but oh well)

i'm lazy so i only shave maybe once a week and sometimes am so lazy i just shave with the clippers really quick and leave it at that - but of course the night before a race the real thing is needed for the psychological factor!

Originally posted by RonH

Now back to the original question of how to shave... Start with a new Gillette Mach3 razor...I find that the Mach3 for my legs is good for about 6 shaves.
Then do the other leg.

One leg must be hairier than the other if you only do alternate legs every six shaves! Asymmetric shaving, a new trend? Maybe time-trials track racers could use this technique... the hairier leg towards the inside track so the extra drag contributes to centripetal pull?

Livngood said exactly what I was going to say.

Leg grippers don't "grip" on hairy legs.
This is also true, shorts stay in place with shaved legs. The lack of hair enables the shorts to grip a smooth surface.

I use a Gillette Sensor and Gillette shaving foam. I sit on the edge of the bath and use very light pressure. If the blade is pushed with too much force this will cut the skin and also leave a lot of little red spots. Then shower afterwards. I shave every 5 or 6 days. NEVER shave before a ride, the sweat will bring tears to your eyes and leave a rash.

CHEERS.

Mark

well, yesterday was my first leg-shave of the year...

no problems... one tiny little nick that didn't bleed - it was just red.

but man are my legs white!!

oh well, have that cool slippery feeling in my jeans today.

Feel free to laugh at me if you want, but after shaving using Udder Balm keeps the legs from drying out and getting sore & itchy. :D

Also great for the chamois!

www.originaludderbalm.com (http://www.originaludderbalm.com)

Now, if you're looking for ways to keep your legs from drying out and feeling as smooth as they look, try Shea Butter. I got some samples at an open house, and it worked so well, I stole the entire stash! It's good stuff, and I have some really dry skin, man....

KB

I shave using regular old shaving cream and a disposable two blade razor..The key to not getting nicked is to A) let you legs be in the hot water for a bit B) let the having cream setup and C) don't race through it.

Also, I use Jergens shave reducing moisturizer and it works like a charm. Shaving is faster, and less frequent.

but the real question is: how high to shave. it's going to look like i am wearing a pair of fuzzy shorts.

Originally posted by RiPHRaPH
but the real question is: how high to shave. it's going to look like i am wearing a pair of fuzzy shorts.

From my earlier post on this topic:

"First Aid: When -- not if -- you do collect a bad case of road rash there's nothing the medics like better than having a smooth clean surface to work with. Also, the application / removal of dressings is a relatively painless exercise that also results in dressings that stay in place. Note: As to where you stop shaving, keep in mind that you'll often have road rash on your upper hip so my recommendation is to take it up to your "bikini line". Anything beyond that no one here needs to know about (see Psyche, above)."

The same would apply for the rub-down rationale.

I shave to my undies line...Anything more and my skin gets really irritated during the day and it's way to uncomfy.

I am amazed that nobody here thus far has posted a word of warning to first-timers about the achilles tendons and doing the knees. All I will say is that above all, make sure your razor is brand new, the water is neither too hot or too cold (shave goosebumps once and you will need a skingraft) and realize that getting in a hurry when shaving the achilles/knees will get you in trouble quick. I always wind up nicking the areas where my tendons stretch across...shaving an avocado must surely be easier.

I always had good luck moisturizing a little while before going to the hot shower and using plain old Ivory soap while shaving. The pre-shower mositurizer/soap mixture makes a nice lubricant. You may want to try this method if regular shaving cream doesn't cut it. (get it?) Gino

getting in a hurry when shaving the achilles/knees will get you in trouble quick.

actually i have the most trouble with the front/inner calf --- where the bone is totally flat in front and then the muscle bulges out to the inner side, so there is a concave depression there where it's hard to get the razor in. most important is to completely relax the leg so the muscle is soft and then go CAREFULLY. i tried once turning and twisting the razor the get it flat against the 2 different sides... and that turned out badly.

i guess the front of the knee gives me less trouble b/c i have so much less hair there... but the back of the knee can be tricky - i cut myself once there it is was a pain b/c every time i sat with my knee bent it would sweat in the fold right were the cut was - ouch!

so 3 days after my first shave of the year... i like it although i need a little sun as my legs are SO white! first race is Sunday (XC "marathon") and i haven't decided if i'll do the "normal" distance with 1350 meters vertical (a little less than 3 hours) or the double distance...

Originally posted by RonH
I use Nair to get rid of the hair. I've said before that I look like a walking hairball. No razor could cut through my fur coat.

Ron, I just purchased a bottle of Nair based off this comment. Any tips for a first time users?

Originally posted by Joe Gardner
Ron, I just purchased a bottle of Nair based off this comment. Any tips for a first time users?

Ummm Joe, couldnt you save this for a PM...
As Dr. Evil would say...
"Like a Dude just shouldnt say things like that to a Dude..."

JK,

Dont slap it on and forget it, test a small spot, and see if you have a reaction first, you dont want to have a reaction all over your legs. And gently use a damp warm wet cloth, rinse it thoroughly before you re use a portion of it, then wash the remainder off...

Good Luck

Originally posted by Joe Gardner
Ron, I just purchased a bottle of Nair based off this comment. Any tips for a first time users?
Yes! I left it on too long the first summer I used it. It really burns the skin. Had a lovely rash for a few days.
If your skin feels warm or tingly it's past time to wash it off. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Afterward put some lotion on your legs.

If you spill some in the bathtub/shower it discolors the tile but the discoloration will disappear in a few days. I guess it's good for removing porcelin too? :eek:


Here's a note for those who try inexpensive (CHEAP) razors.
Mach3 razors have gotten kind of expensive so I bought some Schick Xtreme3 diposable razors. I had cuts and rashes everywhere. :crash: They promptly went in the trash and I'm back to Mach3. I'm worth it!
Don't buy the cheap stuff or you'll look like you have road rash before you ever head out to ride. :(

Originally posted by Scooby Snax
Ummm Joe, couldnt you save this for a PM...
As Dr. Evil would say...
"Like a Dude just shouldnt say things like that to a Dude..."
Don't you remember the article in Bicycling magazine a few years ago that said it was ok for a guy to compliment another guy's great looking legs?
If that's ok then I guess it's ok for Joe to ask his question. ;)

I mow it down with electric clippers, shave in the shower with a razor,then hit it once a day with an electric and once a month with a razor in the shower again.
The women I like, like it.

I used to use the cheap razors, but thanks to the guys, I am now using Mach 3. What a difference!. Whover thought a woman would learn a smoother way to shave her legs than from a bunch of guys. Love it! BTW, I'm looking for a painless way to pluck my eyebrows, any suggestions?

Years ago I discovered that the best way to shave my legs was to use a barber's clippers for the first cut in the spring, which will leave just a short stubble. Then an electric shaver to take it down to the skin. Because I have fairly coarse quick-growing hair I have to use the electric every other day, but it only takes about 5 mins a leg. A light sprinkling of talcum powder before using the electric helps but is not essential. I've used several electrics over the years and they all seem to work quite well. I'm currently using an old Braun. I don't know what model. I've also used my wife's Lady Schick (I think that's the name) 'cause it has the advantage of being cordless. But it doesn't seem to work any better, so most of the time I use my old Braun. I shave my face with a Gillette Mach III but I haven't used a razor on my legs for a long time. Any razor I used on my legs cut me up.

As an aside, I also use the barber's clippers, with the shortest clip attatchment on my body and arms once a week. I think it looks odd if you have hairy arms and clean legs. This way I think I have a more 'balanced' look to me and I prefer the way I feel too. I don't know why we have all this hair. It's completly useless and collects dust and dirt.:)

Originally posted by NZLcyclist
we were at Christmas in the park and he came across some of his friends (girls) from school and they straight away started stroking his legs....hehe

Brendon
:beer:

I know what you mean. I was out at one of the bars last week and was wearing shorts. Three girls behind me started staring at my legs and the one came up to me and started talking to me...and these girls were 11's on a scale of 1 to 10!

Originally posted by LA Law
What do you all shave with

I shave with the Gillette Venus razor with skintimate shaving cream. I have only nicked myself 1 time and it doesn't take very long to shave.

Originally posted by RonH
Yes! I left it on too long the first summer I used it. It really burns the skin. Had a lovely rash for a few days.
If your skin feels warm or tingly it's past time to wash it off. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Afterward put some lotion on your legs.

If you spill some in the bathtub/shower it discolors the tile but the discoloration will disappear in a few days. I guess it's good for removing porcelin too? :eek:

I finally got to use the nair yesterday, worked great! I still needed to fallow up with a shave, no rash, no pain, i'll do it again.

The only thing that freaks me out about shaving my legs is that my legs feel wet when I put on pants.

Originally posted by fubar5
I shave to my undies line...Anything more and my skin gets really irritated during the day and it's way to uncomfy.

Shave it all. You only need hair on your head to be socially accpetable. Those of you that have problems with knees, should not try this.


Originally posted by outashape
...... BTW, I'm looking for a painless way to pluck my eyebrows, any suggestions?

Have someone do it to you when you are sleeping. I had a girl do mine when I was asleep a couple years ago. Did not even know it had been done until a couple day later. Now I have to twease myself. I alternate eyebrows every couple days to spread out the pain.